Last Updated on May 16, 2016 by hungryoungwoman
I won’t start by answering the question right away, but rather, let you decide.
A group of bloggers and me were invited to the preview of Farzi Cafe a couple of weeks ago. This was before it opened its doors to the public on 30th March. The event was conducted by the founders of FoodeMag – Ishita Saha and Debbie Rogers.
Farzi Cafe is located in the newly opened section of Citywalk known as Phase 2 alongside a throng of restaurants that have opened at the venue. The event started with a talk from the mastermind behind this venture; Mr. Zorawar Kalra. This happened while the servers went about handing us their Dal Chawal Arancini and Masala Cottage Cheese with parmesan and black pepper tart.
Farzi Cafe is a modern take on traditional Indian cuisine using molecular gastronomy. Most of their dishes are presented uniquely which provide a beautiful sight. Dinner and a live show, yes, please.
And then, we settled down for our meal:
- Amuse Bouche – Mishti Doi
This is a must have! Presented to us was a bowl of Mishti Doi shots! These little bowls contained a rather well known sweet yogurt and berry compote which explodes in your mouth. (Click to watch video here)
- Ananas Orbits
A Pina Colada in other words. The glass is inspired by a cat’s structure so there is ease in having the coconut infused caviar with the drink.
- Dal Chawal Arancini
Dal Chawal, a common dish in India has taken a new form at Farzi Cafe by fusing it with Arancini, an Italian dish stuffed with rice. Unsurprisingly, this tastes as good as it looks. The pappad on top with pickles added a nice touch. The traditional taste is not compromised like how I thought it would. One of my favorites among the other dishes.
- Farzi SM-OK
Order this and you’ll have heads turning! A rather tall glass with a bubbling drink made of vanilla and lemon leaves. The natural tea flavour remains but with a berry taste added to it.
- #Farzi Sangria
- Tangy Chaat Puff, Crispy Okra Salad, Chutney Foam
A typical Raj Kachori that you have on the streets but presented Farzi Style WITH a Crispy Okra Salad ( I fell in love with this) A crispy puff that has to be cracked open to devour a mixture of tangy yoghurt and chutneys. Accompanied with foam that tasted like lemon and a little spice and an airy texture.
- Deconstructed Shepherd’s Pie
Farzi Cafe won me over and over again with its innovative dishes. Here we have a Deconstructed Shepherd’s Pie that consisted of roasted potatoes, pieces of Wagyu beef, and beetroot crisps all on a bed of mashed potatoes. The moon platter was definitely something I’d try again.
- Tempura Fried Prawns
We’re all familiar with tempura prawns that are available almost everywhere in Dubai. These are classic prawns that are plated with lemon and chilli foam. Not as crispy as I expected, but good nonetheless.
- Classic Galouti Burger
This came in a red box with two meat sliders. The patty used inside is like a puree of meat seared on a pan and caramelized onions. Served with potato wedges. This seemed like an ordinary dish and failed to impress me.
- Flaky Bread Enchiladas, Roast Vegetable Khurma, Malagai Podi
- Pan Seared Scallops, Peanut Butter Glaze, Nutcracker Kachumbar
- Burmese Khaose
This dish originates from Burma and is served with rice, curry, and crisps. A DIY dish that allows you to add the ingredients as you please. Due to the excess of coconut in the curry, it was a little off for me.
- Malabar Parotta with Mutton Pepper Fry
Another common dish served best on the streetside restaurants in Old Dubai. After the very creative dishes served to us before, this simple one seemed to fall flat on the basis of presentation. But worked well in terms of taste.
- Shiitake Slider
- Ras Malai Tres Leches, Carrot Cream, Rose Petal Net
Ras Malai: A type of soft spongy cake served in a saffron pistachio infused milk.
Tres Leches: A soft cake made with three types of milk; condensed, evaporated and heavy cream.
Why hasn’t anyone thought of combining these two? Technically the same, but bear slight differences, Farzi serves this dish with a Carrot Rabdi and Rose Net. Many might feel that there is a lot happening here, which was my initial thought. But gladly, I was wrong and this dish impressed me the most. You can taste the carrot cream with the soft ras malai and it’s oh so delicious that you won’t stop with just a bite. The net too provides its own subtle flavor of rose which makes this the best dish of the night!
- Warm Semolina and Banana Syrup Cake, Saffron & Pistachio Ice Cream.
Just realized how much we tried after listing down what seems like an entire menu itself. There’s more on the actual menu, though, a list that is bound to please all types of food lovers.
Speaking to Mr. Kalra, you can see how much thought and effort has gone behind creating this masterpiece. The branch is its third after the first two located in Gurgaon and Delhi. And this is not the end for Mr. Kalra who plans to open two more branches in South India shortly.
If I’m going back? Already planning my next visit! My favorites are mentioned in bold above. 😀
Until then, happy eating! xx
Wow!!! their presentation is so amazing!!! Lovely post!
Thank you!