Bakeries have this warm scent that leaves me feeling cosy. The first whiff I get upon entering Fahrenheit 375 Degree cafe, located right next to Pathadipalam Metro Station, reassures me that this is just where I want to be. In the mood to try more than pastries, I force myself to walk past the glass shelves on the ground-floor holding great-looking confectionaries like Eton mess and fruit trifle.
The first thing that my eyes fall on in the diner upstairs are the high stools facing the open kitchen in the format of a bar counter—something for the solo diners who are usually ignored by most restaurants. Upbeat pop numbers fit the mood of the well-lit, 40-cover hall which has typical café decor with a large sign saying ‘Hello Kochi.’
“After 12 years of working in places including Sudan and Oman, I was planning to come back to India,” says co-owner and chef Joel Thomas, elaborating, “Then one of the current co-owners approached me after having found a new space apt for starting a café and I decided to join in. As for the menu, we serve different flavours from around the world including continental, Indian and Asian, but with our own touch.”
Flavour profile
The cards are rich with varied influences in its listing of soups (like an Irish stew), salads (think Greek salad), appetisers (such as achari paneer) and a multitude of North and South Indian options including beef coconut fry and mutton saagwala.
While I start with a bloody coolent with slightly syrupy flavours of blue curaçao blended with guava, the steak nibbles platter sizzles its way to the table. Despite its plain presentation, the dish is interesting with good cuts of meat, a peppery taste and the non-sticky honey bbq sauce.
The chef sure has his secret ingredients, I learn as he smiles and trails off when asked about the next dish on the spread: a shredded chicken in hot chilli veggies. The fried chicken retains moisture and the outer layer has a slightly burnt taste which goes well with the sauteed veggies in a sweet sauce, something I couldn’t get enough of.
Beyond the norm
Fahrenheit 375 Degree’s grilled chicken is definitely worth a visit to the outlet. As different from the masala slathered version available all over town, this one has subtle and distinct flavours owing to spices like sumac.
“Our method of marination is not just applying spice pastes. But, we keep the meat dipped in liquids that are a blend of in-house sauces,” informs Joel. Even though they insist that their nasi goreng is not as authentic as they’d like it to be, it’s a great option for seafood enthusiasts with its liberal use of oyster and fish sauces.
Now for the part I’ve been waiting for—dessert. The creamy hazelnut crunch deserves appreciation but I fall for the amazing honey which is bound to woo me to the outlet again.
Open from 11 am to 11 pm.
