Parisian desserts are the stuff of dreams. Their delicate flavours, exquisite textures and stunning presentation have attracted sweet lovers from all over the world, myself included. While a trip to the City of Lights is on many people’s wish list, enjoying authentic French pastries is no longer a far-fetched dream. If you are a dessert lover like me, you will agree that the best way to savour sweetness is in a quaint setting away from the hustle and bustle. An unpretentious French-style café and pastry shop with a focus on authentic flavours is just what we want. And now we have the perfect place for it. Café Monique at The Manor, New Delhi has brought a slice of Parisian heaven to the Indian capital.
Nestled amidst the greenery of Friends Colony, New Delhi, Cafe Monique is a haven for those who want to taste the authentic flavour of French pastries. With its blue hues and beautiful interiors, this charming cafe transports you to the sun-bathed French Riviera.
Founded by entrepreneur Shivan Gupta and chef Maxime Monte, Café Monique is a labor of love. Their commitment to using authentic French ingredients and traditional recipes is evident in every dish. The menu features a selection of classic French dishes, with a focus on sweet indulgences.
The cafe also delivers food at home easily, but I decided to visit it for a great experience. A small trail lined with greenery leads you to the cafe facing a large garden. There was a small seating arrangement outside for those who wanted to enjoy nature. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with the sweet smell of delicious pastries and cakes decorated on the display counter. The aroma of sweet and savoury delicacies was spreading from the kitchen to the dining area. So, I chose to sit inside… amidst the magic.
What first caught my eye were the various quiche options on the menu. I opted for La Quiche Alsacienne and La Quiche Francaise. The quiche was a pleasant surprise, with a perfect flaky crust and rich, delicious filling. The banana blueberry smoothie served alongside was a refreshing complement to the meal.
The sandwiches were fun too – delicious and filling. The toasted and bag-folded buckwheat crepe was novel, but a little bland for my Indian taste.
However, it was the dessert menu that really stole the show. The macarons were a riot of colors and flavors, filled with a font of delicious fillings. From the macarons to the tea cakes, everything was so delicious that I couldn’t stop myself from eating more…and more. I fell in love with Le Saint-Michel. The entremet brought out the unique flavors of vanilla, salted caramel, and red apple.
My visit to Monique was a sweet experience that stayed in my heart and taste buds. Next time, I crave some good Parisian cheese, I know where to order it.
