What: Bhojanam Where: Hyderabad If you’re craving a meal that feels like home, Bhojanam in Jubilee Hills offers a warm, flavourful journey through the heart of Telugu cuisine. When in the South, a thali is one of those experiences that instantly gets your lips smacking, comforting, wholesome food served traditionally on a banana leaf. In the heart of Hyderabad, Bhojanam brings this experience to life with authenticity and warmth. Located in Jubilee Hills, this sprawling 8,000 sq. ft. space has been thoughtfully put together by Pranavi Chekuri and Teja Chekuri under Fullstack Ventures. Every detail reflects a personal touch. Pranavi, who grew up learning traditional cooking from her grandmother, has incorporated her own family recipes into the menu, even something as simple as rasam is crafted with a deeply homely, authentic flavour. The space is simple yet inviting, with indoor and outdoor seating, and an open kitchen where the aromas of freshly prepared dishes fill the air. At its core, Bhojanam celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the Telugu-speaking regions—Krishna, Godavari, Rayalaseema, and Telangana, through a thoughtfully curated, region-first thali experience. Since I’m allergic to seafood, I opted for the Krishnamma Bhojanam. We began with fresh sugarcane juice, pressed on-site, with hints of lime and ginger, refreshing and perfectly balanced. What followed felt deeply personal. Pranavi joined us for the meal and made sure everything was served just right. Conversations flowed easily about food, influences, and the stories behind certain dishes, adding a layer of warmth to the experience. The meal included dishes like natu kodi vepudu and pulusu, each carrying a distinct homemade quality, nothing overdone, just honest flavours that felt like they belonged in a family kitchen. During a conversation about local Telangana dishes, anapakaya ginjalu (hyacinth beans) came up, and Pranavi mentioned that they make vadas with

As temperatures rise during the summer months, staying hydrated becomes essential for maintaining energy, digestion, and overall health. While water remains the most important source of hydration, traditional summer drinks made with natural ingredients can provide additional nutrients and cooling benefits. Across India and other tropical regions, seasonal beverages made from fruits, herbs, and dairy have long been used to regulate body temperature and replenish minerals lost through sweat. These refreshing drinks not only quench thirst but also support digestion, boost immunity, and help the body stay balanced during intense heat. Here are some easy summer beverages along with their health benefits and simple recipes you can try at home. Aam Panna (Raw Mango Summer Cooler) Aam Panna is a classic summer drink known for its tangy flavour and cooling properties. It is made from raw mangoes blended with spices and herbs. Health BenefitsRaw mangoes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help boost immunity and prevent dehydration. The drink also restores electrolytes lost through excessive sweating and protects against heatstroke. Why You Should Drink ItAam Panna is considered one of the best traditional drinks to combat summer fatigue and heat exhaustion. Recipe Ingredients 2 raw mangoes 3 tablespoons sugar or jaggery (adjust to taste) ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder A few fresh mint leaves A pinch of black salt 2 cups chilled water Method Boil or pressure-cook the raw mangoes until soft. Peel the skin and extract the pulp. Blend the pulp with sugar, mint leaves, cumin powder, and black salt. Add chilled water and mix well. Serve cold with ice and a few mint leaves for garnish. Buttermilk (Chaas) Buttermilk is a light, refreshing drink made from yogurt diluted with water and flavoured with spices. Health BenefitsIt is rich in probiotics, which support gut health and digestion.

There’s something magical about a well-executed dinner party. Whether you’re rounding up your best friends for a catch-up or entertaining extended family for a celebratory night in, the joy of feeding those you love never goes out of fashion. As much as we love a night out at a fancy restaurant, there’s a certain charm about staying in, lighting some candles, and serving up your signature dish with pride. For many Indian hosts, a dinner party is more than just a meal it’s a full-blown experience. From the starters to the send-off, every detail adds up to make your guests feel welcome, well-fed, and genuinely impressed. But pulling it off requires more than just a decent butter paneer and some extra plates. Whether you’re a seasoned host or dipping your toes into the world of dinner parties, here are some top tips for hosting with ease, style, and a whole lot of heart. Start With The Invite to Set The Tone Early Planning for a dinner party starts way before the guests come knocking at your door it begins with your invitation. A blasé “Dinner on Friday?” text on WhatsApp doesn’t cut it. If you want to elevate the vibe, design your own PDF invitation cards it’s a small touch that shows thought, effort, and makes everything feel more intentional. Plus, you get a chance to convey the essentials date, dress code (if applicable), theme, and what to bring or not bring (i.e., a bottle of wine, or no surprise plus-ones). Creating your own invitations also helps you set expectations in a classy way. Fancy a relaxed rooftop vibe with finger food and sangria? Or something a bit more traditional, with thalis and mithai? Either way, when your invite looks the part, your guests know what to bring and the

Shruti Mahajan’s relationship with food began long before social media. Raised in a home where meals symbolised comfort and connection, she grew up understanding that food was never just functional; it was emotional infrastructure. Today, based in Delhi NCR, she balances a full-time corporate career alongside a steadily growing culinary platform. Her dual life reflects her personality: equal parts structured and creative. “I’ve always balanced discipline with imagination,” she shares. Managing time, health, and responsibility firsthand shaped her belief that food solutions must work in real life, not just on screen. Simplifying the Everyday Shruti identifies as a culinary content creator and digital educator, but her core mission is simpler: make healthy eating realistic. She noticed that nutrition-forward cooking often felt overwhelming or aspirational. “Food is something we deal with every single day,” she says. “If we can make it easier and healthier, it genuinely improves quality of life.” Her content is built around that practicality, short, efficient recipes designed for busy schedules. Shruti’s signature format includes 30–40 second recipes that viewers can watch, save, and cook without friction. She focuses on ingredients already present in Indian kitchens and has carved a niche by making millets engaging, from Ragi Brownies and Ragi Dhokla to Millet Sambar Khichdi. Built on Consistency Her journey began quietly, experimenting in her own kitchen and sharing what worked. There was no dramatic pivot, only persistence. Balancing content creation alongside a demanding job required discipline. That phase reinforced her core belief: consistency outweighs perfection. The turning point came when followers began writing, “I actually tried this.” That validation signalled impact. Today, she is focused less on virality and more on systems, structured PDFs, nutrition-led education, and scalable tools that empower everyday cooks. Power in Balance Shruti operates on three principles: balance over extremes, progress over pressure,