Needhi Gattani
Who says emojis only belong on screens? Arena at Taj Deccan, Hyderabad, brought the digital world to the dining table with a joyful, flavour-packed celebration titled “Smiley Sunday.” In honour of World Emoji Day, the brunch transformed into a vibrant playground of colours, creativity, and culinary artistry—where food smiled back at you, quite literally.
From handcrafted chocolate emojis to edible expressions of joy, every dish was designed to spark delight. With a mix of global cuisines, indulgent desserts, and interactive experiences, it wasn’t just a brunch—it was a heartwarming celebration of mood, taste, and memory. A feast for the senses, Smiley Sunday gave guests a chance to eat, laugh, create, and connect—all with a smile.
Naturally, I started with the dessert section—not just because I’m someone who always loves to begin with dessert, but honestly, because it felt like the heart of the celebration. Each dessert was beautifully crafted, carrying its own personality—bright, cheerful, and perfectly in sync with the emoji theme. The handmade chocolate emojis, topped with vibrant garnishes, brought a playful sense of joy to the display.
Let’s talk about the treats I sampled, beginning with the Emoji Chocolate Mousse—a classic done right. Rich, smooth, and indulgent, it was topped with a playful emoji that made it just as fun as it was flavourful. Then came the Strawberry Sago—visually stunning in a soft pink hue. This one blended coconut milk with strawberry flavour for a tropical touch. However, the sago pearls didn’t quite deliver—the texture lacked the chewy bite you expect and crumbled a bit too easily.
The real showstopper? Mango Summer Temptation—a beautifully layered dessert with curd, milk, and condensed milk at the base, topped with vanilla crumble, lemon curd, and a generous dollop of mascarpone cream. Finished with a sprig of mint, this one was both vibrant and refreshing in taste and presentation.
Next, the Matcha and Raspberry Chantilly—a delicately layered dessert with matcha chantilly and raspberry jelly. While the raspberry was bright and sweet, the matcha was too subtle and lost its punch, though it looked incredibly elegant.
And finally, the surprise standout—Orange and Chocolate Glass. Oh sweet fairy, this dessert hit all the right notes. A rich, creamy base infused with dehydrated orange zest, topped with decadent Callebaut chocolate. The citrusy surprise lingered on the palate long after the final spoonful. Smooth, luscious, and deeply satisfying.
You can never go wrong with Indian sweets—and here, they were not just delicious but stunning to look at. Staying true to the emoji theme, a vast spread of beautifully presented mithais delighted both the eyes and the taste buds. From Kesari Kheer, Kalakand, Rasmadhuri, Kesari Peda, Mohan Bhog, Chocolate Sandesh, Kaju Katli, and many more—each sweet looked like it belonged in an art gallery. Rich, rooted in tradition, and perfect for the celebratory mood.
The main course spread was just as spectacular. From live counters to refreshing coolers, the brunch showcased a wonderfully curated selection across a variety of cuisines—Continental, Modern Indian, Mughlai, North Indian, Chinese, South Indian, and of course, the ever-loved Hyderabadi. There was something for everyone. A special shout-out to the thoughtful balance between vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes—every detail was inclusive and well-planned.
This brunch wasn’t just about what you ate—it was about the experience. Guests were invited to engage creatively through a dedicated art section where they could draw and paint while enjoying their meal. An on-site artist created personalized name calligraphy, adding a beautiful keepsake element to the day. To top it off, instant photo prints captured happy moments from the brunch—souvenirs of a joyful and flavour-packed afternoon.
The ambience truly tied everything together. Set beside a calming water fountain under a semi-open roof structure that evoked the charm of old courtyard homes, the space was bathed in gentle natural light—warm, soothing, and perfect for a leisurely Sunday brunch. The service, as expected, was flawless—attentive and full of smiles.
