KARACHI:
In a metropolis teeming with flashy new openings and formulaic café menus, Da Noi brings one thing far rarer to the desk: restraint. Located in Karachi’s ever-expanding upscale eating circuit, Da Noi looks like a restaurant with nothing to show and the whole lot to supply. From its minimal Bauhaus-inspired interiors to a menu rooted in refined simplicity, that is definitely not your run-of-the-mill eatery.
We began with the roasted bell pepper soup, a velvety, indulgent opening notice. While the pepper’s smoky essence performed a extra supporting position to the soup’s buttery base, the general impact was comforting — precisely the form of richness Karachi’s cool evenings name for. The garlic bread alongside was glorious: crisp, aromatic, and generously portioned.
The citrus quinoa medley arrived subsequent, trying like a summer time backyard in a bowl. Bursts of watermelon, the crunch of candied walnuts, hints of maple, and the slight bitterness of rocket all performed their elements. The quinoa might’ve used extra highlight, and the “citrus” barely made itself identified; the salad, on the entire, was a well-balanced starter and marked a welcome departure from the overdressed greens seen elsewhere.
From the appetisers, the seared beef with spicy soy glaze stood out. Served medium, the meat was tender, with a fragile char that gave it an earthy edge. The soy glaze was amazingly simply as fiery because the identify would possibly counsel, the umami competing with the spice, which labored nicely in its favour. Even for diners not usually drawn to crimson meat, this dish makes a robust case.
The sundried tomato grilled hen was one other crowd-pleaser. Juicy, flavourful, and plated over a beneficiant mattress of recent rocket and feta, the dish provided depth and texture. The baked potato on the aspect — crispy-edged and fluffy inside — was an particularly welcome contact. This is the form of plate that satisfies with its beneficiant portion, however by no means feels overwhelming.
If the meal had a weaker hyperlink, it was the pesto prawn linguine. While the prawns have been cooked good and the serving giant sufficient to rival most mains within the metropolis, the pesto lacked brightness. A squeeze of lemon or a bit extra seasoning may need added dimension, however it’s a small grievance in an in any other case well-thought-out unfold.
Dessert got here within the type of a cheesecake with fruit compote, or relatively, fruit scattered neatly excessive. While purists would possibly count on a real compote, the cheesecake itself was wealthy and decadent, with a biscuity base that delivered precisely the crunch you need on the finish of a meal.
Verdict: While the spice doesn’t at all times ship the daring warmth it guarantees, Da Noi’s power lies in its refined, velvety layering of flavours. This is a restaurant that trusts its elements and pairs considerate cooking with attentive service and an ambient eating expertise actually thoughtful of its friends.
Rating: 9/10
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