Cafe Bleu offers some of our favourite classic dishes as well as fusion versions, including pad thai, Thai coral fish, kebab platters, chow mein, pizzas and burgers. You will find all the beloved meals from your childhood and adulthood in Dhaka on the menu.
“People are familiar with these dishes and flavours; it’s just that we make them better than our competitors at a lower price,” said Mashrur Ishtiak Khan, owner of Cafe Bleu.
Food
We began our meal with their seafood salad, which featured shrimp, crabs and squid with a hefty amount of chillies, and lime juice. All the seafood pieces were well seasoned. This salad was not only delicious but also felt substantial, making it satisfying to enjoy while still being light on our stomachs, which served its purpose perfectly.
When the salad is served, its bright colours will catch your eye, and the dried red chillies might seem intimidating. However, if you enjoy spicy food, this appetizer will be a delight. The salad is on the spicier side, but they can adjust the spice level to match your preference.
The freshness of this seafood salad is striking and truly appreciable and it is bound to whet your appetite for the dishes to come.
Their Thai coral fish with fried rice is a stunning dish. The ginger-garlic, lime and red chillies marinade works wonders. The red coral is to die for with the crimson gravy oozing on the sides, and the zesty, sweet and spicy fish fillet is soft off the bones.
The fish is delectable and flavoured extraordinarily with a generous sprinkle of red chillies and well balanced zest and sweetness.
The coral pairs incredibly well with the fried rice and if anything can be called “asian fusion comfort,” this thai coral dish should be it; this dish is familiar but so well-executed that the familiarity is half the charm.
Then came the tandoori kebab platter. The kebab pieces were on skewers, served with naan, fries and a yogurt-mint based sauce on the side that tasted similar to a raita but had a thinner consistency.
The melt-in-your-mouth tandoor kebabs were charred to perfection on the outside yet camouflaged well enough that you can’t really smell the char, but the soft texture is beyond spectacular and something that you will appreciate with a smile. The kebabs make an excellent contrast with the sweet yogurt based sauce. The naans and fries were a well-thought out addition but by the end, kebabs and the sauce had completely stolen the show for us.
Finally, we had their cafe bleu special pizza. This pizza was meaty, flaky, and enjoyable from the first bite to the last. We truly appreciated its simplicity. Lightly sauced and well-baked, it was topped with onions, olives, and meat. Additionally, it came with two separate dips on the side, which added a touch of sweetness and an extra saucy layer for those who enjoy a sauced-up pizza.
They also offer excellent beverages, both hot and cold. We tried the kiwi berry drink, which was a tart, acidic, and sweet delight that perfectly captured the essence of kiwi.
The refresher was as delicious as it looked, featuring an exotic flavour. However, we must admit that this drink is better suited for summer than for winter.
The price range for a meal at Cafe Bleu is Tk150 To Tk750, excluding VAT.
Ambience
Located in Panthapath at Union Heights, Café Bleu offers a serene atmosphere with both rooftop and indoor seating options. The seats are royal blue, and the blue and white walls create a striking contrast with the seating. The outdoor area provides a calm and tranquil vibe, making it a more inviting choice than sitting indoors.
Challenges
The restaurant opened in 2020. Cafe Bleu’s biggest hurdle has been to maintain consistent prices, despite inflation and economic fluctuations. According to Khan, as a result, prices have jumped by 20% over a four-year period.
Khan emphasized that inflation significantly reduces customers' purchasing power and causes prices to rise.
"People tend to spend less, and we struggle to keep menu prices within the same range," he said.
Even though there is only one branch in Panthapath, the customer service is outstanding. "Most of our customers are repeat customers who keep coming back. Since we don't have multiple branches, most of our clientele is based in the local area," he added.
Verdict
The Thai coral fish, tandoori kebab platter, and Cafe Bleu pizza are all must-tries. Don’t leave without sampling their coffee or one of their refreshing summer drinks. You won't regret it.
