Certain individuals possess a natural knack for baking like Nadia Lakhani. She dedicated numerous years to honing her baking skills, mastering an array of treats including creme brulee, tres leches, and intricate wedding cakes.
Nadia Lakhani, the founder of Dessert Boutique said: "Baking wasn't an innate talent for me; I certainly acquired it over time. Anything can be learned, and this café is a testament to that."
Food
The dark chocolate in their tart's combo of ganache, crust, and salted caramel is a stroke of genius. This results in a tart that isn't overly sweet, allowing you to savour each individual flavour element.
Despite its compact size, the tart offers a delightful experience from beginning to end. The interplay of the salted caramel and dark chocolate is harmonious, with the chocolate's surface maintaining a velvety smoothness while the crust contributes a balanced dry texture and a subtle crispiness.
Their rendition of the tres leches cake, a delicate sponge cake soaked in a mixture of evaporated, condensed, and whole milk, adorned with a sprinkle of cinnamon, is a triumph in terms of taste. Even though it's a classic, the chilly bites and the airy texture are flawless. Even if you're not typically a fan of tres leches cake, this version is bound to win you over. Be prepared to vie with friends and family over the last slice; you won't be able to resist.
The crème brulee, crafted with luscious vanilla beans, rich cream, and golden caster sugar, has rightfully earned its status as a customer favourite. This luxurious dessert offers an exquisite experience from start to finish. The custard, with its impeccable consistency—neither too thick nor too thin—delivers a flawlessly creamy texture. The true star, however, is the torched caramelized top that, when cracked open with a spoon, unveils a cascade of custard within its delicate golden enclosure.
Even though I typically don't have an inclination for apple pie, their version served alongside vanilla ice cream is so extraordinary that I couldn't help but eat it all. When executed to perfection, a slice of golden-brown pie with a substantial crust, accompanied by a scoop of chilled vanilla ice cream, embodies the essence of comfort food. Inside the pie crust is a mixture of Granny Smith apples, enhanced with egg wash, cinnamon, lemon juice, and brown sugar.
At Dessert Boutique, prices range between Tk250 and Tk850, exclusive of VAT.
Ambience
Located in Banani, the charming café features a wooden door and an arching entrance.
Upon stepping inside, the café is adorned with distressed wood in white. There are blue, and soft brown cushioned sofas, rattan furnishings, walls framed with pebbles, and exposed brick walls. Very boho chic.
Challenges
In November 2022, Lakhani inaugurated the first physical location of her café, having operated from her cloud kitchen since 2018.
"I dedicated four years of my life to it, and I was determined not to give up," said Lakhani.
"As time went on, my business attained flexibility, and I realized it was time to broaden its horizons."
When addressing the issue of inflation, Lakhani underscores its uniform impact across all sectors.
"From rent to electricity to even the most ordinary or rare ingredients, everything is becoming increasingly expensive. It's a challenging situation because, along with everything else, you have to take care of your staff, she added."
Lakhani and other businesses find themselves constrained in taking risks due to the ever-shifting economic landscape, especially in this post-pandemic economy.
"We should also bear in mind that people's purchasing power isn't growing in tandem with the rising prices," she added.
Although Lakhani's current expertise lies in desserts, she has intentions to diversify into savoury offerings soon.
She said: "Adaptation is key, so I'm in the process of learning and exploring savoury dishes as well. However, I haven't reached a stage where I can introduce savoury items just yet." If not delectable, then certainly intriguing; providing alternatives. Spreading your investments across different areas is a wise strategy, I think.”
Verdict
Their creme brulee and apple pie are both must-tries. This restaurant has perfected the art of serving traditional desserts. The peaceful atmosphere is worth a visit. The range of prices is affordable, and there are also smaller portions available. Fans don't need us to tell them the desserts are great; you already know it.
The visit to this restaurant wouldn't be complete without savouring their exquisite creme brulee and tantalizing apple pie.