For a true Goan culinary experience of the authentic kind, with no frills, you could either dine at one of Goa’s iconic haunts or, easier, get yourself invited to a meal to a Goan friend’s home. Now, there’s another option to consider — one that we discovered in Bandra called The Coconut Boy (TCB) that opened its doors earlier this month.

From the get-go, you walk into a Goan mirage with the shack-like up-do — the mimic thatched roof, planters in a sandy border, large wicker lamps, old Goan house doors and barnis as décor, Portuguese azulejo tile plates and accent walls; even the playlist in parts transports you to Goa’s beachfront joints. With its relaxed pace, friendly and attentive staff and chatter in the air even on a weeknight, this new joint passed the ‘susegad’ vibe check that Bandra West desperately needs.