M.F.K. Fisher, says,
“First we eat, then we do everything else.”
This defines me and my people in the best possible way. Wherever we go, our first priority is always food, or rather good food. Hence, when it comes to our own city, we’re even more picky than usual when stepping out of home for a meal or for any type of food.While driving home one night, we saw a brightly lit spot with a huge screen and were intrigued right away. I went to try out this charming looking cafe the very next day and I wasn’t disappointed in the very least (I ordered a simple bun maska and chai then)
Loving the overall experience, I decided to take my parents there for a meal someday. Makar Sankranti seemed like a good time (because there’s two days holidays in Gujarat during this festival) and thinking of giving ourselves and the home kitchen a holiday too, we went for our afternoon lunch a Desi Videsi cafe.
The cafe is owned by a Gujarati couple, Anisha and Ashik Parmar. They have put their heart and soul into it, which is quite visible in the overall look as well as ambiance of the cafe.
Right from light snacks and beverage, to full course meals ranging from rice to pasta and even soups, they have something for everyone.
Here’s what our meal consisted of:
- Manchow Soup
Our ratings: 5/5
- Garlic Bread
Our ratings : 4/5
- DV Special Pizza
Our ratings : 4/5
- Sev Puri
Our ratings : 5/5
- Cappuccino (coffee)
Our ratings : 3/5
- Coco Cola can
Our ratings: 3/5
- Nutella Nuts (shake)
Our ratings: 5/5
- French Fries
Our ratings : 5/5
Their USP is their outside seating area, which is an Indian type of divan seating arrangement, which gives a rustic and true roadside cafe look and feel.
Their most popular attraction, especially after sunset is the mammoth size TV projection screen which sports lovers would most enjoy and appreciate!
In fact, it could be the perfect date night too (talk to them about booking it for a date night!!)
There is also a small stage which can be perfect for hosting open mics and other social events.
All in all, the Adajan/Pal area in Surat, finally got the long awaited hangout space and cafe !
Things we liked/loved
- The ambiance
- The taste of the food (which I must add was excellent and all three of us loved it equally)
- Charming seating (inside and outside)
- The festive decor (there was kite decor done in the entire cafe to match the Uttrayan festivities) which added to the overall appeal and charm
- Board games availability
- Rustic and charming overall feel
- The french fries!! (which were extremely crispy, had no oily texture or feel and had the perfect taste)
Things we didn’t like:
- Time taken to serve the food
- Water was not served with the food (we had to ask for it)
These minor glitches aside, we ended up having a good family time which we honestly hadn’t got a chance to have in a very long time!
So, Surtis living on this side of the Sardar bridge and Cable-stayed bridge, there’s no need to go all the way to vesu now. We have a cool (family) hangout spot right here now! And if you’re visitor staying in the city for just a few days, we’d recommend giving this roadside cafe a try.
A Rustic Mind 