It took someone from Chandigarh to fill a gap in the Delhi market
Serves pastries, cookies, sandwiches, coffee
Atmospherics: In the Greater Kailash II Market, every cuisine is represented, except the good old bakery. Till now, that is. Thanks to Nikhil Mittal from Chandigarh, whose Nik Bakers exist in prominent markets in the Tricity, GK II now has a functional cake shop cum café for simple, uncomplicated all-day breakfasts. I am not alone in missing this basic format: Nik Baker was crowded to capacity on the day I was there – and I spent around two hours on the premises. Because the space is as neutral as the Chandigarh outlets, with remarkably comfortable seating, a variety of people flock to it: families with young children, three-generation families, the elderly, fashionistas: it is exactly the same mix of customers who visit the Chandigarh café. The staff is excellent at following orders and ensuring perfect consistency each time.
Table talk: Nothing quite hits the spot as a croissant and coffee at Nik Bakers. I ordered the cheese croissant (Rs 95) where the cheese was mixed with the croissant dough before being baked. While there are more buttery, flaky croissants in the market, this one was neat to eat, without flakes falling all over your clothes. The cold coffee (Rs 230) was in a disposable glass and was pleasantly strong as well as creamy. Just the croissant and coffee is a near perfect snack when you want something light. The ham and jalapeno baked sandwich (Rs 230) turned out to be a regular sandwich where the focaccia was perfectly fresh and light on the palate. The ham was in fact salami and though the quantity was fairly generous, it did not do anything for me: some of the ingredients used in this kitchen are in urgent need of a re-look, like mustard, cheese and ham. However, the bagel with cream cheese (Rs 175) is a personal favourite and a must-try: it is not perhaps as chewy as a New York bagel would be, but is certainly one of the better versions I’ve had in the city.
Plus and minus: The cheesecake and chocolate praline cakes are always in demand. The noise level from the air-curtain, music system and absence of sound absorbing materials becomes unpleasant after a while, as you have to shout to make yourself be heard.
Must try: Chocochip cookies, chilli cheese toast, waffles with whipped cream and Belgian chocolate
Food: 3.50; Service: 3.25; Décor: 3.75
M 25, M Block Market, Greater Kailash II
Tel: 40707861, 49707851
Open from 9 am to 11 pm
Meal for two: Rs 1200
