When Zorawar Kalra, MD and founder of Massive Restaurants, told us in July about Farzi Cafe Kolkata’s brand new menu with a twinkle in his eyes and excitement in his voice, we knew something special was coming! Cut to August, we dropped in to review the new menu exclusively and returned with a gamut of flavours lingering on our tastebuds.
The brand new F&B menu focuses from casual to luxury dining and has about 80 per cent new inclusions that target to tap the Indian diner with myriad flavours, besides some signatures that remain unchanged. “The new menu is a culmination of many months of hard work and is also an ensemble comprising the brand’s iconic dishes from around the world, including London and Canada. It has been made keeping in mind primarily the fun aspect that is the very essence of Farzi, so expect some added drama table-side,” said Zorawar.
The menu boasts of some luxurious ingredients that one can indulge in like gucchi, Japanese Yuzu, soft-shell crabs, truffle, salmon and more. “The new menu has so many options that it will spoil our guests with options. Every time they come back they will have something new to try out from the menu that we made with a lot of love and passion,” said chef Vaibhav Sawant, regional head chef of Farzi Cafe and Masala Library By Jiggs Kalra(West), Massive Restaurants Pvt Ltd.
That’s not all, for the party peeps, Farzi Cafe is now open till 4am on Friday and Saturday so you can down the yummiest and Instagrammable cocktails and party the night away! Cheers.
What: Farzi 2.0 new menu
Where: 13, Ho Chi Minh Sarani
When: September 1 onwards
Timing: Noon to midnight (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday); noon to 2am (Wednesday and Sunday ) and noon to 4am (Friday, Saturday)
Meal for two: Rs 1,500-plus (without alcohol) and Rs 2,000-plus (with alcohol)
THE TELEGRAPH PICKS
Chicken Thukpa, Ramen Noodles, Chicken Dumplings, Truffle oil: The new menu boasts of many soup options that are delicious. While we tried this non-veg version that is a light broth loaded with flavours and nutrients, vegetarians can also call for the exotic Gucchi Mushroom Soup that will satiate your soul completely.
Spinach, Coriander and Chilli Quennels: A take on Indian hara bhara kebab, this one is a great starter to kick-start your meal with. It’s sublime and non-spicy and the stuffing is a combination of everything delicious and exquisite… think Parmesan cheese, walnut, roasted cashew powder and pesto. The fried vermicelli on the top layer of the tikka adds to the crunchiness.
Soft Shell Crab 65: Seafood lovers, dig into this soft-shell crab starter that is made with South Indian spices, dusted with tempura, sooji and rice flavour and thrice fried, that adds the super crunch! The spicy podi powder is dusted on top that accentuates the juicy crab and is served with cherry tomato chutney.
Mutton Galouti, Sheermal Cannelloni: A must-try from the menu, this unique dish balances spice and sweet perfectly. These bite-sized cannelloni are soft, aromatic and covered with edible silver foil that adds to the grandeur of the dish.
Chilli & Ginger Salmon, Gur Kairi Chutney: Fresh salmon is marinated with spices but primarily with yellow chilli (which is spicier than red chilli) and ginger and cooked in tandoor, retaining the perfect juicy body. They are then served on a bed of unique spread of kairi gur chutney and served with dehydrated salmon skin on top that you might mistake as edible seaweed. This dish is bomb!
Yuzu Malai Pistachio Crumb: Art on a plate, this dessert is a break from the overtly sweet ones. This has pana cotta with caramel drizzle, orange and pistachio sponge and pistachio crumb on top. Pure indulgence!
CRAFTY COCKTAILS
Tricky Tikki: Make it a gin o’ clock with this smoky gin and camomile reduction based cocktail with peach and orange cordial for the zest! Topped with crushed ice and garnished with burnt Shillong cinnamon along with dehydrated pineapple, this one is a winner.
Lock and Key: Open up your mind with this delicious cranberry, raspberry and gin-based sip with a dash of lemon and garnished with lemonade and rose petals.
Expresso Manhattan: Indulge in the unique concoction of cold brew with whisky and caramel syrup in this chocolate coffee cocktail. You might get hooked to it.
Pictures: Pabitra Das