Kinru and Oxymorons redefine Hyderabad’s dining scene, turning meals into experiences

Hyderabad: Hyderabad continues to add fresh names to its culinary and nightlife scene.

Two spaces, Kinru in Jubilee Hills and Oxymorons in Begumpet, are offering new ways to eat, drink and socialise. Both focus on crafted menus, but in very different ways.

Pan-Asian bites at Kinru, Jubilee Hills

Kinru, already known among locals for its cocktails, has recently expanded its menu to include pan-Asian small plates. The space now combines its beverage expertise with a kitchen focused on carefully composed dishes.

Highlights from the vegetarian section include:

• Tomato burrata with olive honey miso dressing – A hollowed tomato filled with burrata, paired with the umami of honey miso.

• Zesty avocado with popped black rice – Served on green apple with pea purée, finished with khakra for texture.

• Shiitake truffle tostada – Crisp base layered with mushroom pâté, truffle, and cream cheese.

From the non-vegetarian options, a few standouts are:

• Ebi tempura – Prawns in a light batter served with sriracha mayo.

• Dragon chicken – A familiar flavour profile with cashew and chilli.

• Five-spice glazed pork belly – Balanced by pickled beet and carrots.

• Dimsum basket – Four varieties, including mushroom truffle cream, asparagus black garlic, Thai basil chicken, and spiced prawn with scallion.

The meal for two is priced around Rs 3,100.

Oxymorons, Begumpet: Disconnect to reconnect

Oxymorons positions itself differently.

Located in Begumpet, the cocktail bar removes mobile connectivity altogether, nudging guests to engage with their surroundings. Hidden behind a bookshelf, it accommodates a smaller crowd and features live food preparation alongside a curated drinks program.

The cocktail list by Rehan and Rohit Guha plays on contrasts, as the name suggests.

Drinks such as Familiar Strangers (whisky-based with jackfruit loncha on the side), Definitely Maybe (gin with grapefruit and kaffir lime), and Random Order (dark rum with banana and soy) illustrate this theme.

On the food side, bar snacks include:

• Curry podi shoestring fries – Crispy potatoes seasoned with South Indian spices.

• Jackfruit loncha – Raw jackfruit marinated in dry spices, served with mint chutney.

• Ricotta bhurji with crackling fenugreek – A reworked desi favourite presented on bread.

The evening typically ends with Sneaker 2.0, a layered chocolate and caramel dessert with salted peanuts.

According to co-founder Rohit Guha, “The idea was to create a space where you can step away from constant notifications. The cocktails tell that story through contrasts, but the real focus is the social connection inside the bar.”

The average cost for two is Rs 1,500.

Suggestions for diners and drinkers

• For those seeking variety in pan-Asian flavours with a strong cocktail program, Kinru at Jubilee Hills is a natural option. The revamped menu complements its established bar strengths.

• For those looking to switch off and immerse in a curated cocktail experience, Oxymorons offers a concept-driven night out with an emphasis on conversation.

Both venues reflect Hyderabad’s changing dining culture, where food and drinks are not just about consumption but about experience.