If you thought ace fashion designer Varun Bahl is only about haute couture and making a bride feel like million bucks, then Cafe Fleur will prove you otherwise. After stunning fashionistas with his collections year on year, Bahl turned his attention to Delhi’s foodies, and we could not be happier. Here’s a review of Cafe Fleur that is adding a romantic charm to Mehrauli’s otherwise ever-pulsating atmosphere.
The Star Dish
As soon as I saw pictures of Cafe Fleur, I knew I had to go for brunch. I prefer my first meal of the day to be light and dominated by caffeine, so upon the chef’s recommendation, I went for the sea salt mocha. As a devoted black coffee drinker, a mocha in the morning was not my natural choice. But I must admit that a sip of it made me consider converting to it for good.
The problem with mocha elsewhere is the same: the ratio of chocolate to coffee is a hard one to master. However, that is what differentiates Cafe Fleur’s version from the rest. It is chocolatey but in the right measure so that the flavour of the coffee still reigns supreme. Meanwhile, the touch of sea salt cuts through the richness of both brilliantly, allowing a nice break in taste. Against my natural self, I found my hands reaching for the cup again and again. The most wonderful part of it all was how it didn’t make me feel guilty after, which has usually been the case every time I have had a mocha.
What’s More?
The menu has all the makings of an all-day café, with the list ranging from salads to sandwiches to a few main dishes, small plates and desserts. While I was told that summer blossom salad and prawn me please, a dish featuring tiger prawns on a slice of focaccia and a side of parsley salad with passion fruit and olive oil dressing, is a hit, my eye was caught by something even more interesting and unique: flaky pizza, referring to the crust that is made of filo pastry.
The category has five options, ranging from classic toppings like pepperoni to something quintessentially Delhi, such as butter chicken. I went for Blanca, which featured creamy potato, black pepper and a drizzle of truffle oil. The pizza, with the flaky and crispy crust and the creamy potato, was a total indulgent affair. While the aromatic herbs and the truffle oil added a punch of flavour to the creamy potatoes, the filo pastry crust gave the whole dish a good bite. Besides this, the menu also has enough well-curated options for weight watchers or conscious eaters.
We also tried the tiramisu, that came dusted generously with dark cocoa powder on top, giving it an authentic, rustic look. The mascarpone was perfectly whispy and the ladyfingers retained a whole lot of that particular coffee flavour. Their version is a great choice if you like your tiramisu to be on the sweeter side and the coffee liqueur to be subtle.
Drinks Menu
The drinks menu features a mix of comforting sips, crafted brews and smoothies packed with quality ingredients to get you in the mood for shopping around the Ambawatta Complex. I went for the sea salt mocha, which was very well-balanced and equally indulgent. They also have diverse vegan options across coffee-based drinks and smoothies. If you want to head here for lunch, but don’t want to pair it with coffee or a smoothie, you can opt for one of the drinks from their extensive list of iced teas and mocktails.
Vibe Check
Cafe Fleur, with its floral decor, furnishing and gold accents, has Varun Bahl written all over it. The space is right next to Bahl’s boutique in the Ambawatta Complex. Right as you enter, you will be greeted with a pistachio green coffee cart, which serves go-to coffee to visitors all day. Adjacent to it, you will spot an archway draped in the most gorgeous pink, white and red floral accents, with hints of green and gold here and there. The tables are set under the shade of flowers, making you forget all about the Delhi heat and instantly transporting you to an idyllic garden in Paris. Even though the seating is outside, you won’t feel the lack of air conditioning, with cooling machines set at perfect angles. In fact, it is one of those few places in Delhi where you can enjoy al fresco dining even during the day in summer months. Although it is a perfect place to catch a quiet moment with your book or take a break in between all the wedding shopping, we can’t recommend this place enough for a cute coffee date.
The Information
Address: Ambawatta One, Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi 110030
Timings: 11 am to 7.30 pm
Price for two: Approx. INR 1500