A new chapter in Hyderabad’s dining and cocktail culture begins with the arrival of MOAI, a striking 24,000-square-foot restobar. Opening to the public on 28th March 2025, MOAI is shaped by elemental influences fire, stone, and time drawing inspiration from the Moai statues of Easter Island. The space reflects ideas of guardianship, strength, and the intersection of heritage with contemporary expression.
The culinary approach focuses on purity, depth of flavor, and respect for natural ingredients. The menu draws from both global and local influences, presented in a setting that reflects its connection to the natural world.
Filling a Crucial Gap in Hyderabad’s Hospitality Landscape
MOAI culinary philosophy embraces bold, unembellished flavors. The bar complements this with drinks crafted from ferments, smoke, and foraged botanicals, blending global influences with a distinct local touch.
A Culinary Narrative by Chef Mohib Farooqui
The menu at MOAI is crafted by Michelin-trained Chef Mohib Farooqui. With over two decades of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens in Australia and Denmark, Mohib blends tradition with innovation.
A Select Few Dishes with a Nod to Hyderabad’s Culinary Heritage
“We’ve stripped away the excess to focus on what really matters—flavour, texture, and a deep respect for ingredients. Every dish at MOAI is crafted to evoke familiarity while sparking curiosity, making the experience both personal and unexpected,” expresses Mohib Farooqui, Executive Chef, MOAI.
Joining him, Chef Parampreet Luthra brings his own expertise to the table, curating a selection of dishes that balance regional influences with contemporary interpretations. Together, their menus create an experience that is deeply rooted yet refreshingly modern.
The Alchemy of Cocktails: Local Ingredients, Global Vision
MOAI’s cocktail programme is a bold expression of “Local Alchemy. Global Spirit.” Created by renowned mixologists Claudio Caprio (Barcelona) and Saurav Samanta (India), the menu explores smoke, ferments, wild botanicals, and hyper-local infusions, blending global influences with local ingredients.
Claudio, with a career spanning five countries, refines his craft in Barcelona, focusing on innovative and premium cocktail experiences. Saurav, an award-winning mixologist, has shaped India’s cocktail culture, bringing his expertise from acclaimed bars across the country.
Describing the cocktail menu concept of MOAI, Head Mixologist Claudio Caprio says, “Forget the ordinary. We take classic cocktails and infuse them with the wild, untamed essence of our home. This menu is a love letter to our region—written in bold flavours, unexpected twists, and a touch of the extraordinary.”
An Oasis of Tranquillity and Artful Design
Designed as a 400-seater retreat, MOAI blurs the line between indoor and outdoor, offering an open-air escape in the heart of Hyderabad. Inspired by tropical landscapes and organic forms, the space features quarry-cut stone walls, natural granite flooring, lush greenery, and water elements, creating a tranquil haven.
Towering 15-foot Moai sculptures serve as silent guardians, embodying the venue’s ethos of strength, legacy, and artistic expression. A 360-degree stone bar acts as a communal hub, encouraging interaction and shared experiences, while floor-to-ceiling glass ensures that even inside, MOAI remains an extension of nature.
