I personally never had Azerbaijani food, and so I really was not sure whether I was going to be a fan or not. I basically walked in Baku blindly. But I couldn't help but regain my vision as Baku's interiors are a gift to any eyes! Beautiful interiors using traditional Azerbaijani décor elements to help create an authentic Bakili experience.

I first ordered a jug of Cherry Compote, which is apparently a traditional juice usually served in Baku. The juice is basically cherries, sugar and orange juice mixed in a sauce pan and cooked over medium heat until cherries are wilted and soft. This juice (I use that 'juice' term very lightly) was delicious! It was a dessert of it's own.

Then the food started coming. I first tried the Salad of Baku Tomatoes and Red Onion. This salad was very unique due to the fact that it was served with a cherry sauce dressing. It was simple yet delicious. I loved every bite of it and would recommend it to everyone, especially those who enjoy salads in general!

Second I had the Dushbara Soup. This is a traditional Azerbaijani soup which consists of finely wrapped dough stuffed with lamb meat (similar to Turkish manti, but much smaller in size and severed within a soup). I personally loved this soup so much. If it's one appetizer you want to opt for, I would suggest it be the Dushbara.

I also tried the Gyurza! This is basically the Azerbaijani dumpling. Served either boiled o fried, these lamb meat stuffed pockets of dough are delightful. I tried both the fried and boiled one and I personally enjoyed the boiled one much more, having said that, the fried one was very delicious as well!

Next I tried the Qutab. The thing I can relate it to the most is (maybe) a quesadilla, but not quite. The bread is much thinner and lighter, and the filling is much lighter as well. For the fillings, you have a choice to choose between greens (vegetables), meat, pumpkin or a cheese filling. For only 8dhs each, these are the perfect snack to have alongside (or before) any meal. Light, airy, and flavorful triangles, loved every bite!

I also couldn't help but try the Traditional Azerbaijani Dolma. It's very similar to what we know as the 'wara2 3anab, or vine leaves', but these dolmas are much more 'stuffed' and are actually considered as a main course. They are served warm and would make a great main course, although I have to admit, I still prefer the Arabic vine leaves.

For my main course, I had Bustrurme Veal. And although I am not a big fan of veal in general, this dish was quite satisfying. It was indeed filling, the marinated meat was tasty and as a meat lover, I truly did enjoy this meal very much. My second main course was the Lamb Govurma, and although I personally did not enjoy it as much as the Busturme Veal, it was a stunning-looking dish!

For desserts, I ordered the Paklava alongside some Azerbaijani tea. Now I must admit, the Paklava was good but nowhere near as good as the ones I'm use to from back home. Having said that, the Azerbaijani tea is absolutely delicious!! They served it alongside these sugary ADDICTIVE olives and it was love at first bite! These sweetened olives are seriously to die for! So delicious, so unique and complemented the tea so perfectly! Its a match made in heaven, and I was truly in heaven when sipping on the Azerbaijani tea and munching on these sweet olives!

Having tried all these delicious meals, I can confidently say that the Azerbaijani cuisine is indeed a delicious one and highly worth trying. If you're a fan of Turkish food, you will most definitely love Azerbaijani food as they are somewhat similar yet different. If you consider yourself a meat lover, you will be able to tell the difference in the taste of the meat; meat from Istanbul somehow tastes different from the Bakili meat. Both very delicious and both are a must-try!

Overall, I highly recommend giving Baku Cafe a try. I really enjoyed my time there and I look forward to my next visit, which will certainly be soon!