|
|
| |
cafe review
A return to desi in hipper than thou times
Malangi Cafe has opened with a mission to preserve the desi
roots of Pakistan. With great food at an affordable price, it
shouldn't be difficult.
By Zareen Rahman
|
| |
| Originated
by a creative, mother and daughter-in-law duo, Malangi Café
is the invention of two determined experts, Zahra Hameed, a creative
concept & media professional and Baela Jamil a well-known educationalist
and art devotee. Combining their strong artistic style for desi craft
and cuisine, Malangi Café and crafts commemorates all things
local. |
| |
When
I heard the name, I knew I had to go to check it out myself.
Located in the calm back of Gaddafi stadium, the café sits
on a two storey area and is decorated well with ethnic art and pottery.
As I walked towards the entrance, on both sides of me were porcelain
pigeons and a tree adorned with dazzling duppattas and strings. I
already felt the desi touch of the whole place.
Upon entering the somewhat long pathway of the café, I was
welcomed by an extremely multihued cash counter which offered tiny
crafts such as woven bracelets and handmade mats and bangles for sale.
Proceeding ahead, the pantry is able to be seen with a few yummy salty
snacks behind glass cabinets. The main kitchen is separated from the
pantry with chikhs and a truck art crafted door. Decorated with much
taste and simplicity the colors of the cafe are a tone of comforting
pinks and rusts giving it a stimulating yet languid disposition. On
the walls are Indian miniatures and calligraphic paintings which illustrate
our very much undervalued art work. |
 |
| |
"The
café has not been formed to make a fashion statement, it is
to remind us of our very own culture and roots, which in recent times
have been forgotten," said Zahra Hameed the owner. The ambience
is a blend of traditional Multani tile work, vivid patterns and hanging
birds and butterflies.
The built-in shelves exhibit elegant craft collections which consist
of truck art tea pots, jugs, lanterns and trays. The overall atmosphere
of the cafe makes it a relaxing place for families and friends to
enjoy and indulge in a scrumptious meal.
While ordering from their rich desi menu, I came across quite a few
things that no other desi restaurant had to offer. Malangi Café
puts forward a variety of traditional starter's labeled 'chaskay'
that comprise of the delicious Kachori Malang which is a combination
of spicy potatoes, lentils and tangy plum chutney. As low as 65 rupees
for a plate of the mouthwatering Paapri Chaat and 85 rupees for the
satisfying Aloo Tikki served with chickpea curry and plum chutney
is not a bad deal at all.
Other than this the café offers an assortment of vegetable
delicacies, mince samosas and a selection of plum, mint and tamarind
chutneys. As I enjoyed a plate of the delicious Sunhera Samosa, I
caught up with the music being played in the background; it was none
other than our very own classical Abida Parveen, Pathaney Khan and
many other legends.
To give that conventional look, the main courses are served thali
style. Ranging from a reasonable 125 rupees for a Langur Batura Thal
(spicy chickpea curry with puffy baturas) to the Bhulla Biryani Thal
for the foodies of Lahore, (pastry top, chicken biryani with paneer
pasanda & raita) for a practical 195 rupees. The Masala Seekh
Kebab is greatly recommended for those who like it hot.
With each thing on the menu being so Malangi, how could the desserts
be left out?
From the traditional Lahori kulfa to the soft gulab jamans, Malangi
has all that one craves for without having to go as far as Gawalmandi.
Being a tea lover myself what drew my attention towards the menu was
the many types of teas available here. Some of them were; masala chai,
Kashmiri chai with khatai, doodh patee and many more. "The food
offered here is influenced from the many places I visit, a lot of
Indian similarities," Zahra had said.
The café seems to be an ideal place for both friends and families
(and anyone else with a yen for all things Punjabi). "No matter
how much we evolve, deep down we will always stay desi," remarked
Zahra.
With countless restaurants specializing in continental cuisines these
days, Malangi Café is a breath of fresh air - a good reminder
of who we actually are. |
| |
|
