Tiramisu doesn’t miss the mark

Restaurant reopens doors offering a myriad of options in Thai and Italian


Hafsah Sarfraz May 27, 2015
PHOTO: HUMA CHOUDHARY/EXPRESS

ISLAMABAD:


When Italian and Thai cuisines are juxtaposed, they seem like a tricky combination, making it a challenge for the restaurant in question to deliver authentic flavours. But Tiramisu gives the residents of Islamabad a taste of both amid a great fine-dining experience.

Located in F-7, the restaurant recently reopened its doors to serve you a host of dishes. Shahida Ahmad, the brain behind Tiramisu, told The Express Tribune, “We have separate kitchens for Thai and Italian cuisines, headed by their respective experts. I make sure there is no interference, so nothing but absolute perfection comes out of the kitchen.”


PHOTO: HUMA CHOUDHARY/EXPRESS


Quality: 4/5

The menu offers a diverse range of rustic dishes, which makes it challenging to decide what to order. Chicken croquettes from the appetizers section were crispy on the outside and tender ion the inside. They were served with an appetising chilly dip to add zesty flavour. Dynamite prawns and spicy prawns sitting on a bed of iceberg lettuce bore resemblance to the ones served at PF Chang’s, but tasted notably different. They’re definitely worth a try. Dim sum is an art, one that the restaurant has perfected, which is why the hand-wrapped prawns dim sum and cashew nuts were a real treat. The lime and chili dip enhanced their flavour.

Mushroom and chicken risotto is another great appetizer. It is something that you enjoy till the last bite. The chicken is grilled to perfection while the risotto is aptly creamy, just the way it should be. While you are at it, don’t forget to try the baby chicken charcoal grille. It is surprisingly delicious and something different on the menu as compared to other restaurants. A hefty serving of grilled chicken, cooked till its core is tender, the dish is served with mashed potatoes and a sauce. Even though we were told that their crispy beef is a hit, we felt it could’ve tasted better, had it been a little less crispy but the overall experience made up for it.

The green curry featured tender chicken chunks with the perfect consistency of gravy. Most Thai restaurants miss the mark when it comes to consistency, but it looks like the folks here have done their homework.

The molten lava cake was the highlight of the experience. Served with vanilla ice cream, it oozed out rich chocolate. For those who have a sweet tooth, the Nutella banofee and crème brûlée are great options.

Presentation: 5/5

The dishes were beautifully presented, making the food look like a piece of art. While the presentation was commendable, the servings came in hefty portions. The dynamite prawns, however, felt like they weren’t enough, but seemed like a suitable serving for an appetizer.


PHOTO: HUMA CHOUDHARY/EXPRESS

Service: 4/5

The food was served in a timely fashion, the orders were accurate and the diners seemed to be pleased. With two separate kitchens at the backend, this place takes service seriously.

Atmosphere 4.5/5

The earthly tones of lime yellow, beige and light grey incorporated into the furniture give a simplistic yet chic Italian touch, while the oriental carvings on the walls bring out the Thai aesthetics. Shahida revealed that she designed the interior herself because she feels the restaurant should reflect her personal style. The space offers a comfortable environment, while transporting you to a world of scrumptious choices.

Verdict: This is an ideal place to head to when your group can’t decide on whether to opt for Thai or Italian. Everyone gets their particular favorite. Certainly recommended.



Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2015.

COMMENTS (2)

Stranger | 8 years ago | Reply The interioros are so chic and upper class. didnt know such restarants existed in Pak.
za | 8 years ago | Reply Boring! Same stuff we've had at countless restaurants here in karachi and there in islamabad. Banoffees, molten lavas, the green curries..so monotonous! Someone open up a spanish tapas restaurant here please!
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