Danish Café & Bakery, Native Katha stand out in Hyderabad’s vibrant food scene

Hyderabad: Hyderabad’s culinary scene is constantly evolving, offering food lovers a wide range of flavours and experiences. From cosy bakeries to fusion eateries that celebrate the city’s rich cultural tapestry, there’s something new to discover at every corner.

This week, take a stroll through three new distinct dining spots that promise not just a meal, but a memorable experience. Here’s a closer look at Danish Café & Bakery, Native Katha, and Inka—each with its own story and specialities.

Danish Café & Bakery: A quick treat after work

Located at a convenient spot between Hitech City and Kukatpally, Danish Café & Bakery is perfect for a post-work pick-me-up. With a neutral colour palette and lively pop music setting the atmosphere, visitors are greeted by an array of baked goods at the entrance.

Navya Rao Kakulamarri, the founder and chef, explained, “When we began our first venture called Wall Flour, offering custom cakes, breads and desserts, our Danishes were the most loved. So, we decided to name our eatery behind the much-loved pastry.”

Their savoury danishes, particularly the creamy chicken variant, offer a delightful blend of buttery pastry and creamy flavours. Pair it with their Danish hot chocolate for a comforting experience, especially on a rainy day.

From their extensive menu, the spinach and ricotta sandwich stood out with its clean and tangy flavours. The chef’s special chicken steak in pepper mushroom sauce, served with mashed potatoes, was a satisfying option for those with a hearty appetite. For dessert, the raspberry chocolate slice struck a perfect balance with its rich yet fruity taste, while the cookie croissant, topped with a chunky chocolate chip cookie and stuffed with chocolate sauce, made for a memorable treat when paired with coffee.

Price: Rs 1,000 for two

Location: Hitech City

Native Katha: A fusion of cultures

At Native Katha, fusion is at the forefront.

The space was an artistic blend of contemporary Indian design with regal elements of Indian artistry. Cane lamps and Carnatic fusion music set the ambience, while a quirky mural of a sari-clad woman welcomed guests.

“At Native Katha, we want to tell stories of our roots. We celebrate local artists whose work we hope to showcase at our space very soon,” shared Aanosh Marshall, the founder.

Starting with the beetroot papdi chaat, a tangy and visually striking dish, the meal progressed to Amritsari kukkad naan bombs which are mini kulchas stuffed with spiced chicken. The Parsi prawn curry offered a tangy, coconut-based gravy that pairs well with steamed rice, while the paneer tikka masala and Kalonji dhaniya kulcha catered to vegetarian tastes.

The smoked butter chicken, with its creamy and slightly sweet gravy, is a must-try. For dessert, the old-fashioned chocolate cake provided a rich and satisfying conclusion to the meal.

Price: Rs 800 for two

Location: Madhapur

Inka: A taste of home

Inka, short for Inti Katha, ‘the story of a home’ in Telugu, offered a dining experience reminiscent of stepping into a rustic, childhood home.

Decorated with terracotta pots, wicker basket lamps and vintage items like an old transistor radio, the restaurant exuded warmth and nostalgia. A mural depicting a mother feeding her children and a father cycling with his son set the tone for the meal.

“Because no household’s story is complete without amma and nanna,” quipped Sai Akarsh Battina, co-founder of Inka.

The Vellulli kaaram paneer is a standout dish, with its robust marinade perfectly complementing the creamy paneer. The chicken kaju ghee roast evoked memories of home-cooked meals. A variety of pulaos followed, each with its unique flavour profile.

The Inka chicken pulao is tangy and mildly spiced, while the Pithapuram mutton pulao surprised us with its creamy, layered flavours. The Gongura mutton pulao, with its rich spices and succulent meat, was the highlight, needing no accompaniment to shine. Dessert was a festival favourite; bobbatlu with ghee, which left a lasting impression without being overly sweet.