Expectations are naturally high when Mumbai's award winning and highly acclaimed luxe Asian restaurant KOKO makes its debut in Hyderabad.
While there is no dearth of restaurants in Hyderabad serving Southeast Asian cuisine, authentic fare which also tantalises picky Indian taste buds is no mean feat. KOKO sure has cracked that code because the place is an immersive experience from the get go. And that is saying a lot.
If you look at the fast-changing culinary landscape in Hyderabad, KOKO is the newest addition to Hyderabad's bustling scene. Added to its other attractions is the fact that it is situated right in the heart of Hitec City. KOKO is located bang in the RMZ Nexity Tower 30 of the IT District, so to speak.
Decor
Speaking of first impressions, KOKO more than lives up to the expectations at first glance. The moment you step into the red glass tunnel, you know the place is luxe.
The ambience is classy and inviting while decor is elegant but subdued with plush upholstery and cozy little nooks providing ample privacy. The real clincher, though, is how well demarcated sections of the place are – be it the large, spacious bar area perfect for an evening gathering or the grand private dining room replete with exquisite interiors to match special occasions.
Food
What really makes KOKO Hyderabad stand out is its outstanding food. The menu is extensive, with soups, salads, sushi, dim sum, small plates, big plates, and dessert.
My food campanion who tried the non veg fare said that the prawn dim sums were sticky and warm, and the Lantern Chicken, tender and juicy. Broccoli creamy planta is a refreshing change from the usual corn flour dipped manchurias Asian restaurants in India offer. Coated with condensed milk which makes it melts in your mouth, the outer part crunchy while flavours ooze out of every bite. Simply put, out of the world experience!
Spicy poached dumpling Prawn and Chive Dumpling are to die for. Edamame Burnt Garlic Black Rice is a signature not to be missed.If you are in the mood for some noodles but want to skip the usual, try their Tom Yum noodles—every bite is a burst of flavours. A perfect match to pair with black rice is the creamy Veg Asian Red Curry and the Chicken Malaysian Curry.
In view of the Chinese New Year, the restaurant has also launched an exclusive menu to mark the year of snake. The Red Dynasty from the dessert menu which is outstanding, is worth trying. And if you get lucky, you can enjoy the lion dance too, which is meant to attract good luck in the new year.
Beverage
And then, of course, there are the signature cocktails – true masterpieces that will leave you awestruck. The Agave Nest, with its chocolate egg nestled in a bird's nest, is a work of art that's almost too beautiful to drink. Almost.
The drink with the smoothest texture is a heady concoction of tequila, mezchal, vermouth, passion fruit and umeshu. All you have to do is crack open the egg to let the mango juice flow out into the cocktail and you are already on cloud nine!
Snakes Whisper is another bold flavoured cocktail with a blend of tequila and Thai pepper and of course Gari Picante, another signature—a cocktail of zesty citrus with the right tinge of spice. These are a few of the many crafted cocktails which showcase the skill and creativity of the mixologists at KOKO Hyderabad.
What really takes KOKO Hyderabad to a whole new level, however, is its impeccable service. The friendly staff is more than happy to make the dining experience one to remember.
Hyderabadis have been craving tasty innovations in Asian fare and KOKO feeds their appetite just right with some mouth watering delicacies which leaves them craving for more. Also, what makes it click is the fact that the hospitable staff take the service up a notch. KOKO Hyderabad seamlessly blends sophistication with enticing food. And that is something few restaurants in Hyderabad can lay claim to