In the heart of Hyderabad’s leafy urban enclave, Jubilee Hills, stands Telugu Medium—a hospitality venture spanning 5,200 square feet that showcases architectural brilliance. Helmed by Sona Reddy Studio, in collaboration with Anjali Miriyala and Jemy Joy, the space is a fusion of heritage and culinary artistry, redefining the gastronomic landscape of the region.
Co-founded by Malvika Rao, Anil Karnati, and Rohit Medisetty, Telugu Medium is more than just a restaurant; it’s a narrative woven with indigenous materials and vernacular building techniques, celebrating the essence of the Deccan region.
The architecture engages massive brick domes, vaults, and exposed load-bearing walls, creating a passively cooler interior environment perfectly suited for Hyderabad’s arid climate. The exterior facade, adorned with exposed Karimnagar bricks, tells tales of intrigue, while projecting bricks introduce a tactile layer of texture. Concrete planter boxes mark the entrance, and the alfresco waiting space, entirely paved in brick, seamlessly connects the building to its surroundings.
Upon entering through a vestibule wrapped in brick, guests are welcomed into a dual-leveled restaurant featuring colossal 13 ft high walls and a double-height atrium suffused with natural light. The ceiling, a canvas of crafted brick domes and vaults, interacts with silhouette lighting to create an ever-changing atmospheric ambiance.
The interior design resonates with the space’s essence, featuring a blend of timeless, simple, and evocative pieces that offer a modern interpretation of South Indian dining. Brick-moulded ceilings, scaling concrete columns, pink lime plaster-washed walls, and textured tandoor flooring create 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. Meanwhile, a rectangular pond with black limestone tiles and an expansive concrete bench creates a tranquil focal point.
Telugu Medium is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience where indigenous materials and vernacular design collide, offering a harmonious blend of rusticity and contemporary influences in one of the city’s most luxurious settings.
Fact File
Project Name: Telugu Medium
Location : Hyderabad
Architecture Design Firm: Sona Reddy Studio
Size: 5,200 Square Feet
Principal Architect – Sona Reddy
Design Team – Sona Reddy, Anjali Miriyala, Jemy Joy
Photography Credit – Pankaj Anand
