Dhaka stands out as a haven for food enthusiasts eager to express their love for the city's diverse cuisine, evident in the abundant array of food franchises, carts, and restaurants. Among them, Cielo, led by its managing partner MD Masum, seamlessly blends his passions for food, nature, and panoramic views by gracing each of its locations with breathtaking rooftops.
Aptly named after the sky, "Cielo," this restaurant chain promises not just delectable dishes but also an elevated dining experience. In response to the growing demands of their discerning clientele, the menu at Cielo has gracefully evolved beyond its initial café offerings.
Masum, recognizing the dynamic palate of his patrons, shares: "The customers kept asking for new flavors, and eventually, I couldn't resist." This culinary evolution brought forth a delightful addition of seafood and pan-Asian dishes, eliciting positive responses from the customers who seem to relish the expanded culinary repertoire, as confirmed by Masum himself.
Food
Indulging in Cielo's pan-Asian offerings is a foolproof choice, particularly when paired with their enticing seafood rice, a flavorful ensemble featuring prawn boils, peas, herbs, jasmine rice, and a medley of seafood that culminates in a truly delectable dish.
Their signature beef curry had a hint of sweetness to it, and the rich gravy made with sweet chilli sauce, soy, sesame oil, and bell peppers was a treat to the palate.
Their sriracha honey chicken, on the other hand, was distinctly savoury, with an expertly executed combination of sriracha and hot honey; the honey's sweetness was just right, though. Between the two meats, we favoured the chicken because of the subtle sweetness of the honey and the lingering spice of the sriracha.
Our next course was the pomfret entrée, which includes fried rice, grilled vegetables, pomfret, and a sweet chilli sauce. They paid such close attention to detail in their preparation of the fresh fish, the pomfret was the star of the dish—fried to perfection, season it just right, and add it to the rest of the dish for a wonderful feast.
Their hunan prawns are seasoned with rice vinegar, garlic, soy sauce, chilli paste, and chicken broth.It makes a commendable effort at the flavours—salty and flavourful. Though savoury and salty, the prawn curry lacked the heat that hunan is known to have. We wish there had been more chilli paste or extra peppers to give it that kick.
The butter chicken with butter mushroom rice, is a traditional North Indian curry with chicken thighs marinated in Greek yoghurt, whipped cream, and garam masala. They got the flavour part down, but the curry lacked the traditional thick and heavy consistency that we were hoping for. It was almost like they made butter chicken lite, with less viscous and less heavy ingredients, but with a different flavour profile. Their butter mushroom rice was full of butter the moment we bit into it; it was delicious on its own, but it went wonderfully with every other curry we tried.
Their mango cheesecake was sugary because of the mango flavour, and it lacked the traditional cheesecake texture and flavour. Despite this, we still think it has potential for improvement.
For those considering a culinary adventure at Cielo, be prepared for a price range spanning from Tk 490 to Tk 2890, ensuring a diverse array of options to suit various preferences and occasions.
Ambience
Situated in Banani, Cielo offers stunning views, where on an idyllic day, a gentle breeze caresses your face. With a wide range of seating options, From cosy indoor seats with vibrant orange and blue cushions, to stylish outdoor seats in white, brown and leather, and rooftop seating for a unique experience.
The commitment to detail is unmistakable, as evidenced by the inclusion of grass fabric carpeting that introduces a touch of nature to the outdoor spaces. Infusing a sense of personality, the walls are tastefully adorned with carefully selected posters from popular films and shows, completing the ambiance with a touch of cinematic flair.
Challenges
In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic's peak, which commenced in March 2020, Cielo's Banani branch boldly opened its doors in September of the same year. Masum, reflecting on the company's decision to navigate the challenging landscape of the restaurant industry downturn, expressed that the risk undertaken during this unprecedented time ultimately yielded favourable results.
Opening a restaurant during that period was not in anyone's plans, so it turned out to be a good deal, he noted.
However, navigating the subsequent waves of lockdowns in 2021 presented a formidable challenge. Masum recounted the difficulties they faced, stating: "The abrupt lockdowns compelled us to operate inconsistently."
Elaborating on the challenges, Masum highlighted the predicament of their heavy reliance on delivery services. Given that one of Cielo's key selling points is the ambiance, Masum said: "Since the atmosphere plays such a crucial role in attracting customers, we found it impractical to depend solely on deliveries, both then and now."
Despite maintaining consistent sales figures, the prevailing economic conditions dictated a noticeable reduction in profit margins. He emphasized the pragmatic decision to refrain from further price hikes, especially after a recent increase, considering the financial strain on customers.
"While our sales have not declined, there is a significant decrease in profit margins. It would be unreasonable to continue raising prices, given the impact on customers who are also facing challenges in these times," he added.
Verdict
We highly recommend that you try their pomfret meal, as well as their curries, which include the sriracha honey chicken and the beef curry. What sets this dining experience apart is the added bonus of a breathtaking rooftop view that accompanies the delicious fare.
If you're someone who appreciates the harmony of nature and desires to enjoy a meal amidst a backdrop of unparalleled views and ambiance, Cielo is undoubtedly an experience worth exploring. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in a culinary journey that transcends mere dining; it's an experience in and of itself.
