Rakshay and Radhika Dhariwal and Pass Code Hospitality bring their 21st restaurant to Pune, their second location in the city. The new outlet, Merchant & Me, is a sister brand to Mister Merchant’s that offers unique cocktails and bar bites.
The decor at Merchant & Me is inspired by Middle Eastern cultures. Located at the Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, Wakad, this leisurely space spans around 3,700 square feet and can comfortably seat approximately 142 guests. The space is characterised by vibrant corners, cosy nooks, warm tones, and enchanting hand-painted lanterns that will transport the guest to lush sand dunes over velvety sunset hues.
The name ‘Merchant & Me’ tells the story of the favourite dishes of the next generation of Mister Merchant’s family while celebrating the culinary heritage of the Middle East (‘ME’). It represents a harmonious fusion of elements, where the Merchant family’s adventurous spirit intertwines with the flavours and traditions of the Middle East to create a distinctive dining and bar experience.
Merchant & Me differentiates itself from Mister Merchant by placing a stronger emphasis on its cocktail bar experience. While both venues honour the rich culinary heritage of the Middle East and the legacy of exploration, Merchant & Me’s menu features Middle Eastern delicacies inspired by the forgotten Silk Route, showcasing the diversity and rich heritage this cuisine has to offer.
Merchant & Me’s menu is niche and has evolved with ingredients that have been sourced from around the world. A mezze consisting of Kala Mutton Hummus, Yoghurt and Mango Gallets, Egyptian Koshari, and sweet treats like Knafeh Ice Cream Stick, Merchant’s Baklava, and Chocolate Sticky Date Pudding cannot be missed!
As Merchant & Me steps away from the colonial to the contemporary, the elevated dining is complemented by an exceptional cocktail programme, each celebrating the magical aspects of the region—from Kabul to Cairo. Guests can savour signature cocktails such as Casablanca Martini, Back to Babylon, Paloma de Pyramid’s, The Silk Road, Mary from Marrakech, and Love & Levant.
“Our goal is to create an immersive dining experience for our patrons, and with the growing interest in diverse culinary experiences, we are confident that this new restaurant by Pass Code Hospitality will become a beloved destination for food enthusiasts across India. We aim to expand our footprint while maintaining our unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity,” says founder Rakshay Dhariwal.
The experience is warm, and the service exudes unparalleled Middle Eastern hospitality, with complimentary digestifs offered to everyone and an eclectic range of music, from retro Hindi tunes to Middle Eastern house.
