Eat & Stay Goa
Volume 4
Issue 8
August 2025
COVER FEATURE
Better Butter
Wholesome, preservative-free desserts with classic flavors, festive twists, and coffee-pairing vision.
Cafe El Mar
Coastal elegance with Goan-global cuisine, sustainability, and a vibrant community spirit.
Hope & Faith
Creative bakes, signature brownies, custom cakes, and plans for workshops.
DPB Goa
Rooftop luxury with cocktails, global cuisine, music, and panoramic views
Editorial
Dear Readers,
Welcome to this edition of Eat & Stay, where we celebrate Goa’s evolving food and lifestyle culture—a perfect harmony of tradition, innovation, and indulgence. This month, our journey takes us through exciting ventures and soulful stories that bring alive Goa’s culinary spirit and vibrant hospitality.
Better Butter, founded in 2016, has won hearts with its wholesome, preservative-free desserts. Known for brownies, cookies, and festive innovations, the brand now envisions a coffee-paired dessert space that redefines indulgence.
Café El Mar, near Baga Beach, blends coastal bohemian charm with Goan-global cuisine. With warm hospitality and a sustainable ethos, it stands as a cultural hub celebrating food, community, and the sea.
We also spotlight Hope & Faith, a 2020 venture that beautifully blends precision and creativity in baking. Known for signature brownies, custom cakes, and locally sourced desserts, they are now looking ahead to hosting workshops and crafting innovative flavors that keep Goa’s dessert scene dynamic and inspiring.
From day to night, Goa shines in new lights. At DPB, Taj Cidade de Goa, nightlife is redefined with panoramic rooftop views, all-season luxury, signature cocktails, global cuisine, and curated music. More than just a venue, DPB offers Goa an elevated space for exclusivity and indulgence.
Greta Fernandes, a Mumbai-based nutritionist and food blogger, shares a crispy corn mozzarella cutlet recipe—perfect for monsoons—along with portioncontrol tips and mindful indulgence advice.
Monsoon in Goa is incomplete without its cozy café culture. Whether it’s Blue Tokai, Bodega, Suzie’s, Bloom & Brew, or Prana—each offers warm drinks, comforting bites, and a serene escape from the rain. Together, they turn the season into a soulful celebration.
No Goan monsoon is complete without earthy curries, dried fish, festive sweets, and rainy-day snacks—humble creations that preserve memories and prove food is as much emotion as nourishment.
This issue is a tribute to those who are shaping Goa's culinary future, with dedication, creativity, and a deep respect for tradition. From indulgent desserts to mindful, nutritious creations, these individuals bring their unique talents and passion to the forefront, enhancing Goa’s vibrant food culture.
Well, that's all I have for you from my desk this month. I hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue of our magazine. Do share it with your friends all across the globe.
Until next time, cheers!
Jessyl Fernandez Editor
01 Better Butter
02 Cafe El Mar
03 Hope & Faith
04 DPB: Goa’s Sky-High Playground of Indulgence
05 Corn Mozarella Cutlets
06 Cafes in Goa
07 Inside a Goan Kitchen During the Rainy Season
Introduction
Goa, the tiniest state on the western coast of India, boasts golden pristine beaches, palmfringed avenues, flavourful food, delicious Portuguese-influenced sweets, and warm, hospitable people. Also known as the Ibiza of India for its partying. A tropical paradise of flora and fauna, from the very famous 'almi' (mushrooms) endemic to its forests, that grow only on the red mud anthills, to the solar prawns that are fished immediately after the monsoons, Goa is unique. Tourists are also attracted to Goa for its cultural heritage - from the famous old Portuguese churches like Se Cathedral in Old Goa, the 16th Century Safa Masjid in Ponda and Shree Mangesha Temple in Mardol, the legendary Arvalem or Pandava Caves where the Pandavas of the Mahabharat fame lived, to its two unique festivals - Carnival and Shigmo. Goa plays host to many festivals - the International Film Festival of India that promotes cinema, the Serendipity Art Festival, Sunburn Music Festival, The Grape Escapade to name a few. To showcase this varied heritage of culture, art, tradition, food, and people, in 2015 ItsGoa was born. The main aim was to make it the premier portal for all things Goa. We were able to showcase Goa like never before. Soon our blogbased website transcended the virtual space, with the ItsGoa magazine – a sought-after resource for visitors to Goa from countries like Norway, Germany, UK, USA, UAE, etc.
