The Farzi Cafe Experience - Molecular Gastronomy at its Peak

Imagine a new fine-dining property that claims to bring the Indian cuisine back in vogue. With a name like Farzi Cafe, the restaurant seems ready to throw caution to the wind.

Not knowing what to expect though, I decided to check out the newly opened modern Indian bistro in Connaught Place, New Delhi, last week. As a food blogger, I needed to figure out what the buzz was all about!

Bar at the Farzi Cafe

The first thing you'll notice about the place is its eclectic decor. Stunning to say the least, this restaurant has been designed keeping in mind the gourmet diners as well as the young, sassy crowd of Delhi. 

Stunning decor at the Farzi Cafe

Green moss adorns the walls beautifully, rendering an earthy feel. I also liked the massive Edwardian furniture and windows that makes the debutante a league apart from the rest. To accentuate the feel-good factor, they've constructed a bar right in the middle of the restaurant, complimenting with basket-style lighting neon bulbs.

Basket-style lighting neon bulbs

As soon as you enter the premises, there is an element of high energy that surrounds you. The place is well lit and airy, making it perfect for get together or parties. You can even think of hosting small-scale events here since the 4,700 square feet restaurant can easily accommodate close to 130 people at any given time. (FYI, the most famous Indian rapper of our times, Raftaar, performed at the Farzi Cafe CP on January 30 this year).

Drum kit at the Farzi Cafe

When all is said and done, Farzi Cafe truly endeavors to be different in terms of aesthetics. None of this would've made sense anyway if their food or service was not up to the mark!

Farzi Cafe impresses in terms of aesthetics

Minutes later, I was introduced to Chef Gaurav Chawla, who has been associated with the brand since July last year. Gaurav has worked for reputed hotels such as the Dusit Devarana and Hilton, and knows the Tapas style menu like the back of his hand.

To showcase a unique, modernist approach to Indian cuisine, Chef Gaurav took us through a culinary journey starting from a wide array of cocktails and appetizers to match with to a delectable main course with desserts that surprised the palate like never before. 

Mocktails

Farzi OK 

[My Rating: 4 out of 5]

A concoction of fresh oranges, kaffir lime, and lemon juice, this juicy mocktail was served in a Jar shaped glass with handle (resembling the classic American Mason jar).

Farzi OK 

Litchi Panna Desire 

[My Rating: 3.5 out of 5]

A signature mocktail at Farzi Cafe, this one is made of raw mango pulp, kaffir lime, lemon, and litchi juice.

Litchi Panna Desire

Strawberry Lemonade

[My Rating: 5 out of 5]

Made of fresh strawberries and lemon chunks, this lemonade scores high on the presentation; a drink you'd want to relish all seasons.

Strawberry Lemonade

Cocktails

Santa Banta

[My Rating: 4 out of 5]

Basically a screwdriver (cocktail made out of vodka and orange juice) with kaffir lime and vanilla essence packed into a legendary Banta bottle.

Santa Banta

Farzi Apple Foamintini

[My Rating: 5 out of 5]

Containing fresh green apple extracts, elderflower syrup, and mint foam, this appletini scores on theatrics courtesy liquid nitrogen. 

Farzi Apple Foamintini - Before

Farzi Apple Foamintini - After

Welcome Shot

Misti Dahi

[My Rating: 5 out of 5]

See Molecular Gastronomy in full view, as this welcome shot made from Sodium Alginate and Calcium Salt tingles before bursting in your mouth.

Misti Dahi

Appetizers

Dal Chawal Arancini

[My Rating: 4.5 out of 5]

Arancini is Italian for deep-fried stuffed rice balls. Replace the mozzarella and ragu with Arhar Dal Chawal and top it with achaar, papadum, and green mint chutney - and voila, a near perfect appetizer is ready to be savored.

Dal Chawal Arancini

Chili Duck Samosa

[My Rating: 3.5 out of 5] 

The whole idea of creating an illusion with cuisine comes to light with this unique chili dumpling. I was gobsmacked to learn that the samosa had minced duck instead of the usual potato filling. And boy, it tastes really good with plum chutney.

Chili Duck Samosa

Mac and Cheese Pakora Bites 

[My Rating: 3.5 out of 5]

The thing about these pakoras is that they taste absolutely best when served hot and deep fried. You'll gorge on these macaroni and cheese balls that use Panko, a Japanese style breadcrumb for outer coating.

Mac and Cheese Pakora Bites 

Mini Raj Kachori 

[My Rating: 5 out of 5]

It is hard to imagine a chaat made of okra salad but the Mini Raj Kachori manages to create an exotic flavor that tastes magical when combined with meethi chutney disguised as foam.

Mini Raj Kachori 

Tempura Fried Prawns 

[My Rating: 5 out of 5]

What happens when deep-fried prawns are layered with a spicy tangy sauce and served with Nimbu Mirchi Foam? Nothing short of pure magic!

Tempura Fried Prawns 

Delhi Belly Tikka 

[My Rating: 4 out of 5]

Talk of experimentation and this is the dish worth dying for. Served on a mini open grill, these barbequed pork tikkas are glazed with Murraba chutney and topped with roasted russet apple, lending the perfect flavor for your taste buds.

Delhi Belly Tikka

[PS] I also loved the Beef Patthar Ke Kebab and Keema Kulcha, which were served as part of the offering. Just before the mains, I was made to taste the Khandvi Spheres which combines the goodness of jaggery with curry leaves, serving the useful purpose of cleansing the palate.

Beef Patthar Ke Kebab

Keema Kulcha

Khandvi Spheres

Mains 

Hoppers

[My Rating: 5 out of 5]

Craving for some street food from coastal India? Farzi Cafe offers the best fusion food from every nook and cranny of South India, categorizing them under 'Hoppers' - be it the Asparagus and Water Chestnut Korma, Malaya Prawns with Sri Lankan Hoppers, Prawn Chettinad, or Mutton Irachi with Malabari Paratha.

Asparagus and Water Chestnut Korma with fresh coconut appam served with spicy green chili and tomato chutney

Mutton Irachi with Malabari Paratha

Prawn Chettinad

  

Chicken Tikka Masala

[My Rating: 5 out of 5]

For a change, the Chicken Tikka Masala was served with Cheese, not Butter Naan.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Desserts

The folks at Farzi Cafe truly saved the best for last.

Milky Way Big Bang

[My Rating: 5 out of 5]

Leveraging on the prowess of liquid nitrogen plus nine assorted chocolates, nuts, caramel fudge, and sauces, this unique dessert succeeds in transporting you to the make-believe world of a galaxy containing the solar system followed by the cosmic explosion that is hypothesized to have marked the origin of the universe. The preparation is done right in front of your eyes by freezing flavored milk and breaking the same into pieces. Pour milk custard all over and then wait for the magic unfold.

Milky Way Big Bang

The other fun options are Rasmalai with Carrot Flower (a gluten-free dessert), Farzi Pan Bhujiya (cotton candy version of a traditional paan), White Chocolate Rabri, Chocolate Dirt Pile, and Fudge Brownie.

Rasmalai with Carrot Flower

Farzi Pan Bhujiya

So there, how do I best describe my Farzi Cafe experience? It is truly an amalgamation of traditional Indian and global classics with table theatrics. The Indian influences are apparent yet there is something unique about the contemporary presentations and culinary styles.



Farzi Café takes molecular gastronomy at its peak, creating an experience which is second to none.