Written by: Mehr Jan
Posted on: July 19, 2021 | 
| 中文
A look at the indoor and outdoor seating at Brew
For a country which was long considered a land of tea worshippers, it comes as a breath of fresh air to see specialty coffee finally getting the limelight, with new roasteries and cafés opening up in major cities.
However, as competition becomes fierce, a strong impression cannot be made unless the cafe experience offers a relaxing ambience to go with your beverage indulgence. One such place in Islamabad has gained popularity for being both a coffee shop and a boulangerie (bakery). What made this eatery stand out is how it serves a range of well-made coffee and baked goods which are aromatic and baked with the finest ingredients. This includes their many varieties of fresh croissants, breads, cookies, tarts and more.
Croissants at Brew (credits to Brew)
Brew in Shaheen Market, Islamabad, certainly made a strong first impression. Nestled in a quiet corner of a rather busy market, the location seems ideal for attracting new customers. This was evident even on a weekday as the café was hosting a large crowd. Immediately upon entering, a strong aroma of butter titillates the senses. As long as covid SOPs are followed, indoor seating is available, but it is the outdoor seating area that offers a livelier experience.
Though the items on display are few and the menu is limited, demand is still quite high. Customers in the bakery knew exactly what they wanted. Having opened its doors to the public in March this year, Brew already seems to have developed strong brand loyalty among its customers. Once we were seated, we were handed a taste menu, which enlists a range of delectable gourmet items to spoil your taste buds with.
Bakery delights
This is what gives this eatery an edge; you have your freshly baked goods but also have non-baked options, such as pressed sandwiches. We chose ‘Chickens on the Run’, which consisted of sourdough, smoked beef as well as spicy harissa mayo, coupled with onions and sun-dried tomatoes. The bread itself was dense and flavorsome but somewhat hard, which did not complement the blended mix of flavors and spices within. The portion was plentiful, but we did not care much for the side serving of fresh iceberg and crisps. When your main dish is a creative and unconventional blend of flavors, the servings on the side need a hint of distinctiveness too.
'Chickens on the Run' served
Apart from that we were recommended a popular burger from the menu, ‘The Copycat’. This burger consists of a potato roll, beef patty, cheese and a little tomato and lettuce. Once served, we were a little let down by the size, but the first bite completely won us over. The succulent, perfectly cooked patty was in itself a complete win. This is where many burgers fall flat. ‘The Copycat’ was packed with flavor in every bite, and we were simply in love. However, the serving size left us craving for more. Both servings amounted to about Rs.2000, minus the beverages.
The patty was the highlight of 'The Copycat'
No meal, and certainly no visit to a bakery, is complete unless it ends on a sweet note. We turned to the popular picks yet again, and ended up with a travel chocolate cake and a cream custard. The cake was spongy, not overly sweet but it reminded us of an ordinary home-baked cake. The cake did not help Brew get an edge over other bakeries, at least in the chocolate dessert category. The cream custard, however, was delectable. It is hard to come across a dessert containing filling as luscious as Brew’s cream custard. With just the right amount of hazelnut, the filling was light but so tantalizing. The prices for the desserts were quite reasonable, adding up to Rs.580 for both items. While we did have a few reservations, Brew is overall an exciting experience and we wouldn’t mind going back again soon.
A piece of travel chocolate cake
It is open from 9:30am to 11pm. Dining is open from Friday till Wednesday, with takeaway only on Thursdays.
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