Travel - June 16, 2025

Jolly Bros & Co., Banjara Hills: A Taste of Irani Nostalgia in Modern Hyderabad

team maverick June 16, 2025

0 12 min read

In the heart of Banjara Hills, amid the clinking glasses and buzzing eateries, one café stands out—not just for its food, but for its soul, it’s an experience that blends the timeless charm of Bombay’s Irani cafes with a menu that spans North Indian, Continental, Chinese, and Biryani delights. Located on the ground floor of Guv-Vivilash Chambers on Road No. 14, this café-style restaurant stands out with its distinctive ambiance, nostalgic references, and robust, flavor-packed food.

A Café That Tells a Story

Walk into Jolly Bros & Co., and you’re immediately embraced by a warm, sepia-toned world where yesteryear lingers in every corner. The checkered tablecloths, vintage mirrors, black-and-white portraits, faded signage, and ceiling fans humming gently overhead evoke a setting straight out of 1960s Bombay. Dim ambient lighting adds to the mood, creating an aura that’s both casual and timeless.

But this isn’t just a nostalgic gimmick. Every design detail at JB & Co. feels deliberate—a tribute to the bygone charm of Irani cafés, revived with contemporary polish. Whether you’re catching up with friends, setting up a laptop for a solo work session, or simply soaking in the vibe with a bottle of soda, the space invites you to linger.

A Menu That Bridges Cultures

The food at JB & Co. is where tradition meets creativity in the most flavorful way. With a strong foundation in North Indian cuisine and a heartfelt effort to preserve the essence of Parsi culinary heritage, the menu bridges the past and present beautifully, the menu also explores bold flavours from Continental, Chinese, and even regional Hyderabadi kitchens. This culinary inclusiveness makes the restaurant a melting pot of tastes—ideal for diners with varied preferences.

My own experience started with a chilled bottle of Pallonji’s Raspberry Soda—a drink that instantly pulled me into the past. The sugary fizz and distinct berry punch worked as a nostalgic palate awakener and set the tone for the feast to follow.

Mutton Nihari: A Must-Have

Let’s talk about the star of the show—the Mutton Nihari. A deeply aromatic stew of slow-cooked mutton shanks, this dish is everything a Mughlai preparation should be: rich, hearty, and soul-warming. The gravy is velvety with layers of spice, garnished with fried onions and coriander. The meat, falling off the bone, had clearly been treated with patience and respect. Pair it with soft naan or tandoori roti, and you’ve got yourself a plate of culinary poetry.

Dal Gosht: Comfort in Every Bite

Equally commendable was the Old City Dal Gosht, a tribute to Hyderabad’s own culinary traditions. Here, yellow lentils meet chunks of tender mutton in a preparation that’s both rustic and elegant. The dish treads a fine line—neither too spicy nor bland—and offers that elusive “ghar ka khana” comfort, while still feeling restaurant-worthy.

More Hearty Heroes

The rest of the menu is just as intriguing. The Dilli Butter Chicken is rumored to strike the right balance between creamy and smoky without being overly sweet. The Keema Aloo brings back the essence of home kitchens with its spicy minced meat and chunky potatoes. Adventurous diners might want to try the Bheja Masala—goat brain curry—not easily found elsewhere today.

JB & Co. doesn’t limit itself to just one-time-of-day brilliance. Their morning offerings are equally robust. Between 7 and 11 AM, you can dig into a power-packed breakfast menu that ranges from the spicy richness of Gosht Nihari and Mutton Keema Aloo to globally inspired dishes like Turkish Eggs, Shakshuka, and classic Eggs Benedict.

If your mood leans toward the sweet, go for the Homemade Pancakes—served three to a stack—with options like Nutella or classic maple syrup. They’re fluffy, indulgent, and the perfect counter to the savoury breakfast spread.

Jolly Times: Where Snacks Take the Spotlight

Tucked under the larger Jolly Bros & Co. umbrella is “Jolly Times”—their take on an old-school snack bar. This section of the menu is cheeky, quirky, and full of personality. Think Masala Peanuts, Classic Chana Roast, Egg Bhurji, and Crispy Rumali Khakhra—all priced to encourage bingeing. Then there’s the “Club-House Chakna” section, with items like Cheese Tomato Olive platters and Mumbai-style Papad, perfect for pairing with a drink or two.

The real stars here, though, are the “Old School Appetisers.” From the funky-sounding Disco Manchurian to Chilli Cheese Toast and Lava Nachos, this list is both nostalgic and experimental. Whether you’re a millennial looking to relive childhood tastes or a Gen-Z-er discovering them anew, Jolly Times has something to spark your snack-time joy.

Global Touches for Everyone

What makes JB & Co. a great family or group dining spot is its versatility. Not in the mood for Indian fare? No problem. Their menu includes grilled sandwiches, continental pastas, and Chinese crowd-pleasers like fried rice and Manchurian. This ensures that no matter your taste preference, there’s something here to satisfy you.

Service with a Smile

A warm smile and quick service can elevate any dining experience—and JB & Co. understands this well. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They’re more than happy to guide your choices, suggest pairings, or customize a dish if you have dietary preferences.

This sense of hospitality complements the eatery’s relaxed vibe. There’s no pressure to finish your meal quickly or free up the table. Whether you’re there for a slow brunch or a fast lunch, you’re made to feel welcome.

Final Take: A Place to Return To

The MaverickNews30 team left Jolly Bros & Co. with full stomachs and fuller hearts. What impressed us the most wasn’t just the depth of flavour or the nostalgia-filled décor—it was the way the restaurant managed to strike a balance between comfort and creativity, old-school charm and modern execution.

In a city brimming with eateries vying for attention, Jolly Bros & Co. quietly commands loyalty by offering more than food—it offers memory. Every bite reminds you of a story, a place, or a person. Every corner whispers history. And yet, it all feels fresh, current, and accessible.

So if you ever find yourself wandering the lanes of Banjara Hills looking for a spot that comforts, delights, and maybe even surprises—you know where to go. Just follow the faint hum of an old fan, the scent of mutton curry, and the fizz of raspberry soda, and you’ll find yourself at Jolly Bros & Co.

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