True to its name, WelcomCafe Jacaranda is an elegant, graceful yet vibrant restaurant in the midst of Bengaluru’s Central business district (CBD). A meal here is sure to leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. Housed within the WelcomHotel on the bustling Richmond road, Café Jacaranda is a 24-hour multi cuisine cafe that showcases a variety of culinary specialties that include Indian as well International dishes.
Ambience
With a total seating capacity of 62, Café Jacaranda is perfect for small, intimate gatherings, family get-togethers or just a meal with your near and dear ones. The setting is contemporary, chic and has a distinct cheerful vibe. Done up in earthy hues of green and brown, the lighting, accessories and artefacts reflect a high level of aesthetics and class.
Gastronomical Delights
With a clear focus on local foods and flavors, Café Jacaranda offers a number of South Indian specialties native to Karnataka like banana flower cutlets (Balakai Huvu Vada), masala vada infused with dil leaves (Kaveri Express Bele Vada) and Davangere Paddu. These carefully crafted dishes are authentic and highlight the regional culinary heritage.
Non-vegetarians must try the Mysore Chilly chicken or Meen Fry (which is pan fried River Sole marinated with a rich mix of spices and lemon). There are several traditional appetizers you can choose from including the Paneer Sheekh Kebab, the melt in your mouth Dahi Ke Kebab and the tangy samosa chat. The Macaroni Grilled Sandwich with toasted Nachos is really a unique and a sure favorite with children and adults.
The main course includes traditional specialties like the Mangalorean chicken curry (Kori gassi) and healthy bottle gourd curd based rasam (Sorakai Masuru Saru). The palak chaman kofta is a delicious twist from the traditional malai kofta. Cooked in thick green spinach gravy, this one gives you a lovely burst of flavors in your mouth.
Pair this with the wide variety of breads available or even the sumptuous dum biryani and raita and you will have a fulfilling meal. The focus on the menu here is on local food and true to that, you have regional specialties like the famous Bisi Bele bath or Coorgi Kori Biryani (Chicken and rice cooked in a medley of southern spices).
The menu is rather extensive with a large spread of heartwarming soups, salads, kathi rolls, burgers and sandwiches.
Their Mediterranean delights that include gourmet pizzas, artisan pastas and risotto or even their Pan Asian delicacies are a must if you admire international cuisine.
Delectable Desserts
A great place to satiate your sweet tooth, the dessert menu includes several lip smacking desserts like the classical blueberry cheesecake and hot chocolate mud pie. The Indian platter includes all-time favorites like Rasmalai, Gajar ka Halwa, Angori Gulab Jamun and innovations like elaneer (tender coconut) panacotta. CafeJacaranda also has a special menu for children that includes several kid friendly dishes.
In all, Jacaranda is a place to head to for an epicurean journey like no other!
Contact:
WelcomHotel Bengaluru, 46, Richmond road, Bengaluru. Ph: 080 25001700. Average price for a meal for 2: approximately Rs.2000 exclusive of applicable taxes and charges if any.
An edited version of this review was published in the April issue of Society magazine.