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 these beans. Soon after, we were served anapakaya vada, a nutritious, protein-rich, and absolutely delicious dish. It’s these thoughtful, almost spontaneous additions that make the experience feel intimate and memorable.
Every dish felt comforting and familiar, but the rasam stood out as the highlight, simple, soulful, and full of flavour. Teja, who joined us a little later, also recommended the papucharu, which was equally satisfying and instantly reminiscent of a home-cooked meal.
The menu extends beyond thalis, offering à la carte Indian and Chinese options, along with thoughtfully curated small plates for those who want to sample multiple dishes without committing to full portions. It’s a great way to explore the menu, especially if you’re dining solo or just feeling indulgent.
Another standout is the Matti Lo Manikyalu (pot biryani), available in variants like natu kodi, chapalu, mushroom, and jackfruit, some of which are served with the distinctive chitti muthyalu rice base. Slow-cooked and aromatic, these dishes add depth to the overall offering.
Each thali is a complete experience, featuring starters, mains, accompaniments, condiments, desserts, and house-made beverages rooted in traditional kitchens. It’s thoughtfully put together and leaves you feeling both satisfied and comforted. What sets Bhojanam apart is its philosophy; it doesn’t try too hard to be “authentic” or “traditional.” Instead, it simply serves the kind of food people have grown up eating, comforting, familiar, and deeply satisfying.
Do not miss the kova samosa, a standout dessert that is absolutely worth returning for.
Strategically located in the heart of Jubilee Hills with ample parking, Bhojanam is definitely a place I would recommend to friends, especially those seeking a heartfelt Telugu meal. With plans to expand to Delhi and Mumbai, the brand is clearly just getting started.
If it’s honest, home-style cooking and truly memorable flavours you’re after, Bhojanam is definitely worth a visit.
