WELCOME TO
LITTLE MINGO

Hi there, and welcome! We’re so happy you’ve found your way here. At our core, we’re just a family who loves good food, cozy moments, and creating spaces where people feel at home.

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We’re the Aykanat family—Merve and Emrah, co-founders of Little Mingo. We’ve been together for over two decades, chasing dreams side by side. We love traveling, dancing, discovering cozy corners, and sharing positive vibes. In June 2025, our hearts grew even fuller with the arrival of our twin boys. And of course, we can’t forget our first “baby,” Bambam, our lovable Labradoodle who keeps life playful and fun.

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Little Mingo started with a dream—a dream my husband and I carried in our hearts for many years: to open a cozy coffee shop that felt like home. We waited patiently for the right time and the perfect place to make that dream come true. When the moment finally felt right, we pulled the trigger—and just like that, Little Mingo was born.

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Our inspiration comes from the charming cafés of Paris, where mornings begin with the scent of fresh crepes and warm waffles. We fell in love with that culture and wanted to bring a slice of it to Hoboken—infused with something uniquely ours.

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That’s where Emrah comes in. He’s not just the co-founder—he’s also Little Mingo himself. With over 20 years as a Mediterranean executive chef, he brings deep, rich flavors to every dish. Think flaky, golden waffles with a Mediterranean twist, and perfectly crafted crepes made with care.

And the name? It’s a family thing. Our sweet little niece couldn’t pronounce “flamingo” when she was younger—she called them “mingos” instead. That stuck with us. It was playful, memorable, and full of heart—just like our shop.

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We’re so excited to share Little Mingo with you. Come by for a coffee, a crepe, or a warm waffle—and stay for the love and flavor in every bite.