For a city pining for the outdoors after being confined at home for months, I think Fabcafe at Sunder Nursery is the best thing to happen to Delhi this winter. Located next to the lake in this stunning garden, this is THE spot to soak in the sun and indulge in some good and healthy food.
I spent a glorious afternoon there recently and there was bright sunshine. I have been to Sunder Nursery many times but this cafe has definitely added what it needed – a place to relax in after strolling around the walkways, drinking in the beauty of flowers in bloom and taking a peek at refurbished monuments.
Fabcafe has two sections – the area where you will be served at the table – and an outdoor, self-service section. I wasn’t surprised that it was full even on a weekday because Sunder Nursery has become the go-to spot for Delhiites.
Fabcafe believes in the concept of healthy food – which means they stay away from refined oil and white sugar. So if you’re a vegan or have a gluten or wheat allergy, you’ll find many dishes that use alternates like jaggery, coconut sugar, almond milk and grains like bajra, ragi, kuttu or jowar.
I started the meal with Baked Samosa Pao Sliders – a dal samosa crushed and sandwiched in a pao – the best combination of Mumbai meets Delhi. Its crunchy and has just the right level of spice needed to give a lift to a healthy dish.
Being a fan of momos, I couldn’t resist ordering the Not So Classic Chicken Momos. But I felt less guilty biting into them since the dough is made of jackfruit and not maida. Although I had feared the covering might be a bit thick, it was juicy and succulent, just the way a momo should be.
The Shikampuri Kebabs were soft and melted in the mouth. I love kathal (jackfruit), I think partly because it is never cooked at my home, so I chose the Kathal Biryani over the chicken one. But I did not steer completely away from tradition - instead of going with the quinoa option, I stuck to the one that came with basmati rice because I wanted to have biryani the way it is meant to be, with rice! And I cannot forget the Kerala Fish Moilee in coconut milk. A glass of fresh sugarcane juice helped wash down this feast.
To end the meal on a high note, I had a slice of the Vegan Almond Crunch Espresso Cake and Caramelized Banana Cake. You can eat both of them guiltlessly since they don’t have refined sugar. The espresso cake comes with coconut sugar while the banana cake is made of banana flour.
Many people were queuing up to pick up meal trays to have in the park. This is a very interesting concept that I cannot wait to try when I am there next. They give you an eco-friendly disposable tray - you can choose from appetizers, all day eats, biryanis, meals for one and cakes. For example, if you order a non-vegetarian meal tray, it will come with grilled chicken & veggies in pesto, dal makhani, dak bungalow veggies, curcumin basmati rice, microgreens, roots & assorted Lettuce Salad and Cold Coffee and costs Rs. 930. There are wraps and other dishes too. It is definitely worthwhile – especially when you can choose a spot in the midst of Delhi’s version of Central Park.
They have even launched a range of products from their FMCG line which has the tagline Eat Well Feel Good. For example the chia bajra biscotti is vegan and wheat free and made of jaggery instead of sugar and the almond biscotti is made of coconut palm jaggery so no refined sugar is used. I’d recommend both of them. I am also addicted to their chai masala - just a pinch to my morning cuppa and it enhances the flavour of the tea.
DETAILS
Where: Sunder Nursery, Opp Humayun Tomb, Bharat Scouts and Guides Marg, Nizamuddin
When: 8:00 AM- 6:00 PM
Website: https://fabcafe.menu/
Note: Enter the VIP parking area and drive till the end - where you see the Fabcafe on your left and park there. Else you will have to walk a lot.
