One8 Commune, the newest addition to Hyderabad’s culinary scene, is quickly becoming a favorite among cricket fans and food enthusiasts alike. Situated on the first floor of the Loft building in the bustling Hitech City, the restaurant is part of a chain co-owned by cricket superstar Virat Kohli. A sign at the entrance proudly declares “Hyderabad Kohling!” and has become a popular selfie spot, drawing in fans eager to capture a piece of the cricket-themed ambiance.
Ambiance and Decor
Stepping into One8 Commune, guests are greeted with interiors that exude warmth and sophistication. The decor is dominated by earthy tones, particularly light brown, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Wicker and cane furniture add a rustic charm, while modern lighting and ceiling fans provide a contemporary touch. The view from the restaurant offers a striking contrast, with the sleek lines of metal and glass high-rises visible through the windows. The seating arrangement is versatile, featuring a mix of high tables for a casual vibe and regular tables for a more traditional dining experience. In the evenings, the restaurant comes alive with music, transforming into a vibrant social hub where guests can enjoy drinks and food late into the night.
Cricket-Themed Experience
As expected, One8 Commune pays homage to Virat Kohli’s cricketing legacy in numerous ways. From the menu design to the unique serving apparatus for drinks, cricket paraphernalia is integrated seamlessly into the dining experience. One of the most popular attractions is a glass-encased jersey, digitally signed by Kohli himself during a visit to Hyderabad with the RCB team. This piece of memorabilia has become a magnet for photos, adding a personal touch to the restaurant’s cricket-centric theme.
Menu Highlights
The menu at One8 Commune is a culinary journey featuring many of Kohli’s personal favorites. One standout dish is the mushroom cream avocado cheese googly, a creative take on steamed dim sum. The dim sum wrapper, infused with beetroot juice, gives it a distinctive red hue. Inside, the warm cream cheese blends perfectly with avocado, while bits of shitake mushroom add depth with their woody and garlicky flavors, complemented by truffle oil.
The bar at One8 Commune offers a range of innovative drinks, each with its own unique twist. The trophy pour is a notable example, combining blue pea flower tea with gin and vodka to create a visually striking and refreshing cocktail. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, the mango picante, featuring mango and a spicy kick of tequila, is a must-try.
Local Flavors and Chef’s Specialties
Corporate Chef Agnibh Mudi, who oversees the culinary operations across One8’s eight locations in India, ensures that each restaurant caters to local tastes while maintaining a cohesive menu. In Hyderabad, the emphasis is on incorporating the region’s love for spicy food. Dishes like Byadgi mirchi paneer and lime chilli pickled prawns reflect this local flair. The paneer dish, with its intense heat from the Byadgi chillies, is both flavorful and fiery. The pickled prawns, seasoned with green chillies and finished with a curry leaf tempering, offer a similar spicy delight.
Additionally, the menu includes Hyderabad’s beloved dishes such as Hyderabadi khatti dal and anda keema pav. Chef Mudi is also working on a soy version of haleem, a traditional dish, to cater to vegetarian patrons. This innovation demonstrates the restaurant’s commitment to blending traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques.
Diverse Cuisine Options
One8 Commune’s menu is a melting pot of various cuisines, offering a wide range of dishes that cater to diverse palates. The restaurant’s offerings include modern Indian, regional, Asian, and Continental cuisines. Patrons can indulge in everything from pizza and mutton rogan josh to global favorites like laksa and hawker-style noodles. Classic Italian dishes such as spaghetti aglio e olio and penne grilled salmon are also featured prominently.
For those who prefer traditional Indian flavors, the kheema ghotala paired with warm butter-toasted pav is a perfect choice. This hearty dish is ideal for an early evening meal and showcases the rich, robust flavors of Indian cuisine.
Dessert Offerings
The dessert section at One8 Commune promises an array of sweet treats designed to satisfy any sweet tooth. Options include tiramisu cornetto, burnt basque cheesecake, and coconut tres leches. However, on this particular visit, the outdoor seating area proved less than ideal due to persistent mosquitoes, leading to a decision to forgo dessert in favor of a more comfortable dining experience indoors.
In conclusion, One8 Commune in Hyderabad offers a rich, diverse menu set against a backdrop of cricket-themed decor that delights both food lovers and cricket fans. Whether you’re there to enjoy Virat Kohli’s favorite dishes, sip on innovative cocktails, or simply soak in the cricket ambiance, One8 Commune promises a memorable dining experience that celebrates the best of global and local flavors.
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