Native Katha and Lunar Cafe blend comfort and innovation in Hyderabad’s food scene

Hyderabad: Food has always been more than just nourishment; it shapes routines, moods and the way we connect with the city. Sometimes it’s about a comforting plate that feels like home, and other times, it’s about discovering something new that refreshes the monotony of daily life.

Hyderabad’s dining scene continues to surprise with spaces that balance familiarity with innovation. Here are three places that stand out this week, each offering a unique way to break your food routine.

Native Katha: Local palate meets northern comfort

At Madhapur, Native Katha has been a steady name for kulchas, curries, and hearty Punjabi plates.

To mark their anniversary, they recently introduced a refreshed menu designed to appeal to local tastes while staying rooted in their North Indian strengths.

What to Try: Start with their Paan mojito, garnished with a betel leaf and layered with gulkand and mint. For something inventive, the Gosht ke pani puri adds a meaty twist to the traditional ragada filling. From the tandoor, both Khao galli lollypops and tandoori prawns are reliable picks.

Comfort Pairing: The Ghotala egg masala with Amritsari chur chur kulcha is indulgent but worth the choice. Vegetarians will enjoy the Dhaba chana masala, a simple, filling finish to the meal.

Approx. cost: Rs 1,000 for two

Lunar Café: A café to slow down in

Over at Jubilee Hills, Lunar Café feels like a pocket of calm, with pastel interiors indoors, green-filled seating outdoors, and enough space to switch off for a while. For those looking for a mid-week breather, this café offers a mix of classics and experimental bites.

What to Try: Begin light with the Pumpkin and carrot soup, served with pannacotta at its centre. The Korean cheese garlic bun is a soft, cheesy indulgence, while the broccoli pistachio seekh kebab is an interesting option for vegetarians.

Cheese & Fusion Picks: Their cheese balls and ghee roast chicken pizza are popular for good reason. The latter stands out as a true fusion plate, ghee roast masala on a puffed pizza base.

Approx. cost: Rs 1,200 for two

Butterfly High: Modern Indian plates with an edge

Butterfly High, at Hitech City, leans into the idea of “day-to-night dining.” By day, it’s a relaxed restaurant; by night, it turns into a buzzy bar space with music and cocktails. The food menu works hard to give Indian flavours a modern stage without losing their core.

What to Try: A playful start is the Kolhapuri chicken nuggets or the Roomali tokri, shaped like a basket and filled with onions, tomatoes, and sev. For something unexpected, go for the fried white dhokla dabeli, where spiced potato and chutneys meet crunchy dhoklas.

Mains and More: The Paneer makhani with mini kulchas is familiar comfort, while the mutton yakhni pulao offers a subtler alternative to spice-heavy rice dishes. Round it off with the hazelnut pistachio baklava, which brings a flaky, nut-filled end to the meal.

Approx. cost: Rs 3,000 for two

A few suggestions for the week ahead

If you’re planning meals out:

- Go to Native Katha when you want hearty, comforting food with a few surprises.

- Pick Lunar Café when you need a slower afternoon or a coffee escape that doubles up with unique bites.

- Try Butterfly High if you’re in the mood for a lively dinner that mixes modern plating with familiar masalas.