Very few places in Delhi serve high tea, and Elma’s is one of them
At the outset, I must clarify that Brasserie is a French word alluding to a French restaurant that has a relaxed ambience and serves alcoholic beverages and food. Elma’s has two outlets in Delhi: their cafe in Hauz Khas Village and their restaurant at Lodhi Colony. Very few places in Delhi serve high tea, and Elma’s is one of them, I landed here one evening to sample their high tea special.
The Location
73, Meherchand Market
Lodhi Colony
The Timings
10 AM to 11 PM
The Ambiance
This is a cutesy place on the single road market of eateries and kitschy wares and designer shops. It has a little pastry counter with a seating for 8-10 people on the ground floor, a little bar, and a seating place above. The place is reminiscent of an English parlor right out of an Enid Blyton story with floral sofas and cushioned chairs, pretty table cloths, and flowers on the windowsill. It’s a small place, but usually doesn’t keep visitors waiting.
The Food
We decided to start with Polenta Encrusted Chicken (₹390). This was on the list of starters. We were served crispy crunchy spicy chicken medallions with an in-house sweet chilli sauce. It’s definitely worth a try.
I decided to go for the non-vegetarian high tea, which is a lovely option right out of Downton Abbey in three-tiered trays served with a choice of teas ranging from Camomile to Earl Grey and English breakfast or freshly pressed coffee, which I opted for. The High Tea Service (₹690) serves two and I just loved the fanfare that goes with it. It had finger sandwiches on the lowest tier, two sets of pretty four. Delicious cold sandwiches included smoked salmon with dill and lemon cream, egg mayonnaise with whole grain mustard, coronation chicken with mayo, chilli, and spice, and the most delicious honey-glazed ham with mustard. All the sandwiches are made in soft and fresh wholewheat bread baked in-house.
On the next tier was a selection of cakes, including their tea cake and the black velvet, which I asked for instead of their most popular red velvet. It is made with dark chocolate and caramel, and is actually worth dying for.
I saved the scones for the last. The scones at Elma’s can even please the queen of England. I’m pretty fond of scones, but they are either not available or powdery dry at most places in town. These are as good as the best I have had so far, which were at Betty’s in York. Perfectly baked with raisins in them, served with a summer berry preserve and fresh clotted cream, I was absolutely smitten by these little larger than bite-sized scones. Coffee service was delicious and served in fine china. The tea, if ordered is served in pretty floral teacups and kettle.
Elma’s is known for the best red velvet in town, but if ever you are in the mood of being pampered over a classic British cuppa, Elma’s it is.
The Pricing
It is ₹ 2000 for a meal for two. The high tea for 2 is ₹ 690 plus tax.
