ISLAMABAD: It is hard to think of a country with a bigger sweet tooth than Pakistan. From weddings to religious festivals and from the birth of a newborn to the purchase of a new car, every occasion must be celebrated with a mouthful of something sweet.

The country’s capital, though, is not known for its culinary credentials and so one might be forgiven for thinking that there isn’t much to write home about when it comes to desserts that indulge our inner child. But that is simply not the case.

Those who’ve lived in Islamabad in the 90s and 2000s will recall with fondness places such as Tiramisu, with its fabled molten lava cake.

One of the finest incarnations of this sinfully delicious dessert was available at the erstwhile eatery, which used to be located at the edge of the Blue Area. Though there are rumours of a new branch opening up in one of the several malls that are propping up around the city, Islooites have found alternatives that are conveniently located in the same neighbourhood.

The warm goodness of molten lava cakes and bread and butter puddings are a treat for the sweet-toothed

Tuscany Courtyard and Soul at Lush in F-7/2 are the new home of the molten lava cake. Based on the standard formula of a hot chocolate cake filled with a hot and slightly malty chocolate syrup, both eateries have developed their own unique flavours.

Rafaya Sufi, who lived in Islamabad until recently, said that Soul’s version was made with “perfectly dark chocolate” and was worth skipping meals for, while Madiha Majeed, a Karachi-based media professional described Tuscany’s offering as “plate-lickingly good”.

Tuscany also boasts another chocolaty delight that has patrons going back for seconds and even thirds: the chocolate brownie skillet.

According to Usama Khilji, an activist and social worker, it’s a traditional brownie that comes floating in hot chocolate sauce bubbling in a skillet and is served with ice cream; by all accounts a most delectable proposition.

Another dessert that’s very popular in town is the bread and butter pudding. A popular traditional English dessert, this warm and gooey dish is almost as heavy as a full meal and is served at nearly the same temperature as a nice, sizzling steak.

A soft pudding loaf made of buttered bread, eggs, milk, raisins and seasoned with vanilla and nutmeg is drenched in butterscotch or caramel sauce and usually served a la mode. The crowning glory of this eventful indulgence is a nest of caramelised sugar that certain chefs like to perch atop their creations, as a final flourish.

The title of best bread and butter pudding in the capital, then, is a disputed three-way tie between the Tree House at Monal, Zaffrano’s in F-11 and Tuscany Courtyard, and as is common in Islamabad, location dictates customer loyalty. Journalists Mahvish Ahmed and Umair Javed, who used to live in the neighbourhood, still believe that the Zaffrano’s version is the best.

Another eatery that’s left an impression on those partial to chocolaty treats is the diminutive Burning Brownie outlet in Beverly Centre.

Shahzadi Basma, who is currently studying in Italy, remembers their Ferrero Rocher cupcake most fondly.

“The texture was incredibly moist. A tender crumb; soft, yet firm enough to hold up the luscious, creamy frosting with a distinctively hazelnutty aftertaste. It was simply sumptuous,” she said.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2015

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