With smartphones, streaming platforms and online games becoming a regular part of childhood, opportunities for children to simply play and spend time with friends outside the classroom have become fewer. As families look beyond conventional outings such as malls and movie theatres, interactive experiences centred on play and imagination are gradually finding a place in India’s evolving family entertainment landscape.
One such experience has now arrived in Hyderabad. For millions of children who have grown up watching Chhota Bheem, the world of Dholakpur is no longer confined to the television screen. India’s first Chhota Bheem Café has opened in Jubilee Hills, bringing the animated village to life through themed dining, play areas and interactive experiences. The café has been launched by Green Gold Animation in partnership with EBG Group.
Designed as more than just a café, the space brings together food, play and learning through the world of Chhota Bheem, Chutki, Raju, Jaggu and other beloved characters. Along with themed dining, families can shop for exclusive merchandise, celebrate birthdays and take part in activities designed for children throughout the year. The café also offers Junior Chef Quest, a supervised cooking programme where children can prepare simple dishes while learning basic culinary skills, creativity and teamwork.
Beyond entertainment, the concept also reflects a growing focus on children’s nutrition. While the café primarily caters to school-going children, recent National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) data highlights the continuing need to encourage healthier eating habits from an early age. The survey found that only 15.3% of children aged 6 to 23 months receive an adequate diet, up from 11% in NFHS-5.
A Menu Packed with Power Laddoos and DIY Pizzas:
- DIY Character Pizza – Children can create their own pizza as part of the Explorer Path.
- Chutki’s Millet Paneer Nuggets – A healthier take on a popular snack, made with millets.
- Dholakpur Multi-Millet Rainbow Pasta – Made with ragi, bajra and jowar.
- Bheem’s Seeds Power Laddoo – Made with seeds and jaggery, inspired by Chhota Bheem’s iconic laddoos.
- Bheem’s Banana-Choco Power Shake – Prepared with bananas, dark cocoa and dates milk.
- The Dholakpur Skillet Cookie – Made with oat flour and jaggery instead of refined sugar.
The brand is also extending its nutrition initiative through a healthy Bento Box subscription service, offering balanced breakfast and lunch options for school-going children.
“Giving Chhota Bheem a home beyond television, the café invites children to step into the world of Dholakpur and interact with the characters they have grown up watching. At a time when many children are dealing with academic pressure, bullying and the growing influence of screens, we have also introduced a dedicated ‘Talk with Bheem’ corner, where they can have casual conversations with their favourite character in a relaxed setting. It’s all about creating a space where children can feel heard, happy and connected through food, play and storytelling,” said Rajiv Chilaka, Founder and CEO of Green Gold Animation.
Meanwhile, Dr. Irfan Khan, Founder and Chairman of EBG Group, said, “Families today are looking for destinations that offer more than just dining. Through the Chhota Bheem Café, we wanted to create a space where children can enjoy healthy food, play, learning and quality time with their families under one roof. From South Indian and North Indian favourites to Italian-inspired dishes, the menu has been thoughtfully curated to give children a wide variety of nutritious meals without compromising on taste.”
The Jubilee Hills outlet is the first of a larger rollout, with a bigger second café planned in Hyderabad’s Hitech City. Green Gold Animation and EBG Group plan to invest Rs 50 crore to open 25 Chhota Bheem Cafés across major Tier-I cities in the first year before expanding through a franchise-led model. The partners aim to scale the network to 50 outlets over the next three years.
Future phases of the Chhota Bheem Café will introduce digital experiences, workshops, storytelling sessions and themed events, extending family engagement beyond the café walls. The expansion is expected to create over 500 direct and indirect jobs across hospitality and operations. Each outlet will continue to follow FSSAI standards with a focus on safe and sustainable practices.
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