Zaika is an Urdu word. It means ‘sense of taste’. When you step in to ‘Zaika The Veg Treat’ on M.G. road, the soothing ambiance and aroma of mouth-watering food surrounds you. This place doesn’t exactly look like a restaurant. It’s more of a café style; but with more sophisticated and innovative meals. Friendly atmosphere and attentive service make sure that you will have a ‘Zaikedaar’ dining experience for you.

‘My Indian Dream’ talked with Manish Khasgiwala about ‘Zaika’ team’s new innovative adventure. With more than 22 years of experience in food industry, he has many things to talk about. Here is an excerpt from the exclusive interview.

‘Zaika’ is the first brand launched by your team. How is the experience so far?

Though this is the first brand we have launched, it is an eventual result of our team putting continuous efforts for over 2 decades. We are operating under our establishment ‘Food Story Hotels Pvt Ltd’. We wanted this to be a new-age and hybrid chain of pure vegetarian restaurants across the country. We have started ‘Zaika’ with only one mission – to serve every customer with healthy vegetarian food by using fresh ingredients in a family-friendly atmosphere. And, I must tell you, even non-vegetarian people are falling in love with the flavor fusions we are offering.

Tell us more about the menu and how you are planning to stand out.

 We have kept the menu very versatile. We serve modern desi and oriental cuisine with inspiring flavor fusions. We are introducing some creative food dishes with innovative flavors. You can choose from wide range of options and you will not be disappointed. Every dish is prepared with finest ingredients as well as passion.

Punekars always love to experiment with different cuisine. Even ‘Maharashtrian Misal’ in our menu will pamper your taste buds like never before. Our healthy mixed sprouts salad is a must try. Balancing health and taste is not always easy. We also offer ‘Kharvas’ in desserts. This is an age-old sweet prepared in rural India. But, we have introduced it in a whole new way. the Arabian delight ‘Busbaousa’ will also surprise you. I can go on and on about every dish we offer; because here our team is preparing food with only one aim in mind – to satisfy your cravings with the amazing taste you have never known before.

You have even introduced a banquet hall here. Why?

We believe that banquet is just another word for celebrations. Our banquet hall will be perfect destination for your family celebrations or even corporate gatherings. The hall is spacious and has the capacity of up to 120 people. We are offering catering solutions as well as professional event planners to make your events even more cherishing. You will get to know the warmth and spirit of ‘Zaika’ here.

You have recently started using ‘Food Dosti’. How is it helping you?

I have seen enough of food wastage in my 22 years of food industry experience. I have worked with international brands like Marriot and every restaurant tries very hard not to waste food. But, sometimes it is unavoidable. Our staff makes every dish with so much of passion and attentiveness that it used to frustrate me to look at the food wastage at the end of the day. But, ‘Food Dosti’ now is connecting me with organizations that help restaurants in distributing leftover food among the needy people. And I can proudly say that ‘Zaika’ will no longer have food wastage.