Delhi | Ziro

Ziro, located in a quaint corner in a by-lane of Hauz Khas Village, is a sunny cafê with comfortable seating, knick knacks comprising collector's items, a wall lined with black and white framed photographs by Pablo Bartholomew and a winding wrought iron staircase in bright yellow. The food is as comforting as the dêcor - it's unpretentious, wholesome and elegant in presentation.

We began our meal with the KGB Health shot, a blend of pineapple, apple, ginger and mint that was a delicious prelude to the meal. The ham and cheese crepe is a perfectly consistent mix of shredded ham and melted cheese. The owner, Anup Kutty, recommended we try the Mithun Spicy Buff Fry. The item is a diversion from the rest of the menu, which includes cafe staples such as roquette and goat cheese salad and sandwiches such as the BLT. Cooked in a North-Eastern style (mithun means bison), garnished with cilantro and fried green chillies, it leaves a lasting impression and is definitely not for the faint hearted.

Sometimes the simplest dish can be ingenious. The Ziro Special Maggi has vegetables and cream cheese with Ziro's Italian seasoning. The Maggi had been tossed with broccoli, parsley, tomatoes and herbs and was very satisfying.
We topped off our meal with a rich carrot cake crowned with a cream cheese frosting. It was moist with just the right hint of cinnamon, had lots of walnuts and the wonderful sweetness of carrot.

Ziro, 24/3 Hauz Khas Village (011 2656-1268 ). Daily 10. 30 am-11 pm. Meal for two approx Rs 500.