THE greenery of Lautoka’s Botanical Garden has found a new pulse with the opening of Brew and Bites Cafe, a venture born from a holiday dream.
Owners Krishan Mudaliar and his wife Komal Karishma Prasad officially stepped into their new roles on April 2, turning a long-held vision of a cosy, green place into a reality.
The inspiration for the cafe struck during a road trip back from Savusavu.
“We were discussing amongst ourselves that we should try to get a coffee shop, a really green place where there is no disturbance, no pollution,” Mr Mudaliar said.
A chef by trade, Mr Mudaliar saw the investment as an opportunity to combine his culinary expertise with a desire to provide employment.
He decided to invest in a coffee shop to give employment opportunities to others and provide quality service, food and beverages.
The couple invested about $30,000 into the project, with plans for further investment as the business grows. Currently, the cafe employs three staff members.
Ms Prasad thanked the Lautoka City Council (LCC) for the opportunity to operate within the historic gardens, saying they had worked very hard to secure the location.
The menu at Brew and Bites breaks away from traditional local staples, focusing instead on fast bites and signature chef creations.
Ms Prasad said they are moving away from Indian meals like roti and curry to focus on chips, bagels and pizzas.
The breakfast menu features omelettes, while lunch options include fish and chips, satay-style chicken and kids’ combo meals that include a dessert and drink.
For those seeking a signature experience, the cafe offers coconut crumb prawns with chili mayo and a fish and dish combo where fish is cooked together with prawns. Options like fresh lamb shanks are also available for customers looking for something new.
While the presentation would reflect a fine dining aesthetic, Mr Mudaliar said the pricing remains affordable for the public.
The cafe currently operates within garden hours but the owners are negotiating with the city council to extend opening times until 7.30pmwhich would allow the public, particularly those visiting relatives at the nearby Lautoka Hospital, to access meals, fruits and salads.
As for expansion, the couple is keeping their focus local for now.
Ms Prasad said they want this specific location to grow so they can focus on one place at a time and make it the best it can be in the years to come.
The cafe will also cater to private events and birthday parties upon booking, with separate festive menus planned for the upcoming Easter season.
To keep up with trends, Mr Mudaliar said the menu will undergo a three-month trial to adapt to customer demand, with Italian dishes like pastas and pizzas potentially joining the lineup in the future.
