We will plead guilty to stalking the hell out of Dumbo Deli's Instagram page. Yes, the (healthy) obsession had reached a point where we didn’t mind spamming their DMs like that ex looking for closure (ouch!). Kudos to the marketing brains for teasing every inch of our brain with those fluffy focaccia bread and matcha spill visuals. But now, let’s get down to the actuality of it since we finally got more than a tease, an actual taste of what Dumbo’s bringing you in the heart of Lodhi.
First things first, the space is compact by which we mean it’s small. Don’t come in expecting to enjoy a long leisurely meal, it’s more of a grab and go situation and if you are lucky, you might get a space at one of the four green marble coffee tables. It’s minimal and bright with a tiny roof window bringing in the sunlight. However, expect your patience to be tested especially if you visit during the afternoon (when its packed) to get dibs on their Florentine sandwiches which sell out like hot cakes within three hours of them opening.
However, coming to the main act, at Dumbo, you place an order and pay at the counter. We tried two veg sandwich options, Mamma and Amalfi, both of which were loaded with fresh vegetables, cheese and their respective condiments, and tightly packaged between slices of the spectacular house-made focaccia. The bread is thick, baked to perfection with just the right ratio of fluffiness on the inside and a lovely crust that beds all the juices from the veggies and dressings perfectly. The crinkled fries were decent — well seasoned but a little thick and less crisp for our liking.
Their coffee and matcha drinks are packaged in these minimally branded miniature glass bottles (that remind you of desi liquor bottles). We tried the blueberry matcha which was good. Pros include quality matcha, great ratio of the matcha concoction and berries and not being over diluted to suit beginners like most places in Delhi. Though we missed the freshness of a freshly whisked matcha, i.e. the froth and ice to keep it cool, especially on a hot day. They are caffeinated by Billi Hu, a renowned homegrown brand in the league that’s served at most luxury hotels (like Raffles) and malls (like DLF Emporio’s Cafe E) in India. The iced latte was lovely, perfectly brewed and not overly strong. They also have softy with millet cones and a different flavour available everyday, depending on vibes.
It is a small operation at the moment with diligent staff swimming through the waves of multiple orders, numbered focaccia bread availability and hungry customers braving the limited seating brief in a tight space. But, for those sandwiches, we would say — queue up and enjoy the ride.
Oh, and before we forget, it turns into a dive bar for post 8 PM. You are required to make a reservation for the cocktail bar experience since it's only meant for eight folks.
Price: INR 450 onwards for sandwiches
Timings: 12:30 PM - 10:30 PM on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. 12:30 PM - 12:20 AM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Closed on Tuesdays
