By Merve

By Merve is a new neighborhood spot for food and coffee in Kralingen-Crooswijk, Rotterdam. The business is the vision of Merve, a local chef, workshop leader, and cookbook author. She first built a following through home baking and cooking workshops. In early June 2025, a soft opening followed at Crooswijkseweg 126. The concept unites Turkish-inspired breakfast dishes and comfort lunches with quality coffee and small-scale events. The atmosphere is warm, colorful, and clearly community-focused.

• Location, Kralingen-Crooswijk, Crooswijkseweg 126
• Soft opening, early June 2025
• Coffee beans, Man Met Bril (Rotterdam roaster)
• Focus, Turkish-inspired breakfast and comfort lunch plus events

The origins lie in Merve’s cooking workshops and baking projects, which garnered regional attention. That foundation made the move to her own location a logical step. The shop positions itself as an accessible hotspot where hospitality, color, and comfort are central. The menu aligns with the Rotterdam daytime hospitality scene, with breakfast and lunch as the primary focuses, complemented by coffee that supports these dishes.

The opening was announced publicly, including opening hours and a soft start. The team uses social channels to set the tone and manage expectations. This creates a recognizable proposition from day one, with a community function that goes beyond simply serving coffee.

By Merve uses coffee beans from Man Met Bril. This provides an immediately recognizable quality base, backed by a well-known Rotterdam roaster. The bar serves espresso-based drinks and lattes. The presentation is distinctly visual, featuring seasonal accents and striking dessert combinations. The style appeals to a brunch crowd looking to combine flavor with an overall experience.

Filter methods such as V60, AeroPress, or batch brew are not specified online. Therefore, the emphasis is clearly on espresso and milk-based drinks. This makes the offering consistent and accessible to a wide audience. The menu pairs coffee with sweet and fresh flavors, extending the daytime visit and encouraging impulse purchases.

• Examples, lattes with detailed latte art
• Dessert pairing, Lemon Tiramisu as a striking sweet accent
• Seasonal specials, fruit-forward combinations that complement the coffee

Events and cooking workshops are a core part of the brand identity. The owner has proven experience in organizing classes and sessions, which lowers the barrier for participation. By Merve thus positions itself as a local hub where learning, tasting, and meeting converge.

The opening was driven by promotions for early visitors, followed by regular menu teasers and reveal posts. Active interaction with followers and guests supports engagement and repeat visits. This approach fits neighborhood-oriented hospitality, where community building is just as important as the product in the cup.

The most distinct sourcing choice is local, namely the partnership with Man Met Bril in Rotterdam. This suggests short lines, transparency, and proximity within the supply chain. Other sustainability measures, such as waste reduction, discounts for reusable cups, or specific dairy and pastry suppliers, are not publicly described. For conscious guests and professionals, further documentation here presents an opportunity.

Formal national coffee awards have not been established. However, there is local press attention for the founder’s workshops and consistent social media engagement since the opening. The choice of Man Met Bril adds reputational value, thanks to the recognition of this Rotterdam roaster and its café activities. For new guests, this serves as a reliable anchor of quality.

By Merve combines three proven building blocks: neighborhood connection, Turkish-inspired comfort food, and a recognizable coffee partner. For barista’s, owners, and roasters, the concept illustrates how culinary workshops can broaden and deepen the demand for coffee. Details such as specific filter options, suppliers for milk or pastry, and specific sustainability practices are not documented online. As this information becomes available, the profile can further mature, allowing the business to appeal even more clearly to Rotterdam coffee drinkers.

• Signal, espresso-first focus with visual presentation
• Signal, event-driven community and repeat visits
• Signal, local sourcing strengthens recognition and trust
• Signal, transparency regarding sustainability as a growth opportunity