Meraki Merchants, Parramatta

Parramatta is transforming and growing as a thriving metropolis. So is the third wave coffee scene in this city! Take Circa Espresso, The Elevation, Darcy Street Project and Paper Planes for instance. Speaking about Circa, a former Circa barista and a good friend of mine Toufick Chami (also ex - The Cupping Room and Tap) has recently opened Meraki Merchants.

At the corner of George Street and Angus Lane is where you'll find Meraki Merchants. The space has a mixture of Scandinavian and homey interior. I like that the menu is minimal but it works well. The food ranges from delicious classic jaffle specials, to toasties, sandwiches and pastries. The coffee beans is sourced from Stitch Coffee Roasters by Nawar  Adra (another Circa alumnus).

Piccolo latte

Toufick was mentored by world champion Sasa Sestic. So you can expect excellent cups of coffee from him. I've tried their Ethiopian and Colombian blend on a piccolo latte ($3.50)  and a flat white ($4). The coffee had medium body with sweet and nutty notes. It was strong enough to pierce through milk. One of Toufick's strong points as a barista is that he consistently textures milk to a perfect temperature.

The sultan's jaffle ($10) is something I would have for breakfast everyday. A jaffle of pure comfort that has Danish feta, sujuk, cheddar, kalamata olives & homemade relish. It tastes like breakfast pizza. 

Pastrami sandwich

The pastrami sandwich ($10) is a solid sambo: tasty pastrami, saurkraut, cheddar, gherkins and seeded mustard in sourdough.

Smashed avo on toast

The Aussie breakfast staple smashed avo on toast is also available.

You can really see Toufick's passion for good coffee and food in his cafe. Perfection in simplicity and consistency are Meraki's strengths.

Meraki Merchants

Shop 5, 111 George St

Parramatta NSW

Hours: Monday to Friday

7am to 3pm