South Extension market does not usually shout cafes and sit down eating joints, it is all about that perfect find and then a quick bite. Loaded with the best brands of South Delhi, this market has been on a bit of a low, and that is where The Branch Cafe brings in a lot of energy – good coffee, a lot of healthy munching options and a gorgeous ambiance to unwind after the day’s shopping. The place is adorned in shades of mint, light teak, and lots of greens hanging all over the place (artificial of course). They have a beautiful seating area with French windows and when the sight outside is a little less sore, that place will be perfect to sit with coffee and your favourite book.
The menu is specially curated by founder Dhairya Sethi, incorporating lots of healthy options, recipes with the right kind of fat, and putting lots of nutrients into their food. We started with Chicken Veloute – a hearty chicken broth, smoked chicken chunks, chopped vegetables and served with garlic crostini. Mushroom Cappuccino – thyme sauteed mushrooms, olive oil and topped with lots of cream, this mushroom cappuccino is an absolute delight, creamy with lots of crunchy mushrooms.
They serve some fresh and healthy bunch of salads – Quinoa salad – crunchy French beans, pomegranate seeds, quinoa, arugula and a light creamy dressing. Melon, feta, rocket salad – beets, feta cheese, rocket leaves with crunchy praline adding a sweet tinge. Rocket squid salad – steamed squid, rocket leaves, green and black olives and a lemon dill and olive oil dressing.
Story of mushrooms – beautiful mushroom phyllo bags, grilled vegetables and fresh tomato sauce. The medley of mushrooms with a bit of cheese is an excellent bite. Noor Mohammadi style mutton seekh – this was mind blowing! Served with paranthas, these seekh kebabs were pound and grilled to perfection. Mixed with spices and the melt in mouth texture makes these an easy win for the day. Soya Boti Kebab – soya chaap, bell pepper lightly brushed with cream and served with paranthas. The soya chaap should have been more succulent and creamier. Thai shrimp cakes – minced prawns, sweetcorn with lemongrass, deep fried to a yummy crunch and served on coleslaw and micro greens. The coleslaw didn’t quite add up with the delicious Thai flavors, but the cakes are delish. Chicken Espetada – chicken pieces well marinated and grilled, served with a fresh green salad.
Mac and Cheese – classic macaroni and cheese with sundried tomatoes and garnished with fresh herbs. The cheesy pasta treat is a delectable bite with fresh garlic bread. Seafood Risotto – calamari, prawns, cheese and a light tomato sauce. This risotto was a major let down, the rice and calamari, both overcooked and the sauce did not do anything to improve on the taste. Sausage and bacon pizza – good bacon, juicy sausages, this thin crust pie too had had a little more time in the oven than hat was required and it lacked cheese, lots of cheese.
The Branch Cafe looks promising despite the few teething issues, their noor mohammadi kebab are a must try. As are the salads and soups.
Where? E-23, 3rd Floor, South Ex Part 2
Price for two – 1000INR approx
Cuisine – Healthy, Italian, Indian