In the city of pearls rests a design gem unlike any other. Tansen, a beloved culinary landmark frequented by Hyderabad residents for 15 years, sheds its old skin to reveal striking Mughal-modern interiors. Brought to life by Ar. Anirudh Osuri of Design Epicenter, the 8,500 sq ft space features a contemporary interpretation of the era’s traditional architecture.
The restaurant resembles a deconstructed Charbagh garden. Complete with waterways snaking between the seating, expansive scale inspired by Mughal courts and gold inlays akin to a miniature painting, it tells a tale of a long-foregone era. Its rich architectural narrative nods to the power of experiential design.
Crafting Mughal-modern
Going beyond conventional design, Tansen stays true to a ‘disruptive’ design philosophy which views spaces as living, breathing environments. The grandeur of Mughal architecture has long captivated people across generations. Symmetrical with grand scale and volume, their distinctive design language undergoes a modern interpretation in Tansen.
The interiors have been crafted in close collaboration between the designers and the restauranteur Amar Ohri. Open, expansive ceilings and walls help instil a sense of grandeur in a modern context. The soothing sound of water trickling through the space adds to the experience, enhancing the restaurant’s visual and audial appeal.
An experience to remember
Curving, beige walls and expansive ceilings welcome visitors at the fore, intricate jali work decorating the facade. Swooping calligraphy cast in a reflective gold finish decorates the sombre walls. The expansive height draws eyes upwards at elaborate motifs covering the ceiling.
As you walk further inwards, pools of water extend into long waterways spread across the interiors. Mammoth pillars sport elaborate florals on the sides, painted in deep jewel tones. The seating area flaunts golden, reflective tables surrounded by armchairs upholstered with tone-on-tone baroque motifs.
Panels with engravings inspired by calligraphy illuminated in rich, golden light wrap an expansive counter further within. The light reflected off the trickling water creates an interplay of light and sound that is a true treat to behold. A hallway curves to the side, topped with crimson chandeliers that add to the space’s otherworldly appeal.
It’s all in the details
The sandy, lime-plastered walls curve and flip their way through the interiors. Surfaces and flooring inlaid with marble are a nod to Mughal architecture’s penchant for the material. Rich, stained-glass partitions add colour and character to the minimal interiors, merging craftsmanship with the contemporary.
Tansen sets a novel benchmark for culinary experiences in Hyderabad, imbued with a distinctive design language and experience a cut above the rest.
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