Jaipur Cafe Culture Experience – 7 Course Meal

Just a couple of decades back India was completely unaware of the ‘cafe culture’ which is very common, and in fact a way of life, in the west. The scenario today is different. In spite of India being a tea-drinking nation, people have gravitated towards the cafe culture really well. The crowds in any Jaipur Café is a good indication of that.

Jaipur Cafe Culture

The trend of meeting up at cafes is on the rise in many cities. Jaipur, well known for its Literature Festival, is a hub of café start-ups. My recent café experience in Jaipur was very interesting. Read on to know what a seven course meal in a popular cafe of Jaipur is like!

COVID lockdowns have done a bit of good too, bringing out the creativity of chefs. Many new dishes, easy to make and easy on the pocket are laid out finely on the table.

OTH Cafe Jaipur Cafe Culture Experience

Cafe Culture among Youth

Youngsters, particularly, are hooked to such places. And why not, they prefer budget friendly food and drinks, an ambiance that is roaring with fashion and style, and music that is to their taste.

They make noise, laugh or are immersed in serious discussions. Some come solo just to curl up in a corner to read a book, while some gather in herds to probably have serious discussion on their start ups. Many deals have been made in such cafes.

Then there are passionate instagrammers looking for a new theme for their profiles, young couples date, women flock in before or after yoga sessions and more people will catch your eye, you just have to look around.

The interior holds a special charm, much different from the posh hotels or casual restaurants. They are often themed. Rooftop cafes are my favorites, they are decorated with plants that bring in a special freshness.

Observe keenly, and you will notice that cafes often are meet up points of youngsters. A new work culture has evolved, work from home, rather it is now work from cafes. Cafes, on their part, are now striving to provide such individuals a better and conducive working environment.

That said, the cafés are being experimented and treaded upon slowly by families too for their gup-shups. The cafe culture is gradually evolving to gear up to newer tastes and newer demands.

Read more: Where to Eat in Jaipur after Sightseeing and Shopping

What kind of food do you find in Cafes?

Coffee shops are distinctly different from cafes if you have noticed. In the former you get a limited assortment of desserts and pastries, while the latter has sandwiches, soups (healthy ones), salads (again with plenty of greens), breakfast items, on the go lunch and of course the desserts. The dishes vary.

You get authentically prepared dishes too in the cafes of Jaipur – rich and authentic Rajasthani Thali that is easy on pocket yet brimming with local flavours.

Of course you get full course continental meals too. During the Times Rajasthan Cuisine Trail by  Rajasthan Tourism and Times Passion Trails, we hit upon a famous café joint of Jaipur – The OTH Bistro and Bakers. We indulged and relished the seven course continental meal for lunch.

About OTH Bistro and Bakers – Cafe in Jaipur

OTH (on the house) Bistro and Bakers was started in April 2013. Founder Dushyant Singh, an expert food architect, opened the café offering the locals continental flavours. His OTH offers global cuisines to food lovers of Jaipur and to all tourists and travellers to Jaipur. This was the first of its kind in Jaipur.

Seven Course Meal for Lunch at OTH Bistro and Bakers

This menu was curated by Dushyant Singh.

Soup – Roasted Pepper, Almond and Goat Cheese
The flavour of roasted pepper distinctly stood out, the small bits of goat cheese enhanced the taste more.

Salad – Burrata and Green leaves salad with honey balsamic dressing, garnished with sundried tomatoes and walnuts.
Burrata (it is malai in Hindi) tasted rich, triggering the salivary glands. I love it when there is a dash of honey in the food. The crunchy walnuts with a scoop of burrata tasted beyond heavenly. Have you tasted this combination? Do try it… you will love the mix.

Appetizer, soup and salad for Jaipur Cafe Culture Experience – 7 Course Meal

Appetisers – Zucchini Cashew nut patty
They looked like tikka and I wondered why it never occurred to make something like this with my favourite vegetable – Zucchini. The waiter served a couple of them extra when he saw I relished it and the patty had disappeared.

Pasta – Mushroom Mezzaluna served with Truffle sauce
If you are wondering what mezzaluna is, it means moon or moon shaped. The moon shaped dumpling was filled with mushrooms. A couple of my friends who never had a liking for mushroom loved the dish. Needless to say, Dushyant Singh was more than pleased.

Main Course

Main Course – Spinach and Ricotta Malfatti Cake served with aurora pina colada sauce turned vegetables and drizzled with chilli apricot glaze

This was like our humble palak-rice elegantly presented on a bed of roasted vegetables bathed in apricot sauce. I really really want to experiment this once I get back home. I mean, the ingredients are readily available and why not have them in this form. Amazing!!!

Dessert – Milk chocolate semifreddo, served with merlot soaked cranberries and bourbon tender coconut, garnished with Kataifi Tulie and Gold Leaf
This was a killer. Like they say – death by dessert! The gold leaf intrigued me, so did the crunchy Kataifi Tulie. I give up! I have totally abandoned the desire to whip up this dish at home, because I know I can reach nowhere near the perfection that was presented by food architect Dushyant Singh.

Dessert – notice the gold leaf!!!

Sometime during the meal, when we were appreciating the dishes, Dushyant Singh introduced to us his chef, Subroto Mondal. We fell short of words complimenting him on his efforts.

Besides these, OTH Bristo and Bakers have a long list of beverages (tea/coffee) on their menu. This cafe ranks high among the best cafes in Jaipur.

Conclusion

If you are in Jaipur to see the famed forts like the Amer Fort or Nahargarh Fort, you can pause to experience Jaipur Cafe Culture. The cafes are definitely cheaper than hotels, with beautiful vibrant ambience. Explore the new cafes in Jaipur that is trendy and fashionable and offer value for money.

Pin this for later