Written by: Hurmat Majid
Posted on: October 10, 2023 | 
| 中文
(L to R) Outside and The seating area at Yum by Amna
Nestled in the heart of the city, Yum by Amna beckons patrons into a world where vintage charm meets modern culinary excellence. As you cross the threshold of this delightful establishment, the ambience greets you with the warmth of a bygone era. The decor, carefully curated with vintage flair, casts a spell of nostalgia, creating an immersive experience that extends beyond the palate.
The walls adorned with an array of vintage baking equipment, not only serve as a feast for the eyes, but also evoke the comforting ambience of a well-loved kitchen. The display, reminiscent of a culinary museum, creates an intimate connection between the patrons and the artistry that unfolds in the heart of the cafe's kitchen. It's akin to sitting in the cosy hub of a culinary enthusiast, absorbing the history and craftsmanship embedded in each piece of equipment.
Penne in roasted tomato sauce
Adding to the overall charm are the servers, effortlessly prompt and well-behaved, they navigate the bustling space with grace, enhancing the dining experience. However, a nuanced concern arises from the proximity of the managerial area and cash counter, strategically positioned within the seating area. While it adds a touch of transparency to the culinary process, the audible chaos from the kitchen occasionally interrupts the otherwise serene ambience, making uninterrupted conversations a tad challenging.
The menu, a carefully curated ensemble, strikes a delightful balance between variety and manageability. It avoids the overwhelming length of some menus while offering sufficient diversity to cater to different tastes. With our choices made, we eagerly anticipated the culinary journey that awaited us.
The flaky cube Croissant with dusted sugar and creamy filling
Opting for the drunken noodle bowl and the grilled chicken sandwich in focaccia, we delved into a realm of flavours. The noodle bowl proved to be a masterclass in balance, slurp-worthy noodles intertwined with a medley of vegetables, peanuts, and a perfectly cooked egg. The spicy undertones of the sauce added an adventurous kick, leaving an indelible impression that lingered long after the last bite. The meat-to-noodle ratio demonstrated an attention to detail that elevated the dish beyond mere culinary creation to an artful composition.
The grilled chicken sandwich, a testament to the craftsmanship of the kitchen, was a revelation of textures and flavours. Nestled between slices of freshly baked focaccia, the juicy, tender fillets of grilled chicken harmonized seamlessly with the crispness of arugula and the refreshing crunch of iceberg lettuce. Each bite was a symphony of sensations, so evocative that mere reflection could induce an involuntary salivation, a sensory testament to the culinary prowess at Yum by Amna.
Grilled chicken sandwich with focaccia
As we patiently awaited our culinary delights, an iced latte and an iced tea provided a refreshing interlude. The latte, while satisfyingly standard, served as a familiar companion, while the iced tea, with its invigorating flavours, proved to be the perfect foil to our anticipation.
The true stars of the culinary spectacle were undoubtedly the Instagram-famous cube croissant and its circular counterpart. The unassuming cube croissant, with its delicate dusting of powdered sugar, concealed a delightful secret, a creamy amalgamation reminiscent of a cross between qalaqand and condensed milk. The juxtaposition of the flaky, almost savoury pastry with the luscious filling was a culinary marvel that transcended expectations. It was, as if tradition and modernity had met on a plate, creating a palatable masterpiece.
Equally captivating was the round croissant, generously adorned with a velvety chocolate ganache. Each bite induced a childlike glee, an experience akin to discovering a hidden treasure. These specialty croissants stand not only as culinary creations but as works of art, proof that visual allure can be coupled with unparalleled taste, a rarity in a world where aesthetic appeal often outshines culinary substance.
Round Croissant with chocolate topping
Taking a piece of Yum home, we indulged in a serving of penne in roasted tomato sauce. While the flavours were commendable, the passage of time had subtly altered the dish. The pasta, having absorbed the rich sauce, verged on the overcooked and the spice had intensified. This minor lapse in perfection, however, did not overshadow the imagination of how divine the dish must be when savoured fresh from the kitchen, reinforcing the importance of timing in culinary alchemy.
The culmination of our gastronomic journey brought forth the bill, a testament to the calibre of the establishment. At Rs7000, it reflected the positioning of Yum by Amna within the culinary annals of Defense Housing Authority (DHA). Despite the price tag, the experience was more than a mere transaction, it was an investment in an unforgettable culinary escapade.
Thai drunken noodles
In conclusion, Yum by Amna emerged as a resounding hit. In a landscape saturated with visually appealing yet taste-deficient establishments, it stood as a beacon of culinary brilliance. The delightful experience, from the vintage-inspired ambience to the tantalizing croissants, left an indelible mark on our palates and our memories. As we bid adieu to Yum by Amna, the promise of returning for more of those irresistible croissants lingered in the air, a testament to the enduring allure of this culinary haven.
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