Editorial Team
Chief Editor
Jessyl Fernandez
Sales
Donald Fernandez
Content & Social Media
Saviola Dias
Renata Fernandes
Graphics & Layout
Latisha Govekar
For advertising queries: +91 7887330620 / 9370502124
ItsGoa Media Group
Nordic Intent HQ - Floor 3, PDA
Colony, Porvorim, Goa 403521
Email: mail@itsgoa.com
Website: itsgoa.com
hotel Lua Nova
If holidays are inspired by nature and your thirst for rustic solitude and inner peace, Lua Nova is the hotel your heart was yearning for.
Located at Goa's celebrated holiday capital at Baga, it overlooks a beautiful Canvas of village Goa, just 5 minutes walk from the Baga Beach.
Better Butter
Better Butter, founded in 2016, offers wholesome, preservative-free desserts like brownies and cookies, blending classic flavors with creative twists, festive innovations, and a vision for a coffee-paired dessert space.
Article by: Team ItsGoa
Images by: Better Butter
Better Butter is a dessert brand born from passion, precision, and a deep respect for quality. Its journey began in 2016 when its founder first baked a batch of brownies for her then-boyfriend, now husband. The brownies were met with enthusiastic praise, prompting her to sell small batches from home for extra pocket money. What began as a simple hobby gradually evolved into a serious pursuit, leading her to enroll at the School for European, Mumbai, to refine her craft eight years later.
A Philosophy of Wholesome Indulgence
At Better Butter, the philosophy is clear — wholesome, hearty desserts made with the finest ingredients. The kitchen is a food-color-free zone, with no artificial emulsifiers or stabilizers. Every batch is baked in small quantities, prioritizing quality over mass production. This commitment ensures that each dessert not only looks and tastes exceptional but is also crafted with integrity.
Baking as a Science
For Better Butter, baking is more than creativity — it is science. Every ingredient plays a role in the chemistry of a bake, and understanding these interactions is key to perfecting recipes. This methodical approach has been a cornerstone of the brand’s consistency, exemplified by their signature brownie recipe, unchanged and beloved since 2017.
Signature Offerings and Festive Innovations
Better Butter has made a name for itself with decadent chunky cookies and melt-in-the-mouth brownies. Each festival is an opportunity to introduce a new treat, keeping the menu exciting and fresh. The future holds plans for sugar-free options, catering to a broader audience without compromising on taste.
Almond Croissant Cookie
Eggless Chocolate brownies
A Unique Business Model
Unlike traditional bakeries focused heavily on customized cakes, Better Butter takes a different approach. They specialize in customized return favors, party gifting, and dessert table arrangements, while offering a select range of signature cakes. Staying true to their no-food-color policy, they steer away from elaborate cake customisations, ensuring their products remain aligned with their wholesome brand identity.
Overcoming Challenges
Transitioning from a home-based setup to a professional bakery space posed its own set of challenges. Mastering new equipment while ensuring the signature brownie recipe retained its original charm required patience, practice, and precision. This dedication has allowed Better Butter to maintain the same quality that won hearts in its earliest days.
The brand’s style leans towards the classic — good old-fashioned desserts, subtly elevated with creative tweaks. It’s about evoking nostalgia while still surprising customers with unique flavor touches.
Looking Ahead
Better Butter’s vision extends beyond baked goods. The founder dreams of a concept coffee shop serving an exclusive menu designed to pair perfectly with high-quality, naturally brewed coffee. It’s another step in creating spaces where people can slow down, savor, and indulge in honest, flavorful food.
