The proprietor of three eateries in the Horizon West district—Naan Stop, The French Cafe, and Evoo - Windermere—has unveiled their latest culinary gem: Hyderabad Cafe Desi Eatery, nestled in the southern reaches of the Dr. Phillips area (the upcoming Town Center at O-Town West).

Though the restaurant commenced operations in January, its current menu is in the midst of a soft launch. Despite this, it boasts a diverse array of offerings, spanning Southern Indian, Northern Indian, and Indo-Chinese fare, including the crown jewel of Hyderabad in India’s cuisine—the renowned Biryani!

The restaurant decor is a contemporary, immaculately curated space adorned with wallpaper depicting idyllic scenes from the villages surrounding Hyderabad. I understand the owner is from this city.

I ventured with my wife and mother. Our dining experience was a symphony of flavors. We ordered classic dishes like Chili Paneer, Chili Chicken, Gobi (Cauliflower) Manchurian, Malai Kofta, Palak Paneer, Garlic Naan, and Bullet Naan. Rice accompanied the curries.

I was particularly impressed by the nuanced flavor profiles of the Chili Paneer and Chili Chicken, each expertly complementing its star ingredient. Meanwhile, the Gobi Manchurian boasted a delightful crunch and was served in its intended dry form—a refreshing departure from the soupy rendition commonly found elsewhere.

The Malai Kofta and Palak Paneer curries were a testament to culinary finesse, striking the perfect balance of spices and flavors even when ordered at a medium heat level. The Malai Kofta, in particular, delighted with a burst of cardamom that gracefully subsided, allowing the other spices to shine through.

True to tradition, the naans were a revelation—fluffy yet impeccably crisp, serving as the ideal accompaniment to the rich curries.

With eager anticipation, we await the full unveiling of the menu. We were informed it will take another 2 months or so.