From Barista to Bao: How A.K. Solanki Is Redefining Asian Vegetarian Dining with Ta.Ma.Sha Café in Hyderabad
Published: July 21, 2025 | By: FridayWall Features Team
Hyderabad’s vegetarian scene just got a serious upgrade with Ta.Ma.Sha – Asian Veg Café, where classic Asian comfort food meets a 100% meat-free, even fish sauce-free philosophy. From Korean Chilli Tofu and Japanese Cottage Cheese Katsu to Thai Green Curry and the unexpectedly addictive Kimchi Pizza, every dish here is crafted without compromise — bold on flavour, big on freshness, and rooted in authenticity.
What truly sets Ta.Ma.Sha apart is the scale and creativity of its menu. It’s not often you find a vegetarian café offering everything from slurpy noodles and steamed baos to ice cream bun sandwiches, mocktails like Rose Cooler, and even a Jain-friendly version of bestsellers.
Now in three places across Hyderabad and Secunderabad; Each of the three outlets carries a distinct vibe — Madhapur feels sleek and modern, Gunrock is eclectic and artsy with a nostalgic Secunderabadi soul, complete with books, antiques, a live music corner, and a pickleball court. Meanwhile, Abids is cosy and central, perfect for work-day unwinds or weekend catch-ups.
Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, Jain, or just someone looking to explore Asia’s best flavours without meat, Ta.Ma.Sha is more than a café — it’s an experience.
In a city where biryani reigns supreme and vegetarian options are often sidelined, Ta.Ma.Sha – Asian Veg Café is making a bold statement. Behind this colourful culinary concept is the seasoned hand of A.K. Solanki, a hospitality veteran with a global footprint and a vision to make vegetarian food fun, flavourful, and fresh.
Excerpts from an Interview with AK Solanki from TamaSha Asian Veg Cafe:
Tell us about your early days. Where did your food journey begin?
I’m from Rajasthan, but I’ve lived in Hyderabad since 1994. I studied hotel management and started off as a chef. My big break came with Barista – I was part of the first batch, and I went on to head their operations in Hyderabad, then Delhi, then Dubai. Over time, I opened more than 35 restaurants across the Middle East, working across Asian, Mexican, and coffee-shop concepts.
You’ve travelled the world. What made you come back to Hyderabad?
The pandemic was a big turning point. I had just finished a hospitality project in Thailand when COVID hit. It felt like the right time to come back and build something of our own, rooted in what I’ve learned over the years. That’s when the seed for Ta.Ma.Sha was planted.
Why an all-vegetarian Asian café? Isn’t that a tough market?
People said it wouldn’t work. But my partner Mahendra is a lifelong vegetarian, and I turned vegetarian years ago. We saw a huge gap in the market. Pure vegetarians often worry about cross-contamination at typical Asian restaurants. We wanted to offer authentic, bold Asian flavours – 100% vegetarian and completely inclusive, even for Jain diners.
Asian cuisine is known for fish sauces and meat stocks. How do you recreate the flavour?
I learned a lot from monks and vegetarian chefs while travelling through Asia. I discovered how to replicate fish sauce using plant-based ingredients. Today, we source many of our sauces from Asia or make them in-house. We use tofu, soya protein, and paneer instead of meat – but we avoid using the word “mock meat.” It’s all about clean, honest vegetarian food.
What makes Ta.Ma.Sha’s food philosophy stand out?
Freshness is our foundation. Nothing is pre-cooked. Everything starts from scratch after the order is placed. It takes time, and we’ve had our share of guest complaints early on. But now people understand — they appreciate the effort and taste the difference.
Why did you pick Gunrock for the latest outlet?
Because there was nothing like this here. No cafés, no good vegetarian hangout spots. We saw a gap and decided to create a community space. That’s why we added an open-air layout, live music, pickleball court, and even pet-friendly zones. It’s a space to linger, relax, and connect offline.
The name Ta.Ma.Sha is quirky. What does it mean to you?
We broke it into three parts — Ta (Mother), Ma (the feminine force), and Sha (power). Together, they represent strength and spirit. It’s a fun word that also carries depth. Just like our café.
Which dish from your menu do you think deserves more love?
Our open bao with vegetarian kheema. It’s not even officially launched yet, but it’s a hit with guests — even hardcore non-vegetarians get surprised. We’ve worked hard on textures and flavours to get it just right.
What’s your advice for new restaurateurs in today’s fast-moving food industry?
Dedication. Too many people open restaurants as side projects or lifestyle ventures. But hospitality is a full-time job. You need to be present, take feedback, tweak things constantly, and build guest loyalty over time. There are no shortcuts.
Finally, what’s next for Ta.Ma.Sha?
More innovation, more outlets, more experiences. We want to keep evolving while staying true to our roots — great food, soulful ambience, and a strong vegetarian identity. Whether you’re veg, vegan, flexitarian, or just curious — Ta.Ma.Sha is for you.
Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or just exploring, Ta.Ma.Sha is a flavour-packed journey through the streets of Bangkok, Seoul, and Tokyo – right in the heart of Hyderabad.
Interviewed by: Rajeshwari Kalyanam for FridayWall.com
More Details About the Gunrock Enclave Outlet
Ta.Ma.Sha – Asian Veg Café, Gunrock Enclave, Secunderabad (https://maps.app.goo.gl/WfV9s5BuiYAZJNng8)
Open: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Reservations: +91 7557 55 0123
Tamasha Gallery:
