Farzified and Proud!

It’s been a while since I was adventurous – excluding a marriage that lasted like a 30 second roller coaster. Oh, well, the best part about a crazy ride is that you get to stroll away as soon as it ends (…besides dealing with the vertigo that follows!)

Anyhow, I decided to hit the ‘Pearl of the Persian Gulf’ aka Dubai again to revitalise and jumpstart my game – probably the only good decision I made this entire year. FYI, I’m totally Team #2016Sucks.

This multicultural city never seizes to impress you with the way it’s developing so beautifully. From Food Truck Fests to Theme Parks, the breathtaking Dubai Canal – it’s just so fascinating.

One such addition, which had me in awe with its layout and ambience was City Walk. This district offers a diverse variety of upscale restaurants from the east and the west.

Normally, Indian cuisine is never my first preference but suggestions from friends and the raving reviews on Zomato encouraged me to score a reservation at the much talked about Farzi Café.

Originating from India, Farzi opened its doors to the Middle East early last year, offering a modernised way of staging eastern food. Belonging from a family of chefs and foodies, my squad and I were really looking forward to trying out this declared “gastronomic illusion” of simple Indian cuisine.

Disclaimer: It's about to get filmi!

A very courteous staff member had us seated inside where the décor is super interesting; the mural art and quirky quotes really build up the excitement and mood.

As we read through a vast and entertaining menu, a complimentary palette cleanser releasing liquid nitrogen was brought to our table. Not sure what the name of this dish was but what felt like Tapioca balls, burst into my mouth, oozing a perfectly flavored Mango Yogurt. As I mentioned in my Instagram post, a basic mango flavored yogurt had no idea it could look this classy and taste so fine! Really made us look forward to the rest of our experience.
Side Note: Big heart to my dad asking "yeh hai kya?!" (what is this?!)

                                                              Click to play video!

Mango Yogurt Shots!

Going along with the tapas culture, we ordered all their top recommendations – went a bit psychotic for three people:

-       Raj Kachori

-       Dynamite Prawns

-       Galouti Sliders

-       Daal Chawal Arancini

-       Deconstructed Shepherds’ Pie

-       Cayenne Spiked Prawns with Lemon Fried Rice.

Before going into details, I have to point out that Farzi made me realize that there is an Haute Couture of food and this is it!

Initially I wasn’t too keen on the Dynamite Prawns because I thought I had that sorted with P.F.Changs (I like being clichéd sometimes) – however, God bless the server who insisted we try it because these had an oomph that made me go from “oh em gee! Can’t stop craving for Chang’s dynamite!” to “If you come to think of it, they are so overrated – I’m not even a fan!”

Dynamite Prawns

Farzi has such lovely serving platters and they’re totally winning the Art Of Plating game! My lack of culinary education had me freaking out at the foam that came with the food but the mild chili kick to it was so unique! My brother will definitely love this place!

I fell in love with the Raj Kachori – the way it looked to the way it tasted! The kachori exploded with a tangy yogurt mix and the best part is that you can collect the Sev on your spoon from the side and none of it gets soggy or messy. Crunchy and fresh!

Basically ‘chaat’ on the streets just got promoted to like a Director position.

Raj Kachori

The Deconstructed Shepherds’ Pie came on what look like a deconstructed platter and ranked as my least favorite, but probably because of my own preference. Having said that, I downed all of the potatoes present on the plate. #TeamDeconstruction.

Deconstructed Shepherds' Pie

My paternal family is from Delhi and we always make sure to flaunt our “dilli-walay” nature so kebab and parathas are always our thang!

I went crazy over Galawati Kebabs during my trip to Delhi 4 years ago – they live up to their name and totally melt in your mouth!

So imagine Galawatis served as a slider – I can't even!!! This is next level street food – so simple, yet so fascinating. It looked exquisite in the mini bus ride it came on; it tasted delicious, and made me want to cry out of happiness (didn't even miss cheese!)

Galaouti Slider

 Alas, my favorite. The one that touched the insides of my heart  - the Daal Chawal Arancini. As I mentioned before, I don’t die for desi food too much unless it’s simple to eat and easy on the palette, which is hardly ever the case.

But, by now, we’ve stopped doubting Farzi.

These ‘daal chawal’ balls, not only tasted like authentic home-cooked Daal Chawal, but also were nicely sandwiched between delectable assortments of chutneys to give it that smack of home.

The highlight? They didn’t forget the “papad”/ “papar” either! So beautifully twisted and placed over Daal Chawal’s ABCD cousin!

Daal Chawal Arancini <3 <3 <3

Cayenne Spiked Prawns with Lemon Fried Rice reminded me of a ‘Mahi Pulao’ (Fish Pulao) that my mom makes. This was Prawn Biryani done simple and done right. Even though I had become Homer Simpson after all that devouring – I didn’t deprive myself with one less bite!

Chef Avaneesh (if I’ve spelt it right) also came around to introduce himself while I had shrimps and rice falling out of my mouth. Needless to say, he didn’t require an answer with our mouths full!

Cayenne Spiked Prawns with Lemon Fried Rice

The most refreshing sparkling berry drink!

We decided not to order a dessert, but we are also very easily convinced when it comes to telling our brains to shut up! The manager advised us to go for the Firni Oxide.

Boy, was that a show and a half! The Firni genius came outside and remixed the life out of a Firni with ice creams and what not – I behaved like a millennial and made sure my snapchat recorded all of it.

The guest appearances made by saffron, condensed milk, and nuts really upped your average Firni game.

Click to see the video and the magic!

Firni Oxide!

Going to Farzi was definitely an extraordinary visit. It’s like all your favorite food was sent abroad for higher education and came back with honors!

I can only imagine the science involved and making every item look like a piece of art - the idea, the construction (ironically to deconstruct), and the creation must have taken a lot of creativity from culinary masterminds!

Shout out to the Chicken Tikka Masala that was served in phone booths to represent Britain’s National Dish!

I am soooooo #Farzified.

Oh, Farzi! You made me fall in love with desi again – I’d get married to a kachori if I could thanks to you. Till then, you'll see me come back to you over and over again!