Formaggio at Kemps Corner offers good value-for-money vegetarian food

Just ahead of August Kranti Maidan in Kemps Corner, as cars honk and buses bully their way through, we find ourselves inside a cozy little place that goes by the name of Formaggio. This Italian and Mediterranean joint, which has opened just a fortnight back, is done up artistically with chandeliers and antique furniture adding to its sleek look.

Formaggio offers an all-veg menu. (Below) Hummus Beiniti with Za'atar Bread. Pic/Punam Chavan

We have skipped breakfast and pretty much starved so we get straight to the point and place our order. First up is the Merry Margherita Pizza (Rs 190). The thin crust neatly baked pizza comes with generous toppings of tomato, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. The first bite tells us that the bread is fresh, well baked and the cheese melts in the mouth.

The Mexican City Tacos (Rs 150) looks great topped with re-fried kidney beans, a blend of herbs and shredded cabbage served with cheese salsa as an accompaniment. But it fails to flatter us. The tacos are not crisp and break the moment we pick them up. The salsa saves the day though with a dash of onions, tomatoes and chillies imparting it the perfect tangy flavour.

The restaurant's signature dish Hummus Beiniti with Za'atar Bread, a Middle-Eastern delicacy made from dried herbs and other spices. (Rs 190) is up next on our wish list. The Hummus is creamy, drizzled with olive oil and chopped onion, tomato, parsley, chilli and a blend of some fresh Italian herbs. The bread is thin crust, sprinkled with just the right amount of Za'atar. No wonder it's their signature dish.

We are almost full by now but try the Fun Falafel wrap (R110) nonetheless. And boy! This is good. The wrap is neatly stuffed with black olives, hummus, tahini sauce and falafel. The falafel is crisp and prepared with a blend of chickpeas, parsley and fresh pepper. My friend is still craving for more so we ask for a portion of the Spaghetti Aglio e olio (Rs 225) prepared in red and white sauce. It is tangy and garnished with a dash of parsley. Not one of their best.

For desserts, the chef suggests we try the Hot Chocolate Pudding (R150), since the Tiramisu is not available. The pudding comes with whipped vanilla cream and the hot chocolate dripping. If you are a chocolate buff, this is heaven.

We think we have ordered almost half the menu, so the final bill comes as quite a pleasant surprise. Formaggio offers good value-for-money food particularly for vegetarians.

Formaggio
Where: 6A, B block, Khalakdina Terrace, August Kranti Marg,
Kemps Corner
Call: 2230932030
Food: Good
Ambience: Cozy
Service: Attentive
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