Run by enthusiastic young entrepreneurs, Cactus Lily’s commitment to improvement is evident, promising a delightful experience for sandwich aficionados

Amid a flurry of mixed reviews, I decided to visit Cactus Lily, a small sandwich shop nestled in the popular Galleria market of Gurgaon to form my own opinion.

Cactus Lily is a quintessential hole-in-the-wall establishment, yet it’s on the brink of expansion as evidenced by the construction underway in the adjacent shops.

This isn’t your typical sandwich spot with the usual salad fillings and chicken. They use Tuscany schiacciata bread, reminiscent of focaccia, but their version fell short, being too crumbly and thick. One of the partners on site agreed and welcomed my suggestion to introduce Hokkaido milk bread and brioche as alternatives.

I sampled three sandwiches. The Classic Grilled Cheese (Rs. 220 + Rs. 60 for mushrooms) was disappointingly bland, lacking the kick of Tabasco, which wasn’t available. Additionally, they don’t provide complimentary ketchup or mustard, though you can purchase their house-made dips like hot garlic aioli.

The Hide and Seekh sandwich (Rs. 280), featuring seekh kebab and garlic aioli, was decent but not compelling enough to lure me back. However, the Allan’s Fried Chicken sandwich (Rs. 350) was a standout. The fried chicken thigh, marinated and cooked to perfection, paired excellently with the dry bread and delivered a flavourful punch.

These are early days for Cactus Lily, and it’s already drawing attention in a market hungry for a good sandwich place. Run by young entrepreneurs, I believe they’ll soon refine their offerings.

Notably, the menu also offers an array of unique dips and sauces, which could significantly enhance the overall experience if paired thoughtfully with their sandwiches. Their hot garlic aioli, for instance, added a delightful zing to the otherwise bland grilled cheese.

On a final note, I had read complaints about poor service, such as not offering water. In contrast, my experience was marked by attentive and friendly service. We were not only offered water but also asked if we preferred it with or without ice, indicating they are receptive to feedback and keen on improvement. With such a proactive approach, Cactus Lily has the potential to become a beloved fixture in the local food scene.

Fact sheet

Address: Cactus Lilly, SF- 52, First Floor, Galleria Market, DLF Galleria Rd, Galleria Market, Sector 28, DLF Phase IV, Gurugram | Phone: 92055 54854

Cuisine: Sandwich Shop

Ratings: Food: 2.5/5 | Service: 4.25/5 |

Ambience: 2.0/5 | Overall: 2.5/5