In a world full of mass-produced confections, Better Butter stands out as a brand that marries tradition with thoughtful innovation — proving that true indulgence comes from keeping things simple, genuine, and full of heart. www.itsgoa.com itsgoa_ Itsgoa
Mocha Almond cookie
Signature 9 pieces brownie box
Cafe El Mar
Cafe El Mar, near Baga Beach, blends coastal bohemian elegance, fresh Goan-global cuisine, and warm hospitality, creating a sustainable cultural hub celebrating food, community, and the sea.
Article by: Team ItsGoa
Images by: Cafe El Mar cafe
Nestled along the vibrant stretch of Baga Beach in Goa, Cafe El Mar stands as a picturesque haven where the rhythm of the Arabian Sea meets an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication. Founded by Lawrence, whose deep-rooted love for the ocean and passion for creating meaningful social spaces inspired this venture, the café is a testament to Goa’s unique blend of culture, community, and coastal charm.
Lawrence’s idea for Cafe El Mar was born from countless evenings spent watching the sunset over the sea. The name, El Mar—Spanish for “the sea”—is a deliberate nod to Goa’s Portuguese heritage and the Latin influences that resonate with both locals and international visitors. “The sea is eternal, everchanging, and endlessly inspiring,” he explains, and that philosophy flows through every aspect of the café.
A Theme of Coastal Bohemian Elegance
The concept is described by Lawrence as Coastal Bohemian Elegance, a chic boho ambiance that is both relaxed and refined. Natural textures, weathered wood, woven accents, and soft earthy tones, complement the golden glow of Goan sunsets, while greenery and organic shapes create a breezy, beach-house feel. The layout blurs the lines between indoor comfort and outdoor freedom, with
zones tailored for everything from romantic dinners to lively gatherings or quiet solo escapes.
Cafe El Mar’s core philosophy, Eat | Drink | Socialise extends beyond dining. It’s about curating an experience that celebrates both Goan and international flavours, merging Goa’s rich culinary heritage, marked by Portuguese influences, fresh seafood, and bold spices, with techniques and tastes from around the globe.
A Strategic Location Near Baga Beach
Choosing a location near, but not directly on, the busy beachfront was intentional. Situated close enough to benefit from Baga’s energy yet far enough to maintain its own distinct atmosphere, the café enjoys the best of both worlds. The spot offers stunning sunset views, a natural breeze, and the soothing soundtrack of waves, an environment that seamlessly transitions guests from daytime beach activities to a sophisticated evening setting.
Curating the Menu
The menu at Cafe El Mar is shaped by seasonality, freshness, and cultural balance. Lawrence works closely with local fishermen and farmers to ensure the highest quality seafood and produce. The offerings range from authentic Goan dishes, like prawns in traditional spice blends, to globally inspired creations such as pasta with Goan sausage. Seasonal variations keep the menu fresh, with lighter dishes in the tourist season and hearty comfort foods during the monsoon.
Signature Favourites
Two standouts define the Cafe El Mar experience. The El Mar Seafood Platter is a dynamic showcase of the day’s catch, tiger prawns in recheado masala, kingfish in Portuguese sauce, mussels in coconut curry, and Goan-style calamari rings, served with Goan bread and pickled vegetables. For drinks, the Sunset El Mar cocktail, premium Goan feni, fresh passion fruit, coconut water, lime, and a secret spice rim, is timed to be served at golden hour, its colours mirroring the sky.
Cafe El Mar
Cafe El Mar, baga
Uncompromising Freshness & Dietary Inclusivity
Every morning begins with a “freshness ritual”, seafood delivered directly by trusted fishermen and market trips for hand-selected produce. A strict “first in, first out” policy ensures only the freshest ingredients make it to the plate. Vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and gluten-free guests find carefully crafted options, with personal touches for regular visitors whose preferences the team remembers year after year.
A Philosophy of Exceptional Service
Lawrence describes Cafe El Mar’s customer service as “relaxed professionalism,” blending Goa’s natural warmth with attentive detail. Staff are trained to read the room, offering discretion for romantic dinners, matching energy for celebrations, and anticipating needs without intrusion. Empowered to make guest-pleasing decisions on the spot, the team turns occasions into memorable experiences, like the time a guitarist learned an elderly couple’s wedding song, leading to an impromptu sunset dance.
