Bandra veteran Trafalgar Chowk has made way for Cafe Goa, a new eatery that wants to take your tastebuds on a trip to Goa. What's On takes a bite to see how close it is to the real thing
Bandra veteran Trafalgar Chowk has made way for Cafe Goa, a new eatery that wants to take your tastebuds on a trip to Goa. What's On takes a bite to see how close it is to the real thing Crumb Fry Calamari
Laidback service? Check. Portuguese music whispering in the background? Check. Charming owner who sends complimentary fried anchovies to your table? Check. Menu that marries fish, pork, mutton and chicken? Check.
Lights in the big tree? Check. Cafe Goa has all the trappings of a quintessential chilled-out beach shack in that piece of paradise we love travelling to, every chance we get. The lights in the trees also serve as a landmark a confusing one, we admit for first-timers.
Bandra regulars, however, will remember this new restaurant as the former Trafalgar Chowk, an old haunt famous for cheap booze and great Chinese. It has made way for this cafe that's actually a restaurant open only for dinner on weekdays; and both meals on weekends. Not much has changed in the decor; wrought-iron chairs, old wooden furniture, reddish-brown upholstery; it all comes together to give the appearance of a lived-in Goan bungalow. The authentic food reinforces the feel. One out of every three dishes misses the mark but manages to stay within the limits of authenticity. Like the average Pickled Sorpatel (Rs 190) a stew of pork and liver.
Menu: To start with, skip the bland "house specialty" Lotus Squid (Rs 190) and order a plate of Crumb Fry Calamari (Rs 180) instead; it comes with a yummy garlic sauce. The best and calorie-heaviest starter of the lot is Stuffed Prawn Papad (Rs 160), a spicy mouthful that goes well with beer (Pint: Rs 100). The green-hued Chicken Cafreal (Rs 165) has the best gravy to eat your Poyee (round brown bread) with. The sweet-and-sour Fish Goan Curry didn't have the robust flavour of freshly-ground spices that a homemade one gives off. The Goan Sausage Chilly Fry (Rs 165) was competent. Ending the meal without a scoop of Lemon Ice Cream (Rs 60) would be a sin. The homemade ice cream is like the happy ending of a beach-side romantic comedy.
At: Agnelo Building, St John the Baptist Road, near Mount Mary Steps, Bandra (W).
From 7 pm to 1 am Monday through Friday; 12 noon to 4 pm and 7 pm to 1 am on Saturday and Sunday. Credit cards are accepted.
Call: 9820919199
Cafe Goa didn't know we were there. What's On reviews anonymously and pays for meals
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