Hyderabad Welcomes Aakhol As Assam’s Authentic Culinary Heritage Finds A New Home In Kokapet With Traditional Recipes, Generational Family Legacy, Rich Northeast Flavours And The Warm Spirit Of Assamese Hospitality

Written By: Ricky Acharjee

Ricky Acharjee

I am travel writer at Travel And Tour World with 3 years of experience covering global tourism, aviation, hospitality, and destination news. Dedicated to accurate reporting and compelling storytelling, Ricky explores the trends, innovations, and developments shaping the international travel industry while delivering engaging insights for travellers and industry professionals.

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July 25, 2026 14:54 GMT+5:30

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Hyderabad’s growing love for regional Indian flavours has welcomed a new destination that celebrates the authentic tastes, traditions and hospitality of Assam. Aakhol – An Assamese Restaurant, located in Kokapet, brings the essence of Northeast India to the city with a dining experience centred around traditional recipes, homely flavours and the cultural richness of Assamese cuisine.

Founded by Dr. Alpaxee Kashyap and her husband Akhil, Aakhol represents more than just a restaurant; it reflects a family’s deep-rooted connection with food, heritage and hospitality. The venture carries forward a culinary legacy that began with Dr. Alpaxee’s maternal grandfather, who founded the renowned Laxmi Cabin in Guwahati’s Fancy Bazar in 1942. The historic establishment became a beloved name in the city, especially famous for its iconic samosas. Continuing this family tradition, her parents later founded Aarian Woods, one of Guwahati’s early boutique resorts, further strengthening their association with hospitality.

After relocating to Hyderabad in 2019, Dr. Alpaxee found herself longing for the familiar flavours and comforting dishes of Assam. With limited options for genuine Assamese cuisine in the city, she decided to create a space that could bring the tastes of her homeland closer to people. In 2025, Aakhol began as a small home-based kitchen, offering freshly prepared Assamese meals through a pre-order model.

The initiative quickly gained popularity, attracting not only members of the Assamese community but also Hyderabad’s wider food-loving audience eager to explore authentic regional cuisine. Encouraged by the growing response and demand, Dr. Alpaxee and Akhil transformed their home kitchen concept into a full-scale restaurant, creating Aakhol as a dedicated destination for Assamese food and culture.

“When I moved to Hyderabad, I realised I missed more than just the food—I missed the feeling of home. 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,” says Dr. Alpaxee Kashyap, Founder, Aakhol.

Remaining deeply connected to its Assamese heritage, Aakhol chooses authenticity over adaptation by presenting traditional recipes exactly as they have been prepared for generations. Rather than modifying flavours to match local preferences, the restaurant highlights the natural beauty of Assamese cuisine through fresh ingredients, gentle seasoning and time-honoured cooking methods. The use of mustard oil, green chillies and locally grown seasonal produce creates a balanced dining experience where every ingredient contributes to the dish without hiding its original character, offering guests a unique alternative to the familiar flavours found in many Indian restaurants.

The menu features a carefully selected collection of Assamese specialities, including Bamboo Shoot Fish, classic pork and chicken delicacies, and specially prepared Assamese thalis that bring together a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. These offerings provide guests with an authentic introduction to the region’s culinary traditions. Key ingredients such as bamboo shoots, xoru aloo and kaji nemu, Assam’s distinctive aromatic lemon, are brought directly from Guwahati to maintain their genuine taste and regional identity. Diners can also enjoy traditional accompaniments like dali bota, fish chutney and sesame chutney, while adventurous food lovers can add the intensely spicy bhoot jolokia achaar to their meal.

The culinary journey concludes with a selection of classic Assamese sweets, including White Payokh, Black Payokh and Pati-Sapta Pitha. Each dessert reflects the same values that define the restaurant’s menu—simplicity, harmony and respect for authentic flavours.

Aakhol is designed as more than just a restaurant; it is a cultural journey that allows guests to experience the traditions, stories and lifestyle of Assam beyond its flavours. Every element of the space reflects a deep connection with Assamese heritage, creating an atmosphere that feels warm, familiar and rooted in tradition. The restaurant’s interior takes inspiration from the ancestral home of Dr. Alpaxee’s grandmother in Bharalu, Guwahati, capturing the simplicity, comfort and emotional warmth of a traditional Assamese household.

The thoughtfully designed space combines heritage elements with contemporary touches to create a unique dining environment. Guests can explore a handcrafted décor wall that showcases artistic details inspired by Assam’s culture, while a dedicated heritage wall shares the family’s journey and the inspiration behind Aakhol’s creation. These elements transform the restaurant into a place where visitors can understand the stories and memories that shape Assamese identity.

Adding to the cultural experience, Aakhol features a carefully curated library that celebrates Assam’s rich literary and culinary traditions. The collection includes contemporary Assamese literature along with books that highlight the region’s history, food practices and cultural heritage. This space encourages guests to discover more about Assam while enjoying an authentic dining experience.

The founders of Aakhol envision the restaurant as a bridge connecting Hyderabad with the heart of Assam. Their mission goes beyond serving traditional dishes; they aim to introduce guests to Assam’s customs, values and the welcoming spirit of its people. Each meal is designed to create a deeper connection with the region, allowing diners to experience not only authentic Assamese flavours but also the emotions, traditions and stories behind them.

Through its carefully crafted cuisine, meaningful design and commitment to preserving heritage, Aakhol offers guests a memorable experience that celebrates Assam’s identity. It brings the essence of Assamese hospitality to Hyderabad, where every visit becomes a journey through the culture, history and traditions of the Northeast.