In this blog post, I cover Cafe Tesu, a boutique cafe in South Delhi that marries the wonderful worlds of food, coffee, art, and imagination.
The best part of living in a city like Delhi is that the culinary scene is vibrant and exciting. When it comes to fine food, Delhi people are always hungry for good recommendations. Suffice to say, one thing that always remains in vogue here is gastronomy!
Despite being a city with a large concentration of standalones and hotels, Delhi suffers from the paradox of plenty. An abundance of talent but just a handful of memorable cafes.
The problem, the way I see it, is that most restaurateurs try to focus on appeasing the customer by going over the top. Look at the amount of money spent on launch parties alone. It isn't a question about restraint per se, but since everyone around you seems to be spending uncontrollably, restaurateurs have no choice but to give in!
Restaurateurs, especially those with deep pockets, get a feeling of explosive joy by splurging on PR and marketing when all they should be doing is focus on the quality of their offering. IMHO a restaurant that resonates long-term with customers focuses on their needs closely.
In this respect, I find Cafe Tesu remarkably unique and super lit. With an artistically done decor that infuses a new lease of life, the cafe shares with us its beautiful journey of beans and food.
Named after the popular Tesu flower, which is considered the flame of the forest in Central and Western India, this cafe is born out of a desire of combining the wonderful worlds of food, coffee, art, and imagination.
The brainchild of young entrepreneur Dhruv Anand Goyle, Cafe Tesu began as a simple idea of a relaxed, casual, earthy cafe, quickly transformed into a more collaborative offspring; a space for co-existence, where you work in harmony with those best at what they do.
Located at the entrance of Essex Farms, Aurobindo Marg, the cafe offers a quaint lil space with over 50 covers. It's the kind of place you always romanticized; adding to the cafe's allure is its striking blue facade and the heavenly wafts of fresh coffee in the air.
Setting the tone for what lies within is the near-perfect decor of Cafe Tesu, which replaces the slightly stiff cafe culture that has come to be a norm. With a striking resemblance to the insanely beautiful island of Santorini (Greece), the interiors offer a breath of fresh air, accentuated by the warm pastel tones and floral hints in the furnishing.
The decor is best exemplified by scene-stealing trumpets chandelier adorning the ceiling and overlooking the vibrant space below. The art nouveau backdrop within, ethereal luminosity, and contemporary setting, together, render a simplicity that is both sophisticated and opulent.
The cafe's design tells a more ornate story with three-arched walls hued in pastel pinks and blues, featuring homegrown artwork and enveloping the space in an expressionist vibe full of energy and passion. Innumerable windows across the cafe send daylight bouncing across the intricately patterned mosaic flooring, while the chic modern furniture and pendant lights provide a classic edge to space.
The globe-spanning menu at Cafe Tesu is another highlight, with a deep repertoire of dishes that leave a lasting impression. Bringing alive the organic remnants of an artisanal cuisine, Cafe Tesu impresses from the word go!
The entire menu brims with wholesome and shareable offerings made with both homegrown and handpicked ingredients.
Redefining the art of quintessential morning breakfast, the team has crafted a deliciously on-point menu for early birds. Start your epicurean journey with the Fresh Fruit Granola Parfait or the all-star French Toast made with Custard Batter.
Try the extravagant egg selection, including scrumptious omelets, skillets, and scrambles. Late risers won't have to worry about missing out since the all-day breakfast menu can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Health aficionados must explore the wide selection of salads, which are equal parts delicious and nutritious. My favorites include the Slow Poached Pear with Greek Feta, Quinoa Spring, and Prawn Avocado Mango.
The all-day menu at Cafe Tesu also boasts of signatures, including the family-style Tart Platter with different kinds of cheese, Baby Back Pork Ribs, Parma Ham Wrapped Chicken, and the Crab Meat Sushi Roll (from the Sushi Bar).
