French meal cordon blue available at Bistro Francais
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
With the sun playing a cruel game of hide-and-seek, I decided it was time to lift our spirits with something special. What could be more exotic — or satisfying — than a French meal?
A few months ago, a friend told me about the quaint cafe at Alliance Française offering a French menu. On my first visit, I enjoyed a delicious meal of soups and salads, and pâtés, ratatouilles and crepes. Recently, I returned and raised a (metaphoric) toast to Equality, Liberty and Fraternity over another fulfilling French meal.
Bistro Français, located at Alliance Française de Delhi in Lodhi Estate, serves a regular menu for students during the day and a special French menu in the evening. The café, open to all, closes at 9 pm and does not have a liquor licence. Reservations and pre-orders are essential to ensure the kitchen has all the ingredients ready.
Authentic taste
The food is superb. We placed our orders earlier that day —and asked for pâté de volaille (chicken pâté cooked in garlicky brandy-infused butter), cassoulet — bean stew with duck, bacon and sausage, and cordon bleu — crumbed fried chicken stuffed with cheese and ham, served with fries. I paid about ₹2,000 for the meal.
The pâté de volaille was an excellent starter, with the chicken liver delivering a robust flavour that paired perfectly with thin slices of crusty bread. The cordon bleu, crumbed chicken oozing with melted cheese, made for a rich and hearty entrée.The highlight for me was the cassoulet. The small, dried beans added a subtle sweetness to the stew-like sauce, complementing the rich, meaty flavours of the duck, sausages, and bacon strips. The dish was served with a generous portion of sautéed French beans and crispy potato fries, making it both hearty and satisfying.
During my first visit to Bistro Français, I tried the ratatouille (₹495), a flavourful medley of zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant, and enjoyed it. However, the highlight for me was the Salade Niçoise (₹625), a fresh and hearty combination of tuna, cherry tomatoes, olives, hard-boiled eggs, greens, and potatoes. Some of the evening specials are available during the day as well, with smaller portions and significantly lower prices, too. The café also offers a range of coffees along with a dessert menu comprising cinnamon apple crumble, crème caramel, and fresh fruit sorbet.
French meal available at Bistro Francaise
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
While Delhi does not boast many French restaurants, Oriental Express at the Taj Palace is renowned for its exquisite French offerings. There is also Reve Bistro Modern in Aerocity, which I have heard good things about. Sadly, the charming Bistro du Parc in Defence Colony is no longer around. Bistro Français, however, is connected to Too Mikkii Tapas in Chanakyapuri, adding another layer of culinary intrigue. It’s nice to have a slice of France in the heart of Delhi. Très bien, indeed!
At Alliance Françaisede Delhi; Lodhi Estate; Opens at 8.30am, Fine dining 6pm to 9pm, Open all days; Ph: 9911067205
Published – January 17, 2025 01:39 am IST