TL Tastings: Fig At Malcha — A Conscious Food Collective Changing Delhi’s Culinary Scene

After hearing buzz around Fig at Museo in Gurugram, Travel+Leisure India & South Asia stops by its latest outpost at Malcha Marg in New Delhi’s Chanakyapuri to test if it lives up to the hype. 

TL Tastings
Review of Fig at Malcha

Interiors

Spread across two floors, Fig at Malcha has a spacious seating arrangement where a minimalist design lovers’ dreams turn into reality. One of the most striking features here are the life-size windows, which first pave way for ample sunlight; and second, give quite an insight into Malcha Marg’s fascinating scenarios. An amalgamation of Japanese design and Nordic lifestyle, this outpost boasts neutral tones with a café style seating arrangement.

Cuisine

Fig at Malcha serves as an eco-contemporary and conscious food collective that inspires flavourful, healthy, ethical, and plant-forward cuisine. Think a curated menu based on high-quality, seasonal produce from local farms, 100 percent GMO-free meat, cage-free eggs, a Parisian style in-house bakery that bakes fresh breads and pastries, and ‘farm-to-cup’ specialty coffee.

“Fig is an expression of our passion to serve and share food that is deliciously easy, joyous, and powerful. We’ve very carefully created and crafted every detail of our offerings that makes a meal at Fig a holistic experience. We have 14 chefs with five specialist chefs who are experts in their respective cuisines such as Thai, Japanese, French etc. Our pâtissier and boulanger hold the fort in the bakery,” shares Manish Yadav, founder of Fig.

We Recommend

Appetiser

I start with summer rolls with oriental veggies (INR 425) while I scan the café’s many offerings. Extremely light on stomach and airy on the tongue, these rice paper rolls come with a soy chilli dip and a plum ginger sauce. The rolls can also be customised on request for a gluten-free variant.

Main Course 

I then move on to a portion of ravioli (INR 625) from the homemade pasta section. The basil stuffed pasta is a savoury hug I didn’t know I needed. The sundried tomatoes and parmesan cheese balance the dish’s flavours and textures well, while the sauce brings the whole dish together.

Next up is a pumpkin Massaman curry (INR 620) from the healthy bowls section. Served over a bed of steaming jasmine rice, the overall dish is gluten-free and is prepared using roasted pumpkin. Accentuating the flavours of the curry are potato, onions, red chilli, and peanut sauce. The aromatic curry is perfect to cosy up to on a rainy day.

Dessert

Although my stomach is full, my heart and mind take a collective glance over the expansive dessert offerings. I opt for ricotta and berries pancakes (INR 625) served with honey mascarpone, and fresh fruits. They turn out to be just as I had imagined—light, fluffy, and extremely indulgent! For those looking for a healthier alternative, the pancakes can be made with regular whole wheat or gluten-free buckwheat, too.

Drinks

Fig at Malcha is big on promoting a farm-to-cup coffee culture. “Every cup of coffee at Fig can be traced back to the farmer. Our goal is to brew outstanding coffee while supporting livelihoods, practicing sustainable agriculture, and making the value of Indian coffees recognised,” shares Yadav. While I choose a mixed berry smoothie with my meal, I end the affair with a classic cappuccino that definitely does not disappoint.

Our takeaway

With its classic white interiors along with seamless concrete flooring, terrazzo counters, and floor-to-ceiling windows, Fig at Malcha is a relaxed yet intimate space. Whether you plan to hangout with friends or family, decide to grab a quick bite, or even plan on an elaborate meeting, their menu has something for everyone. Responsible practices are also at the core of this conscious food collective’s design and operations, including a minimum waste kitchen.

Quick Notes

Price for two: INR 2,500
Address: 3/48, Malcha Marg Market, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
Phone: +91 8447872226
Timings: 07:30 am – 11:00 pm

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