Relish Dutch specialities, artisanal bread at Kochi's Zera Noya

For those who are eager to experience some new delicious baked goodies, Zera Noya in Kochi is the ideal option. The artisanal bakery, which is located in 'The Croft' at Kacheripady, was born out of Sarah Lisa and Vibin Varghese's dream to bring in Dutch baked delicacies to the city.

In a short time, Zera Noya has emerged as one of the city's most well-liked food spots. In the meantime, this bakery's backstory is also rather fascinating.

“I started baking and studying pastry arts at the age of 16. I met Vibin, who was a marine engineer, while I was working as a chef on a ship in 2013. We fell in love and shared a dream of running a business of our own in Kerala,” said Sarah, who is a Dutch.

Though the pair was certain that the company will always be called 'Zera Noya', they had not originally planned to open a bakery. “The word means fresh, beautiful, and new beginnings,” said Vipin.

The bakery's assortment of genuine Dutch delicacies leaves customers hankering after more. Their 'Bokkepootje', an almond meringue cookie filled with apricot cream and dipped in dark Belgian chocolate, and 'Mergpijp', a marzipan-covered pastry that is filled with raspberry jam and white vanilla buttercream, are among the must-try items. Marzipan is made with ground almonds, egg whites, and sugar.

'Strawberry Slof', a cake baked with almond paste and tipped with buttercream, fresh strawberries, and vanilla glace, is another best seller in the house. A connoisseur of good food will also be delighted by other specialities including croissants, cheesecakes, chocolate cream truffles, bundt cakes, muffins, caramel rondo, and cinnamon braid.

“Nothing makes me feel more satisfied than when I use Belgian chocolate in my baking. I get my favourite kind of Belgian chocolate here for my meals, even though it's a little pricey," Sarah added.

She clarified that her recipes don't contain any artificial flavours or colours. In addition to these sweet treats, Zera Noya also serves freshly baked breads and savoury appetizers like chicken sat puffs, sausage rolls, and mashed beef puffs.

“Our team at Zera Noya is our second family. Together, we enjoy baking a lot and exchanging ideas for trying new things. Seeing people enjoy the food you have prepared with love brings happiness!" said Sarah while trying to catch hold of their one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Adayah Maelle Varghese, who was gleefully chasing around the staff and customers in the bakery.