Fresh Bakes & Comforting Sips at Ranch Bistro

by Iyath Adam

If you’re in the mood for comfort food with a little bit of flair, then Ranch Bistro is the place that you should definitely check out.

Located in Male’ (near-ish to Kalaafaanu School), Ranch Bistro is a beautiful, cosy space – perfect for teatime. There is a display case right at the front when you enter, showcasing all the different baked goodies. There are also lots of cute touches throughout the space, from the handwritten drinks’ menu on the blackboard to the little name tags near each pastry, all of which somehow makes everything feel more homely.

Ranch Bistro offers a myriad of baked desserts along with some savoury snacks. Some notable highlights include the blueberry muffin with crumble topping, berry pavlova, chicken and beef sliders and even mini choux a craquelin. There is also an all-day breakfast menu with classics like eggs benedict and hot and cold drinks available.

We went with all desserts for this one – the Biscoff lamington, s’mores chocolate tart and their signature hot chocolate for a decadent tea.

Onto the tasting now!

We’ll start with the most amazing-looking hot chocolate; a cup of creamy chocolate, topped with sifted cocoa powder and completed with a toasted marshmallow fluff rim, all served with a little chocolate cookie on the side.

The chocolate itself was warm and not too sweet. The toasted marshmallow added another layer of light sweetness and smokiness, making the whole drink a treat all on its own. The little cookie was a bit hard (kind of like a chocolate naanakataa), making it perfect for dunking in.

Next up was the Biscoff lamington, which did not disappoint either! Soft, fluffy layers of bread, paired with that gooey, caramelised cookie butter spread made each bite feel indulgent. The cookie crumble topping on the outside added a different, light texture. It was certainly delicious and great for anyone with a soft spot for Biscoff treats.

The s’mores chocolate tart was delightfully chocolatey, with a buttery crust and more of that toasted marshmallow topping. It was sweet without being overwhelming; the marshmallow and the chocolate paired together beautifully with the crumbly pastry to really create that s’mores feeling in a tart.

All in all, Ranch Bistro delivered comforting dishes with thoughtful touches, making it a lovely spot to unwind, catch up, and enjoy food that feels both familiar and special. We know that we’ll definitely go back for more to check out their other offerings!