Overcoming Challenges
Running a beachfront café in Goa comes with its trials. Seasonal drops in business during the
monsoon once threatened survival, but Lawrence embraced the season with a “Monsoon Local” menu, community-focused events, and catering services. Navigating complex coastal regulations and infrastructure issues led to investments in sustainability, from water recycling to waste management, ensuring environmental responsibility without compromising guest experience.
Standing Out in a Competitive Market
Rather than competing on price or trend-driven gimmicks, Cafe El Mar differentiates through authenticity, community ties, and consistently high standards. Local integration from ingredient sourcing to neighbour hood relationships, adds depth competitors can’t replicate. Experience-driven touches like the Sunset El Mar cocktail and community dining tables keep guests returning year after year.
The Role of Social Media
Social media serves as an extension of the café’s hospitality, focusing on authentic storytelling rather than generic food photography. Instagram showcases daily life at the café, while Stories highlight special dishes and events. The team actively engages with followers, answers queries, and collaborates only with influencers who align with Cafe El Mar’s ethos.
A Five-Year Vision
Looking ahead, Lawrence envisions Cafe El Mar as more than a restaurant, transforming into a cultural hub. Plans include Culture Nights blending cuisine with art, music, and storytelling, drawing both locals and tourists into meaningful exchanges. Environmental partnerships aim to position the café as a model for sustainable coastal tourism, ensuring growth that enriches rather than diminishes its magic.
In Lawrence’s own words, “If in five years I can look out over our deck at sunset and see the same mix of wonder, connection, and contentment on our guests’ faces that I see today, I’ll know we’ve achieved something truly special.”
Chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream
Crafting flavors with passion at Cafe El Mar
Hope & Faith
Hope & Faith, founded in 2020, blends precision and creativity in baking, offering signature brownies, custom cakes, and locally sourced desserts, with future plans for workshops and innovative flavors.
Article by: Abisha Fernandes
Images by: Hope & Faith
baker
Some journeys begin with a carefully laid-out plan, while others start unexpectedly. For Hope & Faith, the spark came in 2020, born out of simple weekend boredom while still completing a hospitality degree in Mumbai. What began as a pastime quickly evolved into a flourishing baking business, rooted in childhood memories of chaotic yet joyful moments spent helping her mother prepare dishes during family gatherings and festivities. That sense of lively chaos has never left—it remains a part of the charm she brings into her kitchen today.
A Methodical Baking Philosophy
Precision defines Hope & Faith’s baking style. Even today, she follows recipes she created five years ago to the letter, believing that consistency is the secret to lasting success. Her goal is for her baked goods to taste just as perfect ten years from now as they do today. Combined with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to offering high quality at fair prices, this philosophy sets her creations apart.
The Art and Science of Baking
Baking, she insists, is equal parts art and science. Perfecting smooth cake icing is one of her ongoing artistic pursuits, but she knows that technical accuracy matters just as much. Proportions are critical—a single extra egg or excess butter can compromise an entire order. Every mistake becomes a lesson, and she welcomes the growth that comes from trial and error.
A Signature Start
Her journey as a professional baker began with her signature Fudge Brownie recipe—a dessert that remains her personal favorite to bake and enjoy. Over time, she has expanded her offerings, yet this original recipe continues to hold a special place in her repertoire.
Personalized Creations for Every Occasion
Custom orders receive her full attention. She begins with detailed conversations to understand each client’s vision and flavor preferences before dedicating time to craft a cake that is both visually stunning and perfectly matched to the occasion.
Amanda Hope Fernandes
fudge brownies
brownie
Quality Ingredients, Locally Sourced
Ingredient quality is a non-negotiable at Hope & Faith. She uses only premium chocolate, fresh fruits, and real dairy products, all sourced from trusted local suppliers. While her standard menu features traditional favorites, she also accommodates special requests with gluten-free items, eggless brownies, and cakes available on demand.
