Cafeteria & Co., Pacific Mall – Comfort Food Done Right

By: Shagun Pathak 

Pacific Mall in Tagore Garden is known for its crowd, shops, and energy. But tucked away on one of its buzzing floors is a spot that offers more than just a break from shopping, it serves up comfort, flavor, and a hearty dose of satisfaction. I’m talking about Cafeteria & Co., a cafe that’s quirky, welcoming, and most importantly, full of food that leaves you full and happy.

I visited recently, and two things stood out: the Wok Bowl of Rice and the Trump Burger.  Both these dishes weren’t just meals, they were experiences. And if you’re someone who likes food with personality, this cafe knows how to deliver.

First Look – Big Plates and Bigger Flavors

The first thing you notice is how well the food is plated. It’s not fine-dine fancy, but it’s thoughtful and eye-catching. The Trump Burger came on a palette-shaped plate, a fun touch that added a little drama to the table. The burger itself was huge. It was cut into two, probably to make it easier to bite into. Alongside it sat a portion of fries coated in peri-peri seasoning, a bowl of red cabbage slaw, and a single onion ring dipped in green mint chutney.

The Wok Bowl had a more comforting appearance. Served in a deep, metallic bowl, it was generous in quantity and full of warm, earthy colors, perfect for a slightly tired, slightly hungry shopper looking for something wholesome.

The Wok Bowl – Warm, Filling, and Just What You Need 

Let’s talk about the Wok Bowl first. This dish surprised me. A base of rice was topped with broccoli and sweet corn, and then a thick, dark soup was poured over it. At first glance, it looked different. And once I took a bite, I realized how much was going on.

The soup was rich and had a depth of flavor you don’t always find in such dishes. It was slightly sweet, slightly salty, and had just enough warmth to make you pause between bites. The rice had soaked in the soup beautifully. Not soggy, not dry, just right. You could taste the seasoning in every spoonful.

The broccoli added a slight bitterness and a soft crunch, while the sweet corn popped with a mild sweetness that balanced the richness of the soup. Together, they brought freshness to the bowl and kept things interesting. It wasn’t overly spiced, and that’s what made it so comforting. This wasn’t fast food, it felt like a proper meal.

If you’ve had a long day or are simply looking for something warm, flavorful, and soothing, this bowl does the job. It reminded me of the kind of food you’d crave on a rainy evening, no frills, just good taste.

The Trump Burger – Big, Crispy, and Satisfying

Now, the Trump Burger. The name might sound bold, and the burger lives up to it. It was huge, definitely not your usual cafe burger. The bun was soft, slightly toasted, and held its shape even with all the stuffing inside.

The star was the crispy chicken patty. It had a proper crunch when bitten into and was juicy inside. You could tell it had been freshly made, not pulled out of a freezer. The outer coating had a good mix of spices, not too hot, but enough to wake up your taste buds.

Inside, there was lettuce, cheese, and mayo that melted into each bite. What I appreciated most was that it wasn’t overly saucy. The flavors came from the patty, the cheese, and the bun, nothing was drowned in sauces.

The peri-peri fries were crisp, orange with seasoning, and mildly spicy. They worked well with the burger and added a playful kick to the meal. On the side, the onion ring dipped in mint chutney was unexpected, but in a good way. The mint chutney was fresh and slightly tangy, and it gave the fried ring a nice twist.

And then there was the red cabbage slaw, tangy, crunchy, and cold. A good contrast to the heat of the burger and fries. It helped balance the meal and kept it from feeling too heavy.

Overall, the plate was well thought-out. Nothing felt out of place, and every element added something of its own.

Ambience – Chill, Lively, and Instagram-Ready

Cafeteria & Co. has a distinct vibe. It’s not your quiet, serious cafe. It’s made for fun catch-ups, casual conversations, and long, slow meals with friends. The lighting is soft but bright enough for photos (which, let’s be honest, is important these days). The walls are decorated with quotes and art, and there’s a warmth in the layout that makes you want to stay longer.

There’s music playing in the background, upbeat but not too loud. It creates a lively mood without making you raise your voice. The staff is quick, polite, and helpful. Even on a weekend evening, the service was smooth and timely.

If you're someone who enjoys clicking photos of your food or selfies with friends, this cafe’s aesthetic adds to the experience.

Price – Worth What You Pay

Cafeteria & Co. is not the cheapest place, but it offers real value. The portions are big, and the ingredients feel fresh. You can easily share a burger meal and a bowl between two people if you're not very hungry, or you can go solo if you’ve got a big appetite.

The Wok Bowl cost somewhere around ₹350–₹400, and the Trump Burger combo was around ₹450–₹500. For the portion size, plating, and taste, it felt worth the spend. It’s a place where you don’t feel short-changed, what you see is what you get, and then some.

What Made the Meal Stand Out?

It’s hard to put a finger on just one thing, but here are some highlights:

• Balanced Flavors: Both dishes had layers of flavor without being too complex or confusing.

• Generous Portions: No tiny servings here, you’ll leave full.

• Fresh Ingredients: The vegetables were bright and crunchy, the meat fresh, and the sides thoughtfully prepared.

• Clean, Quirky Plating: Fun plates, neatly arranged elements, and good presentation.

• Comfort Factor: Everything felt satisfying and easy on the stomach.

Final Thoughts – Why You Should Visit

If you're in Pacific Mall and tired of the usual fast-food options, Cafeteria & Co. offers something different. It’s not just a place to eat, it’s a place to sit down, unwind, and enjoy food that feels honest.

The Wok Bowl is ideal when you want something warm and soothing, while the Trump Burger is for when you're ready to indulge. The service is good, the ambiance is cheerful, and the food is made with care.

Whether you’re meeting friends, on a casual date, or just treating yourself, this cafe fits the bill. It has the kind of menu that makes you want to come back to try more. And that’s always a good sign.

Quick Tips:

• Best Time to Visit: Late afternoons or weekday evenings

• Must Try: Wok Bowl of Rice and Trump Burger

• Share or Solo?: Share if you’re light eaters; solo if you’re really hungry

• What to Pair With: Their cold coffees and mocktails go well with most dishes

Sometimes, good food doesn’t need too many words, it just needs the right ingredients and the right atmosphere. Cafeteria & Co. manages to get both right. And I, for one, will be going back for another round of that soup-soaked rice and giant burger.