Tania Roy discovers the healthy pleasures of Middle-Eastern food at Cafe Zaatar, Kalyaninagar. The place definitely calls for a trip...

I look intently at the colourful array of dips, spreads and pita bread that are very aesthetically laid out on a spotless white ceramic tray. The green parsley, the red chilli powder on the hummus and the olives and diced tomatoes enliven this visually-stimulating appetiser. My host, Rachna Panjabi (director of Cafe Zaatar, which is located on Level 2 in the premises of Ccasanova), quickly introduces me to the exotic dips and spreads, but since I am not so acquainted with Middle-Eastern cuisine, apart from falafel, hummus and the wraps, I take a little more time to get the names and, more importantly, the pronunciation right. Rachana, however, makes it easy by informing me that a lot of ingredients in Arabian and Indian food are similar. “The food is very acceptable to our palate and is not complicated,” says she.

Tabouleh, the coarse spread has dalia (broken wheat), tomato and parsley. It’s a little dry and bland, but nutritious. Baba ghanoush, more akin to hummus, is made of eggplant “roasted like our baigan bharta”, quips Rachna. It also has olive oil and tahini (sesame paste). Tzatziki (another tongue-twister — T silent), has curd and cucumber. It’s slightly tangy. The last dip, the hummus — which is always my favourite — is delightful. The chickpea paste with garlic, olive oil and chilli powder is the ultimate accompaniment to your pita bread. Pickled vegetables like beet, carrot, olives and chillies are also served along with the spreads.

What’s most appealing about Middle-Eastern food is that it is healthy — they make do with little oil and spice. “And we have not manipulated the recipes. They are authentic,” Rachna informs.

For many Indians, falafel is quite a favourite. The crispy patty made of chickpea paste, which is stuffed into pita bread, tastes awesome with the lettuce and hummus. The blending of the soft texture of the hummus and the crispy patty is ambrosial. I could devour half a dozen of them, but there’s a lot more on the menu, which Rachna and Cafe Zaatar co-owners — Ahmad Yahya and Raza Sayyed — insist that I must try.

But before I move on to my next quickbite — Cheese and Lettuce Crossawich (a cross between a crossiant and sandwich) — I ask Ahmad what made him launch a Middle-Eastern cafe in Pune? “There is a large number of Iranian students and Arab nationalities in the city, which is why we thought of introducing it,” quips he.

Cafe Zaatar is also easy on the pocket, which can be a big draw for students. The dishes range between Rs 50 and Rs 150.  The Crossawich (Rs 50) has white cheddar cheese, tomato ketchup, mustard sauce and mayo. It’s filling, but if you are famished you could go for Shawarma Dajaj (Rs 80). The slightly grilled chicken, along with the sauces, wrapped in pita bread, is delicious.

Don’t freak out, however,  if your bread’s not brown! The Middle-East people use white bread. But Cafe Zaatar will soon be introducing its healthier alternative. For now, check out the Bakery Shop on Level 1, which is the takeway section, offering multigrain bread.

Now that we are done with the basic introduction to Middle-Eastern cuisine, let me explain to you what the name of the place means. Zaatar, as Rachna explains, “is a spice blend made of thyme, oregano, savory, sesame seed and sea salt”. This green spice when spread on pita bread or khaboos looks like a mini pizza. For variety, there is also Zaatar cheese and Zaatar Labana (which is hung curd).

“Desserts you must try,” says Ahmad. So, I try the Baklava, which is the sweet pastry filled with nuts and rose essence. It’s impressive and so is the heavenly mousse (mocha, coconut and chocolate varieties). The texture’s just right. There is also a whole range of shakes, ice lattes and Zaatar tea (more like green tea) to choose from.

Along with the food, you will enjoy the ambience of Cafe Zaatar — it transports you to the land of the Arabs. With the cabanas (tents) in soothing blue and white fabric, cushions, bolsters, the golden sheer curtains and the sheeshas, you cannot help but feel royal. And to further enhance your Middle-Eastern experience, the cafe is planning to have Arab DJs, live bands and other interesting events. For now, Khaled’s hit song Didi gets me into the belly dancing mood.

Restaurant: Cafe Zaatar

Owners: Rachna Panjabi, Ahmad Yahya, Raza Sayyed

Address: 201/205 , Fortaleza, Vitoria II, Kalyani Nagar, Pune — 411 016.

Ph: 9766322700, 9096033111, 26608888

Date of Opening: January 8, 2010

Timings: 11 to 7.30 pm

Capacity: 150

Credit cards: All acceptedValet parking: Available