Last week I was in Noida for a close family friend’s wedding. I had a few days in hand so went to Alma Café with my relatives. So, this place gave me so much positive vibe that pushed me to write something on it. Finally, here I come up with my candid review of this café.
Post lockdown this was the first property I happen to visit. Before I move ahead I have to say that this is a café which focuses on ‘green environment, clean environment’.
It is founded and run by bakers’ families who themselves believe in fresh and nourishing food. The owners came up with this concept to bridge the parting bond between humans and nature. Alma Café is intended to be a green gateway in the bustling hub of Noida. To be a little specific, you can see plants in every corner and even on the ceiling, where an interesting hanging garden structure is installed.
The café is located in one of the most popular markets of ATS One Hamlet. It’s near the main Noida Expressway and a 10 minutes drive from the nearest metro station. Luckily I came to cross the owners of this café. They told me that they came up with this concept to introduce the green side to public spaces. Usually, public spaces are small-sized, mostly indoors, and situated in a densely populated urban setting. The café tries to give a speck of green to the vast high rising concrete landscapes, an unusual sight in our new urban peripheries.
Now coming on to food, the most important aspect of my review. During the interaction with the owners, they briefed me about the food. The good thing about their food is, that most of the sauces they use are all prepared from scratch; no added colors or preservatives are there. They prepare all the recipes from scratch with fresh ingredients. On my visit, they offered me a customized menu.
First came in the Pizza Napoletana, made with classic sourdough and baked over hearthstone. It was juicy yet crunchy to have. Moreover, it was cooked well from the top and beneath as well. I enjoyed each bite I had and lastly I loved the cheese which they used in it. The herbs were so aromatic. As the pizza came in the aroma gave a heavenly feeling.
Next, they offered us falafel, with freshly baked pita bread and dips hummus, beetroot, and sour cream. The second last came in Quesadilla, with corn and Fiocchi di latte. They demand to be the star of the show.
Their pasta is not to be missed as well! It is prepared in classic pasta sauces, bringing local tastes to this dish: one must go for coriander pesto linguine or saffron garlic Penne for sure.
One shouldn’t miss having their desserts. Well, I had classic truffle, burn basque cheesecake, and golden hazelnut mousse, which have been recently introduced to the dessert menu.
Since it was too cold so I couldn’t resist having a hot cup of coffee. The owners briefed me that they brew fresh coffee, using the signature roast supplied by a local boutique coffee roaster. Their coffee range is very interesting from classic brews such as espresso, Americano, cappuccino, and latte to in-house-made hazelnut, dark chocolate, affogato, and recently introduced golden latte with turmeric. Lastly, before I close I would like to mention that they have amazing cakes for Christmas, a traditional Plum cake made with the same family recipe since 1962.
And this is how I wrapped up my review on Alma cafe. Altogether, It was an amazing experience. I was thrilled to be at such a place and was more pleased to see the ambiance of this café!
Contributed by: Remita Nath
Amit Singh
