PAUL brings authentic French cuisine to Bengaluru

Croissants, quiches, cookies and coffee seem synonymous with PAUL, but the French bakery has far more to offer than excellent breads and pastries. Established in 1889, the family-run chain with a presence in 47 countries, opened its doors in Bengaluru this January.

Prepared and presented with European sensibilities, PAUL has a selection of viennoiseries (a wonderful cross between bread and pastry), that pair superbly with their selection of coffees, teas and other beverages. Given their ample cup sizes, a choice of these would suffice for a light breakfast. But it is hard to stop when the tantalising array of tarts, crepes and eclairs beckon, even if you are not sure you are pronouncing molleux or mille feuille right.

It is wonderful that PAUL serves breakfast all day long, so one never misses out on some of their signatures such as the croissant sandwiches, French toasts, omelette options, and other egg preparations. But, what would be a real miss is the croque monsieur (or madame).

This simple classic of ham, cheese and bread is always a good bet for the undecided or the famished. Served here using chicken ham and Emmental cheese, it arrives with a golden crust and a side of salad and fries. Full of subtle flavours and crisp textures, it is not for those with dainty appetites. This sandwich is as delicious as it is substantial and one cannot go wrong choosing it for breakfast or any other meal.

Since one dish doth not a review make, we also tried the coq au vin, after waiting a decent while as it does take time for the croque to settle. Coq au vin is a dish where chicken is braised in red wine and it can be served as a stew with vegetables. Here too, it comes with carrots, mushrooms, microgreens and bacon, but atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, making for one hearty plate.

Dessert should have been a hard pass, except a review without sampling even one of their famed pastries was unthinkable. The fleur de lys is considered one of their hallmarks so that is what we had. A delectable mousse cake of dark chocolate, it was light and airy, making us forget we were bursting at the seams.

Thankfully, PAUL sticks to its continental technique and does not attempt to placate the Indian palate with a desi twist, the only exception being a masala egg bhurji croissant I spotted on the menu. Even the cottage cheese steak (a term non-vegetarians would sniff at) is served with an jalapeno sauce and almonds.

The same applies to their poke bowls, pastas and pizzas; options abound for the vegetarian and eggetarian, but the dishes are served in their traditional avatars.

As a result, it is hard to sample more of what they have to offer, but going by what we did get to taste, the rest of the menu is an invitation to return.