If you like pasta, go for the Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Ravioli (a.k.a. Torteloni) or Spaghetti Cefalu with prawns. For those who can't survive without their burgers, go all out with the indulgent and hearty Coq Au Vin Burger and Lamb Bourguignon Burger.
Dessert lovers can explore baked goodness in all its delectable forms, courtesy Chef Sahil Mehta.
Have your fill of sweet with classic French confections, pastries, and cakes.
Diners with a big sweet tooth should order the classic Tesu Tiramisu and Chocolate Éclair. And by the way, don't forget the macaroons and croissants, fresh from Deli, made for a perfect quick-bite.
Looking beyond your plate to what's brewing in your cup, the coffee and tea menus shine a spotlight on two of the country's best. Using India's delicious beans for its brews, the cafe provides a powerful and provocative voice for Indian coffee. Those in search of an expertly brewed cup or wanting to explore the world of beans should look no further than the specialty coffee menu curated by DEVI.
For the uninitiated, Indian coffees are now amongst the finest in the world, and DEVI has brought their award-winning selection to Cafe Tesu. The DEVI offering includes rare barrel-aged and naturally flavored coffees.
Try the espresso-based home blend the way you like it! Go for specialty coffees, brewed either with the French Press or using the pour-over technique.
My recommendations include the DEVI Monsooned Malabar, DEVI Kaapi Royale, DEVI Wayanad Robusta Organic, DEVI Ivory Coast Mocha Coffee, and DEVI Old Rum Barrel Coffee.
Cafe Tesu's menu also offers three kinds of cold brew that will be served throughout the season. Choose from a variety of the Madagascar Vanilla, Baba Budangiri, or Cascara Cold Brew and pair with some scrumptious bagels, croissants, and sandwiches.
One of the most exquisite Indian tea producers, Anandini Himalaya Teas, has developed a consumer-friendly palate with an international twist, all the while staying true to its roots of being natural, pure, and real.
From a selection of festive blends like the Tesu flower blend in the Sunshine Waltz to the deliciously Indian touch in the bespoke infusion of Saat Raas Masala Chai, savor inspiring, handcrafted blends infused with real Himalayan herbs, flowers, fruits, and delectable spices from South India and beyond. There is also a limited selection of White Tea on offer that tea enthusiasts must give a try.
Staying true to the very culture of artisanal cafes, Cafe Tesu endeavors to be a gathering spot for community, conversation, and collaboration.
The genesis of Cafe Tesu is that people walk in not only for the food but also for the experience. And within the warm and artsy interiors of its abode where you can linger for hours at a stretch, lies a beautiful backdrop for an intimate and inspiring culinary experience.
[Address - Essex Farms, 4, Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi - 110016
Numbers - +91-9873704704, 011-41681818]
The best part of living in a city like Delhi is that the culinary scene is vibrant and exciting. When it comes to fine food, Delhi people are always hungry for good recommendations. Suffice to say, one thing that always remains in vogue here is gastronomy!
Despite being a city with a large concentration of standalones and hotels, Delhi suffers from the paradox of plenty. An abundance of talent but just a handful of memorable cafes.
The problem, the way I see it, is that most restaurateurs try to focus on appeasing the customer by going over the top. Look at the amount of money spent on launch parties alone. It isn't a question about restraint per se, but since everyone around you seems to be spending uncontrollably, restaurateurs have no choice but to give in!
Restaurateurs, especially those with deep pockets, get a feeling of explosive joy by splurging on PR and marketing when all they should be doing is focus on the quality of their offering. IMHO a restaurant that resonates long-term with customers focuses on their needs closely.
