Restaurant Review : Farzi Cafe, Pune

Hey From EL The Cook!

We explore Pune's newest exotic food haunt, Farzi Cafe, owned by Zorawar Kalra. The son of "The Czar of Indian Cuisine", Jiggs Kalra, Zorawar has firmly established his name as one of the top restaurateurs in India with brands such as Masala Bar, Pa-Pa-Ya and Made in Punjab.

Pune's Food scene has just been put on the map by Farzi Cafe, which opened amid much excitement this past weekend in Kalyani Nagar. 

Owner of the restaurant space, Gaurav Kataria couldn't believe the explosive response by Punekar's as Farzi Cafe went booked out on all 3 of its opening days!

"Farzi" means creating an illusion, Farzi Cafe aims to bring back classic Indian Cuisine and portray it in a quirky, modern twist!

AMBIANCE:

With a full fledged bar and a gastro-pub interior with a raw, concrete design; Entering Farzi Cafe, throws your senses out of gear, not knowing what to expect. With spaced out marble hangings and moderate lighting, it reflects the  club culture of youth.

SERVICE:

Dressed in smart attire, the wait-staff at Farzi Cafe is quick and knowledgable. 

DRINK:

 MAST MALANG

Fusion drinks are a must-try at Farzi Cafe. Served up under a veil of smoke, the glass cloche reveals a super chilled copper glass.  This unique (Jim Beam) bourbon based cocktail is twerked, Indian style with a hit of coffee, cinnamon bark and  Indian spices such as fennel and clove. 

Boisterous flavors, give way to a soothing hit of fennel and cinnamon, and a hint of coffee. A lovely complicated concoction!

CHUSKI MARGARITA

The essence of Indian drinks is found on her streets; Capturing the wonderful concept of "gola", Farzi Cafe serves up a Chuski Margarita, (chuski means to suck)

A lovely hint of lemon and rum absorbed through the ice lolly in the glass, gives you a hint of childhood!

The rim of salt, adds a balance to the drink, making you reach for the "gola" for another chuski!

Brilliant concept, well balanced drink!

 AMUSE BOUCHE

As with all Kalra restaurants, an Amuse Bouche or Palette Cleanser is served up first to warm your senses for the meal ahead. A black steaming bowl arrives with a spheres of  misti doi (a Bengali sweet yogurt) and strawberry jam. Meant to be gulped in one go, the smooth misti doi, is super refreshing!

TEMPURA PRAWNS, NIMBOO MIRCH AIR

Jumbo Prawns enveloped in a generous & flavorful crunchy batter! A bite into one of these uncovers layers of goodness..The crunchy layer gives way to perfectly cooked shrimp, truly giving you a taste of the sea!

The theatrical foam, flavored lightly with chili powder and lemon elevates the dish!

BRAISED LAMB BOTI TACOS, FRIED GARLIC & PEPPER CREAM

Succulent lamb chunks are marinated in the Mughal traditional spices and yogurt, and braised on skewers in the tandoor, forming the famous boti kebabs! The dish is given a Mexican twist, by adding these kababs into taco shells.

The fusion is complete with the addition of a smooth pepper cream, which balances the spiciness of the kebabs and the crunch of the garlic chips!

MAC N CHEESE PAKORA BITES

The American classic is Indian-ized in the form of crunchy, familiar pakoras! 

Served up in the back of a miniature cycle, the bite sized snacks deceive the eye well..A crunchy exterior gives way to a soft, mushy, cheesy interior which is simply irresistible! 

GRAINY MUSTARD FISH, KASUNDI MINT CREAM

Farzi Cafe's menu reflects Indias culinary heritage and not many will disagree that Kolkata has some of India's best dishes! 

This dish served up straight on a barbecue grill is enchanting! The fish seasoned to perfection with the mustard glaze is a melt-in-the-mouth experience.

SLOW COOKED, BABY LAMB SHANKS, DESI GHEE NEHARI, GOLDEN ONION

Our lamb obsession continued with this gorgeous looking plate of food!

The flavor achieved by this dish is simply outstanding. The slow cooked lamb is tender and fall of the bone! The gravy is packed with loads of flavor and an extra oomph arrives from that touch of desi ghee!

Served with a side of crunchy naan bread topped with onion seeds, its the perfect  embodiment of typical Rajasthani cuisine!

CHORIZO PULAO, SUNNY SIDE UP 

Chorizo pulao is a classic dish in Goa! Farzi Cafe does a lovely impression of these vibrant flavors through this dish. A spicy hit from the seasoned pork sausages and the aromatic flavored oils give a unique texture to the rice. The dish is topped with a sunny side up which when split, adds a touch of color and moistness to the plate! 

A wonderful and wholesome dish!

PARLE-G CHEESECAKE, MILK CUSTARD WITH COOKIE DOUGH ESSENCE

Wait,Parle G Cheesecake? Farzi-fication continues with this dessert from right out of your childhood! Although the cheesecake is quite dense, which is quite hard to eat. The rabdi or milk custard is smooth and creamy. Dotted with Gems and pistachios this dish is for those who reminisce about their school days and have their dreams fulfilled at Farzi Cafe!

RASMALAI TRES LECHES, CARROT CREAM AND ROSE PETAL NET

Tres Leches or "3 Layers Milk Cake" is a popular dessert in Spain. Farzi Cafe, presents us with a photogenic desi version by using Bengal's famous Rasmalai!

This ornate looking dish is equally complex in terms of its flavors. The beautiful yellow disc is sandwiched between a layer of luscious carrot cream on the bottom!

This rests in a pool of saffron milk and the Rasmalai Tres Leches is crowned with a rose petal caramel net.

As you devour this, complex textures of saffron, carrot, pistachios & cardamom rush through your palette! The smoky caramel and delicate rose flavors serve as an undercurrent..All blending to form one awe-inspiring dessert!

Surely this should be termed as the Queen of All Indian desserts! 

Farzi Cafe, the newest, quirky, innovative restaurant in town! Big names and great food compel you to visit.

With its unique philosophy of bringing back classic Indian cuisine with a modern twist through the veil of illusion and smoke, Farzi Cafe certainly has brought a much needed oopmfh to Pune's food scene!

Be prepared to be "Farzi-fied!"