Bhojanam, the new Telugu restaurant on the block, offers no-frills-attached comfort food and a region-first thali experience that celebrates the distinct diversity, writes Rajeshwari Kalyanam.
Bhojanam is the quintessential Telugu meal, be it an elaborate course-by-course spread served the traditional way on a banana leaf, or in a more convenient North Indian thali style, a simple buffet, or a plated meal that can be your go-to executive lunch or dinner any day.
Of late, Telugu Bhojanam has crossed over the humble thresholds of Telugu households and is being proudly served in its many avatarams in the multitude of restaurants that are opening explicitly for the purpose.
In this scenario of abundance, a seasoned food entrepreneur couple decides to open Bhojanam in Jubilee Hills. Teja Chekuri, a serial entrepreneur, and his wife Pranavi took over the 8000 sq. ft. space where Farzi Cafe operated for a long time and gave it a makeover that’s traditional, with nostalgic elements accentuating the Telugu vibe, yet keeping it simple. The menu is designed on similar lines, featuring truly Telugu dishes that are inspired by home kitchens where recipes have been passed down through generations. Relatable, nostalgic, and comforting dishes have been included on the menu, keeping the cultural diversity of Telugu land intact.
“At a time when ‘South Indian cuisine’ is oversimplified into a single category, Bhojanam introduces a refreshing counterpoint which introduces patrons to a deeply researched, region-first thali experience that celebrates nuance over generalisation. Each thali has been thoughtfully curated to mirror the flavour rhythms, spice structures, and cultural subtleties of its region, offering guests not just a meal, but a sensory map of Telugu land,” shares Pranavi. Bhojanam is her brain child.
Thalis that occupy pride of place on the menu at Bhojanam showcase this distinct diversity. This restaurant, by Telugus for Telugu food lovers, has a clear distinction as they curate region-specific thalis – Krishnamma, Godavari, Rayalaseema, and Telangana Bhojanam. There are some common dishes; however, dishes like natukodi pulusu, royyala iguru, ragi sangati, and thalakaya mamsam showcase the minute differences that make each region special.
While the starters and main course also have a sprinkling of popular North Indian and Chinese dishes, the rest of the menu has an abundance of regional dishes, served as small plates to go with the thali or as separate main course dishes, and then there are the biryanis.
Look out for Bhojanam’s Matti Lo Manikyalu if you have time. The single-pot dishes like natu kodi pulao, mushroom pulao, or korameenu chepala pulusu, made to order live, open your senses to amazing flavours. These dishes take around 30 minutes to be made, are served hot at your table, and bring with them the promise of well-kept flavours.
Bhojanam restaurant reminds you of cosy eateries and canteens (mess) that serve wholesome home-style meals that leave you satiated and happy. Bhojanam elevates the popular Telugu meal format, packing in the most uniquely regional and hearty dishes from across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, offering an elaborate vegetarian, non-vegetarian, especially seafood variety on the menu. The restaurant serves true and authentic Telugu food with no frills attached, throwing in a bit of ambience, good old 90s Telugu cinema music, and a touch of fine-dine hospitality.
Pranavi Chekuri
Bhojanam Restaurant
Where – 1200, Rd Number 59,
Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad,
Telangana 500033
Timings – 12 pm to 3.30 pm & 7 pm to 10.30 pm
Phone – 9838844999
Food Recommendations – Natu Kodi Pulusu, all seafood specials, golichina mamsam, gongura mutton biryani, thalis, and chitti mutyala kodi pulao
