Ali Asgar Pasha, a former IAS officer, has taken an unconventional path after retirement. Instead of opting for administrative roles or consultancy work, he followed his passion for cooking and opened a charming eatery called Mee Mee. Located in the Vallarpadam area of Kochi, this restaurant serves authentic Kerala lunch and has quickly become a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

The Journey Begins

Pasha’s day starts early, as he heads to the bustling wholesale vegetable market in Kochi. His mission is to select the freshest produce for his restaurant. From there, he rushes to the Kalamukku fishing harbour in Vypeen to procure the catch of the day—fresh fish. These ingredients form the heart of his culinary venture.

Mee Mee: A Taste of Tradition

At Mee Mee, Ali Asgar Pasha focuses on quality food at reasonable prices. Here are some highlights of his traditional Kerala menu:

1. Freshness First: Pasha ensures that no artificial colours or additives find their way into his kitchen. Most vegetables are sourced directly from local farmers, ensuring freshness and authenticity.
2. Fish from the Nets: The fish served at Mee Mee comes from the iconic Chinese fishing nets set up near Kochi. These nets yield the freshest catch, and Pasha ensures that every fish dish is cooked to perfection.
3. Pure Coconut Oil: The secret behind the rich flavours lies in the coconut oil used for cooking. Pasha procures it from Alappuzha’s Onattukara Coconut Producer Company, which uses desiccated coconut without any sulfur.
4. Local Talent: Pasha’s employees are all locals, adding a community touch to the dining experience.

A Passionate Culinary Adventure

Pasha’s journey from bureaucrat to restaurateur hasn’t been without challenges, but he thrives on the thrill of problem-solving. His dedication to quality and authenticity shines through in every dish served at Mee Mee. The restaurant opens for lunch at 12:30 pm and closes at 3 pm, ensuring that patrons savour the best of Kerala cuisine.

As Pasha puts it, “Cooking has been my passion during my civil service days. While in service, I used to cook food at home and serve it to my colleagues. All of them, including seniors, appreciated my culinary skills.” Now, he shares that passion with everyone who walks through the doors of Mee Mee.

So, if you find yourself in Kochi, don’t miss the chance to relish an authentic Kerala lunch at Mee Mee—where tradition meets taste, and passion fuels every dish.