“A happy place - that’s what I want this cafe to be,” he says. This is exactly what Ajay Paul, a 25 year old journalism and mass communication graduate, wanted his customers to experience when he launched Cafe Merak last year in Kakkanad. KOCHI: ‘Merak’, in Serbian, means bliss or a sense of oneness with the universe that comes from the simplest of pleasures. I have seen this in many foreign countries, so I wanted to introduce it here.” Cafe Merak, Seaport-Airport Road, Kakkanad “It is a complete package - with cakes, muffins, cream and various other toppings. “Next time, you should try our ‘Monster Shake’,” says Ajay. My personal favourite, however, was the thick brownie shake. (I am told the choco-Oreo pancake, too, is a popular pick.) The burger was a classic one with fleshy crispy chicken, lettuce, onion rings and a fair share of mayonnaise. The golden brown pancakes, topped with thin banana slices came with a side of freshly cut watermelon and pineapple cubes, along with honey and fresh cream were sumptuous. The banana and caramel pancake, he says, one one of the hot-sellers.

Ajay believes Kochiites’ have developed a liking for “western breakfast”. The chicken was soft, and went well with the cheesy flavour. Cafe Merak opens at 10am, and has an interesting variety of breakfast items. The penne pasta in white sauce was cooked to perfection in the creamy sauce. I get to savour some chicken alfredo pasta, banana and caramel pancake, crispy chicken burger and, finally, a brownie shake to top it off. “I was particular that the food should be liked by the student crowd as well as families,” says Ajay.

While IT professionals and college students are regulars at Cafe Merak, families, too, often come to enjoy quality time.

Ambience coffee