Review by Rajeshwari Kalyanam
Tucked away in Jubilee Hills, TheySee brings together the charm of a speakeasy, the openness of an alfresco dining space and a menu that reimagines familiar Indian flavours with contemporary twists. With its nostalgic design elements, inventive cocktails and playful culinary approach, the restaurant adds a fresh experiential dimension to Hyderabad’s evolving dining scene.
TheySee seeks your attention from the word go. Welcoming you are the oversized matchboxes with imagery that is reminiscent of the desi matchboxes you would see in the kirana shops of yore. The reds, blues and yellows, with text reflecting the local multilingual culture, add to the scene, which is one of the many Instagrammable nooks you will find at this open-air deck and speakeasy folded into one establishment.
TheySee is alfresco on one side, and the décor at the open deck is all about the coming together of various elements that are kitsch, nostalgic and modern at the same time. The space effortlessly balances maximalist drama with understated design touches, creating an atmosphere that shifts beautifully as the evening progresses.
Interiors That Blend Kitsch, Vintage and Contemporary Design
The splashes of red walls vying with the earthy tones of the furniture, tiled and chequered floors complementing the understated mosaic in muted colours, Raja Ravi Verma’s muse holding a guitar sitting on a bench set against greenery, red lamps looking up to drops of glass domes for a chandelier — all help change the vibe as the evening progresses. On the other hand, the profusion of red in the bar, the vintage elements, and the seating and upholstery maintain the mystery and excitement of a speakeasy.
TheySee is the brainchild of three young visionaries — Niharika Gollapalli, Darshan Ramchandani, with restaurant and hospitality backgrounds, and Chef Suryansh Kanwar, who has cooked for cricketers and celebrities. They bring with them their strengths and the irreverence of youth, which is visible in the 20-seater speakeasy alongside the 70-cover deck, each defying rules and yet somehow connecting with nostalgia, keeping it desi — and making sense of it all. The spirit holds up on the menu too.
Reimagined Indian Dishes With Global Influences
I mention a few by the order in which my memory serves them — the starters include the Plantain Chilli Fry that’s coated with Sichuan masala and sesame, Bugs Bunny Tiffin that does the unimaginable by creating a carrot starter with tandoor-roasted carrots served with carrot purée, feta cheese and pumpkin seeds for texture. I had reserved the Pulusu Kadu for my next visit, which takes its basic flavour from the regional favourite Pachi Pulusu. Oh So Corny is yet another starter that serves corn crispies on corn mousse, creating textures that work well on the palate.
The expert chef brings together a profusion of flavours and textures in each of his dishes, some of them retaining their traditional recipe structure, while most are reimagined with international flavours and a touch of gastronomy to create an exciting menu.
Our other recommendations on the menu would be the Hyderabadi Khagina-inspired Anda Currypatta, Kali Mirch Sheekh, Shetty Anna’s Murg Party, Lamb Natu Natu, Duck Vindaloo, and Smokey AF Butter Chicken.
The chef highly recommends the Butter Chicken in addition to Chicken Gassi with Pav and Baingan ke Baata. Then there are desserts like Split Happens and Not So Chilli Cheese Toast, both reimagined well.
Signature Cocktails That Add Drama to the Experience
The concoctions from the secret bar, which are also served outside, must not go unmentioned. Sample the Gongura Infused Cocktail, the Guava and Yuzu See-Kante (TheySee’s version of the Picante), and Laura’s Lassun.
Why TheySee Stands Out Among Restaurants in Hyderabad
TheySee menu is evolving, and one can expect to discover several dishes with desi and videsi twists served in style with some drama attached, especially the cocktails. It serves well to say that there is so much happening here that you will have something new to try and an element to discover each time you dine at TheySee. Perhaps the winking Rekha looking out of the lenticular frame of a coaster is saying the same.
At a time when Hyderabad’s dining scene is rapidly embracing immersive concepts and experiential spaces, TheySee stands out as one of Jubilee Hills’ most distinctive new restaurants — blending nostalgia, inventive food, theatrical cocktails and speakeasy charm into a destination that feels both rooted and refreshingly contemporary.
TheySee
Road No. 13, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Timings:
Monday to Thursday and Sunday:
12 pm to 3 pm; 7 pm to 11:30 pm
Friday and Saturday:
12 pm to 3 pm; 7 pm to 12:30 am
Reservations: +91 8885019091
