Meet CAARA – A Culinary Treasure Tucked Away In Khan Market's Decor Shop

Nestled amidst the bustling lanes of Khan Market, Delhi, lies an experience unlike any other. CAARA, a restaurant nestled within the chic confines of Pure Home + Living (PHL), transcends the boundaries of a simple meal, offering a harmonious blend of culinary artistry and aesthetic indulgence. This recent collaboration between two Delhi darlings – CAARA, renowned for its European fare, and PHL, known for its exquisite homeware – has resulted in a space that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Walking into CAARA at PHL feels like entering a thoughtfully designed space. The calming shades of blue that dominate the restaurant’s ambience create a sense of serenity, perfectly complementing the elegant display of PHL’s home decor and timeless dinnerware. It’s a thoughtful collaboration, where the intention seems to be to allow guests to not just dine, but envision themselves recreating a similar haven in their own homes.

The menu itself reflects this philosophy. Familiar CAARA classics share space with enticing seasonal offerings, ensuring a balance between comfort and exploration. My meal began with the Peppered Prawns Bouillabaisse. The white wine and saffron broth held a delicate yet assertive flavour, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the pepper-grilled prawns. Each bite was a delightful dance between the briny seafood and the aromatic broth, perfectly accompanied by the tangy zest of lime and the hearty texture of the CAARA Rye Sourdough. 

Next came the Miso Ginger Norwegian Salmon Fillet. The salmon, cooked to a beautiful medium-rare, flaked effortlessly under my fork. The accompanying jasmine rice provided a comforting base, while the pickled cucumber lent a refreshing counterpoint. But the true star of this dish was the miso ginger sauce. The umami richness of the miso beautifully balanced the warmth of the ginger, creating a complex and deeply satisfying flavour profile. 

^{Miso Ginger Norwegian Salmon Fillet} 

For the main course, I opted for a classic – the CAARA Aglio E Olio Chicken with Rucola and Goat Cheese. This seemingly simple dish showcased CAARA’s expertise in elevating the ordinary. The thin spaghetti noodles were perfectly cooked, al dente and coated in a light, garlicky sauce. The addition of peppery rucola and creamy goat cheese added a delightful textural and flavour contrast, making each bite an exploration of contrasting yet complementary elements.

^{CAARA Aglio E Olio Chicken Pizza}

While the food was an undeniable triumph, the drinks menu left a bit to be desired. The concoctions I tried felt muddled and lacked a clear flavour profile. This was a minor misstep in an otherwise exceptional experience.

However, the true finale arrived in the form of the carrot cake. This dessert was a symphony of textures and flavours. The cake itself was moist and dense, studded with generous chunks of perfectly caramelized carrots. The frosting was a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and the sprinkling of chopped nuts added a welcome crunch. Each bite was a delightful meld of comforting textures and vibrant flavours, leaving me with a satisfied smile.

Carrot cake 

CAARA at PHL offers more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a place to indulge your senses, to appreciate the artistry on the plate as well as the thoughtful curation of the space. While a minor improvement in the beverage menu would be welcome, the overall experience is one that deserves a high mark. If you’re seeking a place where elegance meets culinary expertise, then CAARA at PHL, Khan Market, is a must-visit destination.