In this respect, I find Cafe Tesu remarkably unique and super lit. With an artistically done decor that infuses a new lease of life, the cafe shares with us its beautiful journey of beans and food.
 |
| Cafe Tesu |
Named after the popular Tesu flower, which is considered the flame of the forest in Central and Western India, this cafe is born out of a desire of combining the wonderful worlds of food, coffee, art, and imagination.
 |
| Coffee at Cafe Tesu |
The brainchild of young entrepreneur Dhruv Anand Goyle, Cafe Tesu began as a simple idea of a relaxed, casual, earthy cafe, quickly transformed into a more collaborative offspring; a space for co-existence, where you work in harmony with those best at what they do.
 |
| Dhruv Anand Goyle |
Located at the entrance of Essex Farms, Aurobindo Marg, the cafe offers a quaint lil space with over 50 covers. It's the kind of place you always romanticized; adding to the cafe's allure is its striking blue facade and the heavenly wafts of fresh coffee in the air.
 |
| Cafe Tesu |
 |
| Cafe Tesu |
 |
| Cafe Tesu |
Setting the tone for what lies within is the near-perfect decor of Cafe Tesu, which replaces the slightly stiff cafe culture that has come to be a norm. With a striking resemblance to the insanely beautiful island of Santorini (Greece), the interiors offer a breath of fresh air, accentuated by the warm pastel tones and floral hints in the furnishing.
The decor is best exemplified by scene-stealing trumpets chandelier adorning the ceiling and overlooking the vibrant space below. The art nouveau backdrop within, ethereal luminosity, and contemporary setting, together, render a simplicity that is both sophisticated and opulent.
The cafe's design tells a more ornate story with three-arched walls hued in pastel pinks and blues, featuring homegrown artwork and enveloping the space in an expressionist vibe full of energy and passion. Innumerable windows across the cafe send daylight bouncing across the intricately patterned mosaic flooring, while the chic modern furniture and pendant lights provide a classic edge to space.
The globe-spanning menu at Cafe Tesu is another highlight, with a deep repertoire of dishes that leave a lasting impression. Bringing alive the organic remnants of an artisanal cuisine, Cafe Tesu impresses from the word go!
 |
| Glazed New Zealand Lamb Chops |
 |
| Liban Salad |
Redefining the art of quintessential morning breakfast, the team has crafted a deliciously on-point menu for early birds. Start your epicurean journey with the Fresh Fruit Granola Parfait or the all-star French Toast made with Custard Batter.
Try the extravagant egg selection, including scrumptious omelets, skillets, and scrambles. Late risers won't have to worry about missing out since the all-day breakfast menu can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
 |
| All-day Breakfast Menu |
Health aficionados must explore the wide selection of salads, which are equal parts delicious and nutritious. My favorites include the Slow Poached Pear with Greek Feta, Quinoa Spring, and Prawn Avocado Mango.
The all-day menu at Cafe Tesu also boasts of signatures, including the family-style Tart Platter with different kinds of cheese, Baby Back Pork Ribs, Parma Ham Wrapped Chicken, and the Crab Meat Sushi Roll (from the Sushi Bar).
If you like pasta, go for the Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Ravioli (a.k.a. Torteloni) or Spaghetti Cefalu with prawns. For those who can't survive without their burgers, go all out with the indulgent and hearty Coq Au Vin Burger and Lamb Bourguignon Burger.
 |
| Torteloni |
Dessert lovers can explore baked goodness in all its delectable forms, courtesy Chef Sahil Mehta.
 |
| Speciality Desserts Menu curated by Chef Sahil Mehta |
Have your fill of sweet with classic French confections, pastries, and cakes.
 |
| Blueberry Bread Pudding |
Diners with a big sweet tooth should order the classic Tesu Tiramisu and Chocolate Éclair. And by the way, don't forget the macaroons and croissants, fresh from Deli, made for a perfect quick-bite.
 |
| Croissants |
Looking beyond your plate to what's brewing in your cup, the coffee and tea menus shine a spotlight on two of the country's best. Using India's delicious beans for its brews, the cafe provides a powerful and provocative voice for Indian coffee. Those in search of an expertly brewed cup or wanting to explore the world of beans should look no further than the specialty coffee menu curated by DEVI.