Overcoming Challenges with Precision
The most demanding items on her menu are custom cakes, each with unique challenges. As she sees it, a baker’s responsibility is to ensure perfection, because a single mistake could overshadow someone’s special day. Her solution is unwavering focus, close attention to detail, and constant practice.
Staying Current with Trends
While Instagram and YouTube often provide the inspiration to explore new and trending styles, mastering them is never instant. She commits to multiple rounds of testing before adding anything new to her menu, ensuring her customers receive flawless results.
Looking Ahead
Hope & Faith’s ambitions for the coming years include hosting workshops for all age groups, teaching the joys and complexities of baking.
She also plans to keep pushing her own creative boundaries by experimenting with new flavors and techniques—because in her words, “With baking, the learning never stops.”
floral cupcakes arrangement for 50th birthday
feature article
DPB: Goa’s Sky-High Playground of Indulgence
DPB at Taj Cidade de Goa redefines nightlife with panoramic rooftop views, all-season luxury, signature cocktails, global cuisine, and curated music, making it Goa’s ultimate destination for elevated indulgence and exclusivity.
Article & Images by: Taj Cidade de Goa
itsgoa_ Itsgoa
Goa’s nightlife has long been synonymous with vibrant beach shacks and stylish lounges—but perched at the highest elevation in the state is a destination that takes indulgence to dizzying new heights. Welcome to DPB, the premier rooftop sky bar at Taj Cidade de Goa, Dona Paula that has redefined the art of elevated living. Suspended amongst the clouds with uninterrupted panoramic views of the coastline, DPB is more than a bar—it’s a statement of luxury, a year-round escape, and the most coveted perch in town.
Whether bathed in the golden hues of sunset or alive with the electric thrill of after-hours revelry, DPB is designed to seduce the senses. It is a space where every sip, every bite, every beat comes together to create a world above the ordinary—an exclusive sanctuary for those who refuse to settle for anything less than extraordinary.
An All-Seasons Escape
Goa’s tropical weather no longer dictates the rhythm of the party. DPB’s all-season upgrade ensures that the magic continues seamlessly, come rain or shine. With an elegantly covered setting, the bar thrives even during the monsoon months, making it one of the rare venues in Goa where guests can sip cocktails while the rain lashes dramatically against
The extended hours mean there’s no wrong time to arrive—whether you’re chasing a glamorous brunch, a laid-back sunset, or the hypnotic pulse of midnight beats. At DPB, the city below feels miles away.
Design that Frames the Horizon
DPB’s design philosophy is understated elegance— clean lines, muted tones, and natural textures that let the drama of the sea and sky take center stage. Thoughtfully zoned seating allows guests to choose their vibe: high chairs for cocktail connoisseurs, plush lounges for group gatherings, intimate corners for couples, or expansive decks for golden-hour indulgence. Poolside cabanas add a playful note for those who prefer their luxury.
Every detail is intentional: DPB isn’t just built for the seasons, it’s built to shape unforgettable moments.
A Beverage Philosophy Born of Nature
The heartbeat of DPB lies in its bar program—a celebration of freshness, creativity, and sensory delight. Cocktails here are inspired by the hues and moods of nature, designed to surprise and refresh. From martinis and mojitos to an extensive gin collection spanning Goan and global labels, the menu is both refined and adventurous.
Cabanas
Patolio highball
Espresso Martini
Whispers of Dona Paula – a delicate blend of gin, water elon, cha o ile, li e, and elderflower
Zen Fizz – uplifting with atcha, vanilla, le on, and soda coffee
Carrot, Spice & Ever thing Nice – a pla ful tequila-based creation with carrot juice, cilantro, ginger, and a bab corn salt ri
Rose Gold – a celebration of gin, le ongrass, rose, and sparkling wine.
For those who prefer to skip the spirits, handcrafted zero-proof beverages highlight local ingredients, ensuring no guest is left behind in the indulgence.
Culinary Flair, Global Inspiration
he food philosoph at DPB irrors the global traveler—curious, bold, and unafraid of
experi entation. he enu leans vegetarianforward while celebrating diversit with seafood and eat options. Expect pla ful rei aginings of classics:
Mutton Roast Cannoli, