Nestled off MM Alam Road, amidst a bustling food street teeming with diverse culinary offerings, The Fig Tree Cafe and Restaurant presents itself as a quaint retreat.
The relocation from Gulberg's Main Boulevard hasn't just shifted its physical space but also upgraded its interior ambiance. The cafe-style setting, adorned in soothing shades of pink and white, exudes a charming vibe.
Adorning the walls with photographs of renowned chefs adds an inspirational touch to the atmosphere, creating a welcoming environment for patrons seeking a delightful dining experience.
We were recently invited to a tasting of the chef’s specials. Every day, The Fig Tree has a couple of special items on offer, including soups and starters, mains and a dessert -- besides the regular menu. So, if you’re lucky, you might just be able to grab one of these on the day you visit.
Refreshing starters
Kicking off the culinary journey with a refreshing blend of pomegranate, salt, apple, and soda sets the tone for an intriguing gastronomic adventure.
The combination offers a tantalizing mix of flavors, balancing sweetness with a hint of tanginess, while the fizz adds a playful element to the palate.
Potato and Cauliflower Soup with Turkey Bacon
Served with crispy garlic bread, this warm and comforting soup tantalizes the taste buds with every spoonful.
While slightly runny in consistency, the melding of potato chunks, cauliflower, and crispy turkey bacon creates a harmonious flavor profile, perfect for soothing the senses on a chilly day.
Beetroot and Beef Salad
An ensemble of rocket leaves, pomegranate molasses-infused apple slices, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, cream, cheese, pumpkin seeds, raw beef rolls, and beetroot promises a symphony of flavors and textures.
However, the dish falls short in execution, with beetroot slices needing a softer texture, the radishes probably sliced or cubed instead of cut in half and placed on the plate and the just so much crunch in the dish overwhelming the balance. Despite the mishap, the creativity in ingredient pairing shines through, offering glimpses of culinary innovation.
Main courses
Beef with Tangy Onion and Pomegranate Sauce
While the meat is cooked to a perfect medium rare, the dish is bland. It also lacks the punch expected from the tangy onion and pomegranate sauce, which wasn’t tangy and didn’t complement the beef. The absence of seasoning leaves the palate yearning for depth, though the well-executed meat texture adds a redeeming quality to the overall experience.
Red Snapper with Sweet and Spicy Orange Sauce
A standout among the main courses, the vibrant plate features tender red snapper adorned with a luscious sweet and spicy orange sauce. The sauce is so good you could wipe the container clean with a spoon.
The harmonious blend of flavors tantalizes the taste buds, with the creamy spinach adding a luxurious touch to each bite. A dish that truly satisfies the craving for a memorable culinary experience.
Decadent dessert
Chocolate Mousse with Orange Panna Cotta Cream and Spiced Fruit
Ending on a sweet note, the chocolate mousse, enveloped in orange panna cotta cream and topped with spiced fruit, offers a decadent finale to the meal.
While creamy and indulgent, the dessert lacks textural contrast, missing a crunchy element to elevate the experience. Nonetheless, it provides a satisfying conclusion to the culinary journey at The Fig Tree Cafe and Restaurant.
Final verdict
The Fig Tree Cafe and Restaurant presents a mixed bag of culinary delights, with hits and misses across the menu. While some dishes shine with inventive flavors and impeccable execution, others fall short in terms of balance and seasoning.
Nevertheless, what has to be appreciated is the effort at innovation and the planning behind each combination, the charming ambiance and diverse menu offerings that cater to a wide range of palates. It aims to promise a dining experience that is both memorable and satisfying.
