Café Columbia, a recent addition to Dhaka's vibrant café scene, beckons with a captivating blend of delectable offerings. Here, people can indulge in an array of caffeinated delights alongside a diverse menu showcasing both continental classics and tantalizing pan-Asian cuisine.
Murshed Elahy, the managing director, says: "Our café prides itself on its expertise in coffee and the rich tapestry of flavours found within our continental and pan-Asian specialities."
Food:
We had a diverse assortment of dishes for iftaar, Their iftaar platter included stuffed dates, chicken congee(porridge) grilled chicken rollups, salad skewers, fish popcorn, chicken fried rice, fried dumplings and balah el-sham (Egyptian choux pastry) and CC special eggplant stuffed with chicken.
Among the highlights was the fried rice with grilled chicken, a truly delightful and mouth watering dish. The chicken was perfectly cooked, imbued with a smoky charred flavour that we always relish when done just right. We thoroughly enjoyed the distinct savoury flavours and delightful textures of the fried rice as well.
Another unique addition to the iftaar platter was the chicken congee, possibly offering a twist on the traditional haleem. Although featuring a rich chicken broth, tender chicken meat, and flavorful ingredients like ginger, green onion, and sesame oil, it was let down by its overly salty taste, making it challenging to enjoy beyond a few bites.
We also sampled their grilled chicken roll-ups, featuring well-cooked chicken and a spread of hummus with Greek seasoning. While enjoyable, the rolls were slightly dry and could have benefited from a bolder seasoning and a touch more hummus to enhance the flavour.
For dessert, the balah el-sham, a fried choux pastry delicately dusted with sugar, had a pleasant subtle sweetness but lacked the wow factor in terms of texture.
Moving on to their Boishakh platter, it offered a delightful combination of pantha ilish with latte, showcasing a fusion of flavours. The pantha bhaath made with red rice was exquisite, expertly fermented and complemented by the perfectly cooked baked hilsa, resulting in an unforgettable savoury umami experience.
Accompanying the main dishes were diverse sides such as delicious eggplant mash, potato mash, and a variety of others, all fitting perfectly with the Bengali flavours. Interestingly, the Boishakh platter was served with a steaming cup of latte, offering a distinctive twist on fusion cuisine.
Overall, the Bengali flavours at Café Columbia were expertly crafted, overshadowing the fusion iftaar platter with continental influences. With meal prices ranging from Tk300 to Tk1500, Café Columbia offers an unforgettable culinary experience worth indulging in.
Ambience
Located along Gulshan Avenue, Café Columbia boasts a spacious setting, accommodating both indoor and outdoor seating options. The decor exudes tastefulness, seamlessly blending in elements of nature that lend a delightful ambience to the space.
Challenges
Open since September 2023, Café Columbia has been facing its biggest challenge as the current economic situation has led people to seek out more affordable dining options.
"The current market conditions are challenging, with customers seeking more affordable options. However, I encourage them to prioritise quality and consider investing a bit more for guaranteed excellence," Elahy emphasised.
According to Elahy, this up-and-coming restaurant is in need of some marketing efforts to spread the word about their existence.
"We need to raise awareness about our new brand so that people can discover us. We are eager to expand and evolve," he added.
Verdict
The Boishakh platter at Café Columbia is an absolute must-try, offering a tantalizing experience with its delectable pantha bhaath and perfectly cooked hilsa. Prepare to have your taste buds dancing with delight, longing for more of these exquisite flavours. Additionally, from their iftar platter, consider sampling their succulent chicken and flavorful fried rice.
Moreover, for nature enthusiasts, the atmosphere at Café Columbia promises a delightful experience, further enhancing your dining experience.