Chika Cafe, nestled in the serene Banjara Hills of Hyderabad, has become a hotspot for those seeking innovative culinary experiences. The cafe is drawing crowds with its unique offerings, particularly the coffee-infused gulab jamun and the intriguing rose cold brew.
Tucked away in a quiet lane, Chika Cafe’s charm is accentuated by its beautiful stained glass arched windows, which infuse the space with life and color. One wall of the cafe is dedicated to showcasing India’s rich coffee heritage, highlighting the various states where coffee is grown. The overall ambiance makes it an ideal spot for those looking to work in a peaceful environment.
The cafe is housed in a charming old building, with the verandah serving as an outdoor seating area. The atmosphere is relaxed, with staff giving patrons plenty of space to enjoy their meals without feeling rushed. Despite the laid-back vibe, service is prompt and attentive, making it easy to order and enjoy your meal.
My visit to Chika was driven by a specific curiosity: the coffee gulab jamun. However, choosing the right coffee to accompany this dessert proved challenging. The menu offered intriguing options, such as the rosy coffee and the rose cold brew, both of which piqued my interest. I opted for the rose cold brew, eager to see how the delicate flavor of rose would marry with the robust taste of coffee.
When the rose cold brew arrived, it was a visual treat—a layered drink with a deep red base, a clear middle, and a dark coffee top. After discarding the extra ice cubes, I stirred the drink, ensuring the sticky rose syrup at the bottom blended well with the coffee. The first sip was a pleasant surprise; the bitterness of the coffee beautifully offset the sweetness of the rose syrup, creating a balanced and unique flavor profile.
The menu at Chika Cafe is diverse, offering a blend of Indian and Continental dishes. While avocado on sourdough toast is a staple in many Hyderabad cafes, I decided to try something different. I ordered chicken on toast and dosa with chicken curry, both of which did not disappoint. The cafe’s commitment to quality and flavor is evident in every dish, making it a delightful culinary experience.
Dev Raj, the skilled barista at Chika Cafe, shared that the cafe aims to showcase Indian specialty coffee. “We source our beans directly from farms owned by the cafe’s founders and roast them in-house. Coffee enthusiasts are welcome to tour the cafe and witness the roasting process,” he explained.
After savoring the dosa, coffee, and toast, I was ready for the much-anticipated coffee gulab jamun. The dessert, soaked in coffee and sugar syrup, offered a unique twist to the traditional Indian sweet. While the hot gulab jamun was slightly too sweet for my taste, the coffee’s aftertaste added a pleasing balance. Interestingly, Dev Raj mentioned that some customers request an even sweeter version of this dessert—clearly, there’s a sweet tooth epidemic at Chika!
For those planning a visit, a meal for two at Chika Cafe in Banjara Hills will cost around ₹1,200. Whether you’re there for the food, the coffee, or simply to enjoy the ambiance, Chika Cafe promises a memorable experience.