Named after the popular Hindi phrase, “fikar not” which translates loosely to “don’t worry”, Fikkanaut – The Bar Above aims to keep everything under its roof true to its etymology. You are welcomed to an array of posters featuring statements that might leave you fretting, followed by “fikkanaut”. Sample this: “Spoilers everywhere? Fikkanaut.” “Sick of the traffic? Fikkanaut.” And that by a large measure sums up how the establishment wants their guests to feel. So much so that the music they play too is breezy and peppy.
Situated in a quaint corner of Jubilee Hills, Fikkanaut’s perky atmosphere makes up for the calmness of the area. With indoor and outdoor seating which can fit about a 100 people, Fikkanaut is placed on the first floor of Malaka Spice restaurant. Hence the tagline – “The Bar Above” The drinks menu mimics the mood. The signature cocktail of the barely two-week-old resto-bar is called Fikkanaut. It is designed for you to forget everything that worries you. How, you ask? The drink is a concoction of gin, rum, vodka, tequila and triple sec, topped off with more vodka after it arrives at your table. For the teetotalers too, Fikkanaut serves a bunch of signature mocktails. The favourite for most is the Malaka Iced Tea, a cold lemon grass tinged drink.
Owned by the Pune-based Malaka Spice Group, Fikkanaut features a delicious Southeast Asian cuisine. “We would not say that our dishes are authentic Southeast Asian. We like to call it Southeast Asian inspired cuisine with fresh ingredients,” shares Pune-based Piyush Deshmukh, Business Development Head of Fikkanaut, adding that no frozen ingredients, including the sauces, are used while preparing the dishes. The sauces set on the table before the food arrives, are a great proof to the claims. A line-up of dishes arrives on our table. Veg Bao (Chinese bread filled with veggies and Tofu) are a mouthful of flavourful goodness. Fire Cracker Prawns that are fried to perfection is a spicy delight for any foodie.
Our favourite, however, is the Tangy Pumpkin chips, a happy respite from the usual crispies on a party night. If finger food is not your thing then Fikkanaut also offers rice bowls and the good ol’ Ramen with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. A must-try is the delectable combos, which come with a choice of drink and a starter.
Besides the food, drinks and its pocket-friendly menus, one might want to visit the restaurant for its party concepts. Aside from the usual karaoke nights and live music, Fikkanaut also hosts “Booze and Brains” – a quiz night conducted to bring together all the guests in the house. And the best part – sometimes there are no winners or losers; the happiest table gets a special gift. Now that would be a weekend well spent!
Price for two: Rs.1,400.
Details: 33165184
Pics: Vinay Madapu