From cherished family recipes to authentic regional flavours, a new restaurant in Kokapet offers diners a genuine taste of Assam's culinary heritage

Hyderabad's culinary landscape has welcomed a refreshing new addition with the opening of Aakhol – An Assamese Restaurant in Kokapet, a space dedicated to showcasing the authentic flavours, traditions and warm hospitality of Assam. More than simply serving regional cuisine, Aakhol invites diners to experience the culture and stories that have shaped one family's enduring relationship with food.


The restaurant is the vision of Dr Alpaxee Kashyap and her husband, Akhil, whose journey is rooted in a legacy spanning generations. Dr Kashyap's maternal grandfather founded Laxmi Cabin in Guwahati's Fancy Bazar in 1942, one of the city's oldest and most beloved sweet shops, fondly remembered for its iconic samosas. The family's passion for hospitality continued with her parents, who established Aarian Woods, among Guwahati's pioneering boutique resorts.

That deep connection to home became the inspiration behind Aakhol.

After relocating to Hyderabad in 2019, Dr Kashyap found herself longing not just for Assamese food, but for the familiarity and comfort it represented. Unable to find authentic Assamese cuisine in the city, she launched Aakhol in 2025 as a home kitchen, preparing traditional meals exclusively through advance orders. The response was overwhelming, with both the Assamese community and local food lovers embracing the venture, paving the way for a permanent restaurant.

"When I moved to Hyderabad, I realised I missed more than just the food—I missed the feeling of home," says Dr Alpaxee Kashyap, Founder of Aakhol. "Aakhol is our way of sharing that feeling with the city while giving fellow Assamese a place they can call their own. We hope every guest leaves with a deeper appreciation of Assam's cuisine, culture and hospitality."

What sets Aakhol apart is its unwavering commitment to authenticity. Rather than modifying recipes to suit local palates, the restaurant stays true to traditional Assamese cooking, where fresh ingredients, subtle spices and time-honoured techniques allow natural flavours to shine. Mustard oil, green chillies and seasonal produce form the foundation of many dishes, creating a dining experience that is understated yet deeply satisfying.


The menu offers an introduction to Assam's rich culinary traditions through signature dishes such as Bamboo Shoot Fish, traditional pork and chicken preparations, and carefully curated vegetarian and non-vegetarian Assamese thalis. To preserve their distinctive flavours, essential ingredients including bamboo shoots, xoru aloo and kaji nemu—Assam's celebrated citrus fruit—are sourced directly from Guwahati. Diners can also discover regional favourites such as dali bota, fish chutney and sesame chutney, while adventurous food lovers can request the famously fiery bhoot jolokia achaar.

Desserts remain equally faithful to tradition, with comforting classics including White Payokh, Black Payokh and Pati-Sapta Pitha, each reflecting the simplicity and balance that define Assamese cuisine.

The experience extends well beyond the plate. Inspired by the architecture of Dr Kashyap's grandmother's home in Bharalu, Guwahati, the restaurant recreates the warmth of a traditional Assamese household. A handcrafted décor wall, a legacy installation tracing the family's culinary journey and a thoughtfully curated library featuring contemporary Assamese literature alongside books on the region's cuisine and culture add layers of storytelling to every visit.

With Aakhol, Hyderabad gains more than a new restaurant. It gains a gateway to one of India's most distinctive regional cuisines—where every meal carries the flavours, traditions and heartfelt hospitality of Assam.

From cherished family recipes to authentic regional flavours, a new restaurant in Kokapet offers diners a genuine taste of Assam's culinary heritage