Cero cafe opened just a few months ago and has already been gaining a good reputation from word of mouth. There has been very little social media advertising or promotion.
The reason for their popularity is the beautifully done interiors right next to Gulshan lake and a precision-like focus on food quality.
The cafe, Founding Partner Lazina Mona said, was designed with the intention to provide people with an experience when they walk in, a combination of good food, conversation and a calm, peaceful welcoming feeling.
Lazina, who created this cafe after suffering a stroke, credits it with helping her heal and regaining her motivation. Lazina, who is still partially paralyzed and has a stiff arm, goes above and beyond to ensure that the cafe's service and food are good.
"Working towards bringing this cafe up to speed has given my life meaning again, and I'm looking forward to the future," she said.
Cero is able to keep prices low and standards high by purchasing locally sourced products, and ensuring nothing is stocked and lingering, according to Lazina.
"We stock nothing, everything is freshly made, and prepped daily," she added.
Food
For starters we had the chicken hummus wrap. The hummus provides a much-needed kick to the wrap, elevating it from a simple chicken wrap with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a dab of feta cheese to a whole new level of deliciousness. These wraps are accompanied by tamarind and garlic mayo, two condiments that complement the dish and add a layer of sharpness.
Even though the word "tender" is indicated in the name, the fact that their beef tenderloin, an entree, was so incredibly soft and tasty with just the proper amount of salt and pepper is impressive.
Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka TribuneA classic dish that hasn't been tampered with and is made just right with the right amount of flavour, such as these mashed potatoes with a dab of gravy from the beef stock and vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, and mushrooms served on the side, can do the trick.
Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka TribuneWe also sampled their seafood platter. The crunch of the calamari complements their own house-made chilli oil, which is made with garlic, star anise, and szechuan chilli, and is a pleasant addition to the platter, which also includes lobster and a side of fried rice.
Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka Tribune
Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka Tribune
The lobster was tender and meaty, and it paired nicely with the rice; however, the addition of chilli oil considerably improved the taste.
The chicken ramen bowl was alright, but the light-bodied Thai broth lacked a depth of flavour and was too sweet for our tastebuds despite the addition of chillies.
The dish also included half-boiled eggs, chicken bacon, and chicken pieces. The noodles were already flavorful, but the addition of eggs made them more satisfying.
One last piece of advice: try the Ramen as soon as it's served, while it's still hot, so you can really appreciate it for what it is.
Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka TribuneLastly, their cero special tea is a special malai-milk tea that is beyond delicious, made with just the right amount of condiments, with a little cream on top and a light hint of malai, while the smell of malai will be present throughout, the thick cream is somehow lighter, and you will not be overwhelmed with thick cream in every bite, and the tea has a long-lasting taste on your tongue that you want to relish for a very long time.
The price range for a meal at Cero is Tk320 to Tk980.
Ambience
Cero, located in Gulshan 2, provides a serene lake view that isn't available at most other restaurants in Dhaka.
This corner cafe oozes rustic vibes as you enter, with its low-hanging ceiling lights shadowing the cerulean blue and green walls. The coffee and juice bar has a light blue counter and light brown and black bar stools, mocktails, cappuccinos, and tea are offered.
While one side of the cafe is designed to look like a brick wall, on the other side is a pane of glass with hand-painted pictures ranging from lotuses and fish to a popsicle.
There are a few paintings for sale on the walls as well.
Challenges
"We want people to come in through word of mouth, try the food, and keep coming back," said Lazina Mona, the founding partner.
"You can delegate all you want, but you have to personally supervise in the service industry," she remarked.
Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka TribuneThey took a risk by opening during a time of heightened economic uncertainty but were positive about the outcome
“I was nervous at the outset, but we were optimistic. We also couldn't let such a beautiful location go to waste," she continued.
Given the state of the economy, they have decided to shift their strategy to one that prioritises customer acquisition and retention over profit maximization.
According to Lazina, the menu and the venue are open to change, which may include the addition of vegan alternatives.
"We're still at a very early stage and have other dishes to add to our menu, including vegan food,” she said.
Verdict
Overall, I'd say Cero is worth visiting. The wraps, the beef tenderloin, the Cero special tea, the chats, and especially the view of the lake are all reasons to visit.
On top of that, I think the price range is quite reasonable given where the restaurant is located.
So, if you live in the area or happen to be there for some other purpose, it's highly recommended that you pay a visit.
