Address: Dharam Marg, Kriti Nagar, Block Y, Diplomatic Enclave, Malcha, New Delhi 110021 India
Time: 09:00 am – 11:00 pm
Meals for two: Rs. 900
Cuisines: Cafe, European
Facilities: Open Air Seating, Breakfast Place
Caara at Ogaan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi: DECOR
Small, chic and charming, the little cafe above Ogaan in the Malcha Marg market, is small but it doubles up as a delicatessen from where you can pick up sourdough bread and spreads in addition to serving breakfasts and lunches. Run by two young ladies, their focus is on healthy vegetables that have been grown without pesticides. Two farms, both small and near Delhi serve their purpose. So, the pesto that bursts with the sharp tang of parmesan has been made from home-grown basil leaves and made without regard for cost cutting! Whether you treat Caara at Ogaan as a breakfast space, a pause in the middle of the day or an early evening supper venue, you can be sure of classic cooking.
Caara at Ogaan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi: FOOD
My favorite is chilli avocado toast (Rs. 550) a vegetarian-compliant snack / breakfast / light lunch that consists of an avocado that has been lightly smashed to provide large chunks and some paste with a couple of toast points of sourdough bread. The avocado is tart in parts with lime juice and a judicious amount of red chilli powder adds punch. Chicken liver pate (Rs. 400) hits the spot with sweet fruit compote and the smooth-as-satin pate that has none of the gaminess of chicken liver. What is also a hearty meal in one dish is wild mushroom pearl barley risotto (Rs. 700) with parmesan and truffle oil. The mushrooms have been kept chewy for a contrast with the barley. If you can resist the temptation of ordering a dessert, you deserve an award: displayed temptingly are all the desserts that Caara produces in its central kitchen (the partners run a catering business, a cooking school, home delivery service and two other cafes, of which another one is in a store as well). It must be said that the desserts are not decadent, but relatively light and fruity, like the gluten-free moist orange cake (Rs. 200), made of almond flour.
Caara at Ogaan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi: PLUS AND MINUS
You do have to keep your voice down because the space is so small, but it is cheerful and vibrant. The best part is that the food is exactly as it is supposed to be without any shortcuts or dismaying cut corners.