For Telugu snacks and foods you loved as a 90s kid, head to Coffee Sangam in Hyderabad

The Hindu

a day ago

You know those memes that say, 'We did silly things before social media existed'? Well, we also had epic birthday parties —with menus to match. Think back to the late '80s and '90s: sandwiches were cut diagonally, cutlets were crisp and golden, chilli cheese toast was the closest we got to pizza, and puff pastries were non-negotiable. No fancy burgers or sushi platters, just good old comfort food that's now a cherished memory.
Coffee Sangam at Jubilee Hills taps into that nostalgia and pairs it with a modern-day twist. This all-day café brings together 90s birthday party staples and Telugu teatime classics — reimagined for today's palate. It is where keema meets puri at breakfast, dosas come perfectly crisp, and eggs are served with a side of heritage.
And yes, this is the place that gave Hyderabad its very first bobbatlu croissant (sweetened lentil stuffed flat breads) — a flaky ode to tradition layered with innovation. I gave it a shot, and will not be ordering it again.
Styled in warm earthy tones, Coffee Sangam feels like a laidback dining room for your everyday celebrations. On one wall, a painted boat carries people across generations and cultures — a visual metaphor for the sangam or confluence the café hopes to represent.
Chef Vignesh puts it best: 'Celebrate surviving work, flatter a good mood, or just treat yourself — no reason needed. Small eats that make everyone smile.'
And that is exactly the vibe at Coffee Sangam. Whether it is a cup of strong filter coffee to wake up your soul, or a kadak chai paired with muska bun and a swipe of palm sugar, the café knows its audience. Think palm sugar bun sandwiches — yes, that is a thing now. Not your average bun maska, these buns are unapologetically slathered with butter.
Disclaimer: This is not the spot for calorie counters or strict vegans. But if you believe in the power of carbs, butter, and joy —welcome to the table.
After a few visits, I had worked my way through most of the menu — but without fail, I always circled back to the peri peri punugulu and pista podi mini idlis (each the size of a one-rupee coin). These are finger foods reimagined, but never too far from their roots.
Chef Vignesh curated the menu with a clear brief: revive the nostalgic snacks of the '90s — cutlets, mutton samosas, and old-school sandwiches minus the lettuce-tomato trimmings. The kind of food Gen X grew up on, and Gen Z probably has not met yet. At Coffee Sangam, the cutlet, samosa, and sandwich trio are the true comeback kids, and reason enough to keep returning.
It is always comforting to see the basics done right — like a cheese omelette with toast. On lazy mornings, Coffee Sangam makes a strong case for a no-fuss breakfast with a solid filter coffee. The brown laminate on the omelette? That golden crust we all know from homemade breakfasts. 'It's meant to remind you of home,' says Chef Vignesh.
If eggs are not your thing, opt for the crispy dosas (served with two chutneys, glistening with ghee) or the puri with keema. You can even order the keema on the side with your dosa — highly recommended.
A surprise winner here is the curd rice salad. A comforting bowl of curd rice amped up with puffed rice, crunchy chips, and a zing of lemon pickle — it is exactly the kind of chaos that works.
For a sugar fix, go for the Milo French toast or the bread pudding with ice cream.
On the drinks side, the coconut milkshake, Irani boba chai, and masala mint iced tea hit the spot — flavourful and not overly sweet.
One note: if you have a big appetite, the portion sizes might feel modest. Order more. That is the joy of small plates, after all.