P M Ali Asgar Pasha, once a distinguished IAS officer known for orchestrating impactful welfare projects, now stands behind the stove at his bustling restaurant, ‘Mee Mee,’ in Ernakulam. It’s not just a career shift; it’s a heartfelt homecoming to a lifelong passion. Imagine the aroma of fresh fish sizzling in coconut oil as Pasha himself—armed with a spatula and a smile—engages in lively conversation with patrons. This is not your typical retirement story; it’s the vibrant tale of a man who traded in policy papers for peppercorns and memorandums for menus.
Opened in January this year, ‘Mee Mee’ has quickly become Ernakulam’s go-to spot for an authentic Kerala dining experience. At the heart of its menu is the famous fish thali, featuring 14 different fish dishes, each prepared with the freshest catches and organic ingredients like Wayanadan turmeric and Thalassery bold peppercorns. Pasha doesn’t just oversee operations; he’s hands-on, preparing many of the mouthwatering meat and fish curries himself. The secret sauce? Fresh coconut oil, pressed from coconuts harvested from his farmland in Alappuzha.
The journey from IAS officer to restaurateur wasn’t a spontaneous decision. Pasha’s story began as a transmission executive at All India Radio in 1989, progressing through ranks to deputy collector in 1993, and then ascending to IAS in 2004. He held various significant posts, including district collector, before retiring as Secretary of Food and Civil Supplies in 2023.
Now, with a spatula in one hand and a vision in the other, Pasha has transformed a leased house into a vibrant eatery with an open kitchen—a haven for traditional Kerala cuisine amidst a sea of modern culinary ventures.
As he flips fish on the griddle and greets every customer with warmth, it’s evident that Pasha has found his true calling. In the bustling heart of Ernakulam, Pasha’s Mee Mee is more than a restaurant; it’s a flavorful tribute to tradition, community, and the joy of cooking—a place where every dish tells a story, and every meal is a heartfelt embrace.
Get to know more about him and his restaurant by watching our exclusive video interview with him-
