Merak — Restaurant in Haryana

We visited the newly opened Cafe Merak at Pacific Mall, Faridabad (right next to Hotel Radisson on Mathura Road). With their refreshed menu, the place offers a very interesting mix of dishes. Located on the 2nd floor, right where Cinepolis is coming up, it makes for a convenient stop whether you’re out for shopping or a relaxed meal.

We began with the Quinoa, Avocado & Orange Salad, light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced.

The Mushroom Gyozas were a surprise hit, enjoyed even by the non-vegetarians at our table.

The Chicken Hummus with Pita stood out too, probably the best you’ll find in Faridabad.

The Arabic Platter with Mutton Adnan Kebab was hearty and beautifully put together, served on a large naan with creamy hummus, tzatziki, peri peri hummus, and salads.

Both the Prawn Tempura and Asparagus Tempura were crisp and addictive, while the Cottage Cheese in Spinach Jalapeño Sauce with baby potatoes, beans, and sundried tomatoes delivered just the right tangy punch.

The Grilled Chicken with Mushrooms and Cheese, paired thoughtfully with tomato barley and sautéed vegetables instead of mashed potatoes, felt wholesome and satisfying.

We ended on a high with Churros and Chocolate Sauce—exactly the sweet indulgence we had been craving.

To go with the food, we tried their Jamun Masala and Virgin Mary from the mocktail menu, refreshing, well-made, and a nice complement to the meal. The cafe will soon have its bar licence too, which should make it an even more welcoming spot for everyone.

The seating is open-style within the mall, giving it a casual yet comfortable vibe. With its cosy chairs, lively setup, and attentive service, the space feels warm and inviting. A special mention to the chef, who personally came over to take feedback—a thoughtful touch that added to the experience.

Cafe Merak has also introduced a few platter options from their South Indian counter, Cafe Sambhar Masala, which we’re saving for our next visit. All in all, it was a well-curated dining experience, one we’ll surely be returning to and one we’d...

I was not aware of any “accessible to all”/ “friendly to differently abled” cafe in Delhi - NCR till a friend of mine asked me if I could do a shoot for Merak.

As I stepped in I was amazed by the amount of space that was left between the adjoining tables to take care of the social distancing norms during the pandemic and also to enable the differently abled to comfortably navigate without bumping into any surrounding objects. The tactile tiles have been laid out thoughtfully to guide the blind, while the tables have been designed to enable wheelchair access.

The interior is bright and vibrant and gets flooded with soft reflected daylight via the large glass frontage. If you are lucky enough you may even be able to plant yourself on the long seats by the window and work on your favourite project or ponder over the unfinished novel.

Run by Madhur, a best-selling author, Merak boasts of a wide range of books in its collection. What sets it apart is the substantial collection of Braille books that have been thoughtfully curated by Madhur himself.

There is ample parking space right in front of the cafe. While it may be a long drive from Delhi on a regular working day, the menu curated by Chef Anas Qureshi is exciting enough for a weekend break. All the ingredients are independently sourced and each item is freshly prepared in the kitchen.The nachos, pizzas and chicken wings are mouth watering.

The only drawback of the place for Delhites would be its distance from Delhi and the not so well maintained service road that leads to the shopping arcade from NH 19. The bonus is that it is usually not so crowded and with the meticulous attention to hygiene, cleanliness and social distancing protocol, it is one of the best places to go...

This book cafe is an absolute haven for bookworms! While I didn't have the chance to try their food on this visit, I was completely charmed by the atmosphere. The space itself is beautifully designed, with a variety of seating options to suit every mood. Whether you prefer to curl up on the floor with a good book, settle into a comfy chair, or gather around a table with friends, you'll find the perfect spot here. And speaking of books, they have an amazing selection! From classic literature to contemporary fiction, children's books to non-fiction, there's something for everyone. I especially loved the dedicated kids' section, which is sure to be a hit with families. Even if you're not in the mood to read, this cafe is a wonderful place to relax and soak up the atmosphere. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and the overall vibe is just so peaceful and inviting. I can't wait to go back and try their food next time, but even without it, this book cafe is a must-visit for anyone who loves books and...