At Kennys Hyderabad consolation meals meets straightforward conversations

There is all the time that one uncle who insists you come over for a drink, a chat, or simply to sit down round and do nothing. The variety who makes you are feeling at residence with out attempting too arduous. Now think about that uncle as a spot. That is Kenny’s.

Warm and quietly comforting, Kenny’s has the straightforward appeal of a neighbourhood bar — the sort you stroll into for a late-afternoon drink and in some way keep on by means of dinner.

The chairs are comfortably cushioned, the sort that don’t depart your again sore. The interiors — marbled gray with minimal fuss — might sound plain at first, however it does what it’s meant to: ease your senses after a protracted day. “I needed easy interiors,” says Sankalp Vishnu, the person behind Kenny’s. “My bar is for consolation — meals and drinks for individuals who need to simply be themselves, with out dressing up or consuming for a vibe examine.”

Located in Hyderabad’s Financial District, Kenny’s seats 135 throughout three sections — an out of doors patio, a comfy indoor eating house near the band and TV (for match nights), and a basic bar space.

The drinks menu retains issues refreshingly simple: straight pours, beers, and the sort of basic cocktails you may belief — quaint, whisky bitter, gimlet, mint julep. No theatrics, no thriller substances, simply strong, well-made drinks. Kenny’s doubles up as a relaxed work spot — the type of place you may kind away in your laptop computer with a calming beer and a plate of sambar rice with hen curry or spicy potato fry. I had already deliberate my order earlier than strolling in: a dry Indo-Chinese chilli hen, mercifully extra inexperienced chillies than bell peppers, adopted by Raju gadi hen pakoda. The crisp little bites come dusted with Kenny’s in-house spice combine, and disappear virtually as quickly as they land on the desk.

At its coronary heart, the menu is unapologetically desi, every part besides the alcohol. There is masala peanuts, boiled chana masala, masala papad, and mirchi bajji. The vegetarian starters stand out particularly; the masala peanuts, served in a shake-and-assemble jar, are a crowd favorite.

The menu is organised by choice. There is a full egg part (the egg 65 and chilli egg are unmissable), a ‘Hen’ part for hen lovers, and cheekily titled classes like ‘Sheep Thrills’ (for lamb) and ‘Shell We Eat’ (for fish and prawns).

I attempted sambar rice with aloo 65 and hen fry, adopted by a spherical of pulaos — by this level, I had misplaced depend. Still, I couldn’t resist the curd rice with hen 65. The flavours are nostalgic — the sort that transport you to the reminiscence of your first good Chicken 65. It is evident that Sankalp has frolicked chasing flavour reminiscences throughout numerous kitchens earlier than deciding on these variations.

He additionally insisted I strive the double egg fried rice with hen manchurian — a mix that hits all the appropriate notes. This was adopted by grilled lamb chops. I may have, nonetheless, grilled the chef on the grilled lamb chops that he was extraordinarily assured about; as a substitute, I selected to focus on the sambar rice.

Dessert was a standout: -The Kenny’s Special Dessert is a floral-flavoured payasam, Sankalp’s particular. Lightly sweetened and completely chilled, it’s aromatic, balanced, and quietly addictive. Here’s a touch, in case you love jasmine, one serving is not going to be sufficient.

Kenny’s doesn’t attempt to impress you — and that’s precisely why it does. It is that uncommon sort of place that feels prefer it has all the time been there, ready so that you can come again.

Cost of a dish at Kenny’s Hyderabad begins at ₹90.