 |
| DEVI Coffee |
For the uninitiated, Indian coffees are now amongst the finest in the world, and DEVI has brought their award-winning selection to Cafe Tesu. The DEVI offering includes rare barrel-aged and naturally flavored coffees.
 |
| DEVI Coffee |
Try the espresso-based home blend the way you like it! Go for specialty coffees, brewed either with the French Press or using the pour-over technique.
 |
| DEVI Coffee |
My recommendations include the DEVI Monsooned Malabar, DEVI Kaapi Royale, DEVI Wayanad Robusta Organic, DEVI Ivory Coast Mocha Coffee, and DEVI Old Rum Barrel Coffee.
 |
| DEVI Coffee |
Cafe Tesu's menu also offers three kinds of cold brew that will be served throughout the season. Choose from a variety of the Madagascar Vanilla, Baba Budangiri, or Cascara Cold Brew and pair with some scrumptious bagels, croissants, and sandwiches.
One of the most exquisite Indian tea producers, Anandini Himalaya Teas, has developed a consumer-friendly palate with an international twist, all the while staying true to its roots of being natural, pure, and real.
 |
| Tea (Courtesy: Anandini Himalaya Teas) |
From a selection of festive blends like the Tesu flower blend in the Sunshine Waltz to the deliciously Indian touch in the bespoke infusion of Saat Raas Masala Chai, savor inspiring, handcrafted blends infused with real Himalayan herbs, flowers, fruits, and delectable spices from South India and beyond. There is also a limited selection of White Tea on offer that tea enthusiasts must give a try.
Staying true to the very culture of artisanal cafes, Cafe Tesu endeavors to be a gathering spot for community, conversation, and collaboration.
 |
| Hot Chocolate |
The genesis of Cafe Tesu is that people walk in not only for the food but also for the experience. And within the warm and artsy interiors of its abode where you can linger for hours at a stretch, lies a beautiful backdrop for an intimate and inspiring culinary experience.
[Address - Essex Farms, 4, Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi - 110016
Numbers - +91-9873704704, 011-41681818]
Just as the clean and eye soothing decor, the cafe's menu is also quite neat and no-fuss.
ReplyDeleteWell said. I absolutely agree with you, Jhilmil.
DeleteWow cafe tesu looks like a simple yet elegant place to visit especially for the lamb chops. Yummy. I love sushi the best!
ReplyDeletewww.blogaberry.com
You're so right about the elegant decor ... Hope to see you at the cafe soon.
DeleteWhat a amazing restaurant! I am in love with the interior of this place. I would to visit this place for sure for their coffee and pizza. Thanks Rahul for reviewing about this cafe
ReplyDeleteThank you Sundeep and Beta. I'm surprised you haven't visited the cafe already!
DeleteThe interior of the cafe is very beautiful and the ambiance is welcoming . The food and drinks look very tempting.
ReplyDeleteCafe Tesu is hailed for its wonderful interiors. But it's the food that will truly surprise you this time!
DeleteCafe tesu sounds so much fun. The delicacies look super amazing. Thnks for sharing it. Will surely try
ReplyDeleteThanks Nadia for echoing my thoughts perfectly. Cafe Tesu is a must visit!
DeleteAmazing and beautiful post. Cafe Tesu is a hidden gem when it comes to great food. Good food, great coffee, refreshing tea and a sublime ambience. Great thoughts.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you've already been there. I'm glad that you also hold similar thoughts about the cafe.
DeleteThe lamb chops are to die for and so incredible is the bread pudding. Cafes like Tesu should be there on every corner of our country. How versatile!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely true. Versatility is perhaps the numero uno reason why the cafe has done so well!
Deletelooking awesome and natural. i love this type of place , where nature is prevailing all over. thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear that you appreciate the natural vibe of Cafe Tesu. It really is a special place where nature takes center stage, and I'm glad I could share it with you. If you have any other favorite nature spots or recommendations, I'd love to hear them!
Delete