Telugu Medium Restaurant, Hyderabad

Hyderabad’s latest gastronomic gem, Telugu Medium, designed by Sona Reddy Studio, weaves heritage and architectural brilliance into every brick-and-bite. Telugu Medium, a hospitality venture spanning 5,200 square feet, stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity. Helmed by Sona Reddy Studio and designed alongside her talented team comprising Anjali Miriyala and Jemy Joy, the space embodies a unique fusion of heritage and culinary excellence. Nestled in the leafy urban enclave of Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, this authentic Andhra restaurant redefines the gastronomic landscape by seamlessly blending the past and present. Co-founded by Malvika Rao, Anil Karnati, and Rohit Medisetty, Telugu Medium spins a narrative deeply rooted in indigenous materials and vernacular building techniques that celebrate the essence of the Deccan.

The architecture engages massive brick domes, vaults, and exposed, load-bearing walls, minimizing the use of concrete and steel, thereby creating a passively cooler interior environment tailored for Hyderabad’s arid climate. The exterior facade, adorned with exposed Karimnagar bricks, whispers tales of intrigue while projecting bricks introduce a tactile layer of texture and concrete planter boxes marking the entrance. The alfresco waiting space, entirely paved in brick, seamlessly connects the building to its surroundings, while the northern edge hosts outdoor seating under sprawling canopies, creating an interplay with curved brick fins and inset portals framing views of the exterior.

Entering through a vestibule wrapped in brick, guests are welcomed into a dual-leveled restaurant featuring 13 ft high colossal walls and a double-height atrium suffused with natural light. This provides for a moment of pause to surrender and take in the immersive design vocabulary. The ceiling becomes a canvas of the crafted brick domes and vaults, interacting with silhouette lighting to create an ever-changing atmospheric ambiance.

The furniture within Telugu Medium resonates with the space’s DNA, featuring a blend of timeless, simple, and evocative pieces that offer a modern interpretation of South Indian dining. The interiors showcase brick-molded ceilings, scaling concrete columns, pink lime plaster-washed walls, and textured tandoor flooring, creating an uninterrupted composition that speaks to the soul of the Deccan. The internal staircase soars into the double-height atrium infused with fluted glass for privacy and a play of light. The ground level hosts a centrally located bar counter, characterized by locally sourced pink granite. On the other hand, a rectangular pond with black limestone tiles and an expansive concrete bench creates a tranquil focal point.