LF Says: ★★★★.5
When you think of Hyderabad’s food scene, what comes to mind first? The aroma of Biryani, the allure of Haleem, and the richness of Qubani ka Meetha are undeniably the city’s culinary ambassadors. However, to pigeonhole Hyderabad’s food fare to just Nizami cuisine is to overlook the vibrant and ever-evolving gastronomic landscape that defines this dynamic city.
As you wander through Hyderabad, each corner reveals a new layer of its culinary mosaic. The city’s increasingly cosmopolitan nature is perhaps best reflected in its embrace of global cuisines. From the bustling Korean eateries in Kukatpally to the sophisticated Italian bistros in Banjara Hills– you name it, and Hyderabad has it.
Hyderabad’s Banjara Hills is illustrious with gourmet dining destinations. Adding to this locale’s charm is Noho, a recent culinary debut quickly becoming the town’s talk.
First glimpses
Noho is the brainchild of dynamic F&B entrepreneur, Aman Chainani, whose brand helms Farzi Cafe Hyderabad and Aidu. The restaurant brings a refreshing and contemporary twist to Hyderabad’s dining scene. Its debut in Banjara Hills marks a new era of Pan-Asian food–where global flavours meet local taste in a harmonious blend. It’s a place where every detail, from the decor to the service, and most importantly, the food, is crafted with passion and precision.
The sleek, modern design stands out as you enter the restaurant and seamlessly blends elegance with a relaxed vibe. The restaurant’s interior is a symphony of contemporary aesthetics, featuring clean lines and an artful mix of textures. Throughout the interiors, metallic elements are prominent, with floor-to-ceiling abacus grills, cascading chandeliers, copper-gold wall panels, and black chrome bar frontages. Juxtaposed with red seating, the result is an extravagant yet comfortable space that invites guests to linger and enjoy themselves.
Featuring a serene dining area and a rooftop lounge bar, Noho offers a two-storied dining experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the space in natural light during the day, while sophisticated lighting creates an intimate ambience by night. And when you have a high-energy bar and restaurant like Noho, music can subtly influence your mood. In the evening, the fast soundtrack complemented the dining experience, while in the day, the place changed to a soothing backdrop of music that encourages conversation without being overpowering.
Architect Shreya Anand, Mr. Chainani’s wife, has contributed to the beautiful space that they’ve created with her exquisite taste and attentive attention to detail. Noho is a masterclass in contemporary chic.
What’s on the menu?
Asian cuisine often risks being perceived as familiar territory. Yet, amidst the plethora of Asian dining options, Noho Hyderabad carves a niche for itself by offering a fresh and innovative take on beloved classics. This restaurant reinvents what we know about Asian food, introducing a menu that blends tradition with creativity in a way that feels both exciting and authentic.
The menu is both a tribute to time-honoured Asian recipes and a celebration of contemporary culinary flair. The artistry and expertise of the chefs shines through. Their collective knowledge and passion for their craft is evident in every dish. One of the most intriguing aspects is its innovative fusion of European dishes with Japanese techniques. Ten per cent of the European menu is reimagined through a Japanese lens. The restaurant doesn’t just replicate the traditional; it reimagines it, crafting dishes that surprise even the most seasoned palates.
Begin your culinary adventure at Noho with Vegan Scallops, a dish that perfectly encapsulates their creativity. Crafted with ingredients like Enoki mushrooms, these vegan scallops replicate the texture and umami flavours of their oceanic counterparts. This clever adaptation intrigues the palate, setting the tone for the inventive dishes that follow. Another must-try would be their Chicken Curry Dimsum made with a creamy pumpkin sauce. As you take a bite of the dimsum with the creamy pumpkin sauce, there is an unexpected burst of sweetness and spice. The dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
The menu has extensive options of sushi. The Mango Avocado Sushi celebrates the seasonal fruit well with a careful balance of ingredients that is both refreshing and satisfying. There is quite a bit of innovative use of fruits in sushi. From robata offerings, Chicken Yakitori in Teriyaki Sauce will remind you why it continues to be a timeless favourite. The smoky, char-grilled essence of yakitori with the sweet and savoury richness of teriyaki sauce is satisfying yet complex. The avocado truffle and salmon, tuna, and avocado Japanese pizzas–are both served cold and perfect for summertime eating.
The large plate options are hearty meals. The Miso Glazed Black Cod looks luxurious with a rich miso glaze, baked after 48 hours of miso marination. Called Morning Glory, this hearty dish features stir-fried vegetables tossed in a selection of oyster sauce. The stir-fried veggies are crisp yet tender while the sauce imparts a deep, savoury taste with a hint of sweetness. Do not miss their Kapitan Chicken, Malaysia’s traditional chicken curry, crafted here with a distinct twist of a semi-dried version that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
Amongst the range of noodles, yellow noodles in black bean paste is comforting. The Shoyu Ramen Bowl with bamboo shoot embodies the essence of a simple, satisfying meal after a long day.
One thing that sets Noho apart from other restaurants in the city is its row of live counters, which serve sushi, teppanyaki, and even a rooftop robata grill counter. Allowing one-on-one encounters at these live counters, you can watch the food being prepared in front of you, or even customise the sauces and ingredients.
The desserts at Noho are sure to leave you with a lasting impression and a desire to return for more. The dessert menu features both classic favourites and innovative creations–Crème Brulee, Baked Alaska, Deconstructed Lotus Biscoff, Chocolate Brick and Japanese Cheesecake. The Deconstructed Lotus Biscoff offers a playful twist on a classic favourite that surprises and satisfies.
Cocktails along the Silk Route
Inspired by the Silk Route, the beverage menu perfectly complements the culinary offerings. Some exotic ingredients and creative mixology elevate classic cocktails into exceptional fine tipples. The Silk Route was renowned for enabling the exchange of spices, fruits, and other culinary treasures. This fusion of flavours is reflected in the cocktails that use roasted poppy seeds, sesame, masala chai, jalapeno, passionfruit and more.
The cocktail menu features 11 signature creations with seven classic cocktails reimagined through the lens of Silk Route influences. From flaming garnishes to smoke-filled presentations, the mixologists transform cocktail creation into a captivating performance. As you sip on the cocktails, you’ll nod in affirmation that you’ll come back for both the unique flavours and the unforgettable show.
For those looking to indulge in something extraordinary, Opium is a must-try. The drink features Jim Beam infused with roasted poppy seeds, adding a unique, nutty complexity that forms the backbone of this drink. The addition of banana liqueur and truffle chocolate brings a smooth, tropical sweetness. I also liked the striking Oranye, a vodka-based drink with the earthy sweetness of beetroot and tangy notes of orange liqueur, that adds a zesty freshness. For those who enjoy a spicy kick with a fruity twist, the Noho Picante is deliciously addictive–with El Jimador tequila as its base, expertly paired with mango cordial, lemon juice and jalapeño to elevate it.
The Huo Bing is a must-order. A rum-based Bacardi Ocho drink, it comes infused with dried figs, apricot cherry beer, and a touch of cinnamon for warmth and spice. The pièce de résistance is the absinthe flame that tops the drink, creating a visually stunning presentation. The captivating flavours and theatrical presentation make it the showstopper of Noho’s cocktail menu.
For those who believe they’ve seen it all when it comes to Asian food, Noho promises a delightful surprise—a chance to rediscover beloved dishes through a novel lens.
LF Says: ★★★★.5
Coordinates: Plot no 1057/G, Road No. 45, beside SBI Bank, Nandagiri Hills, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, India
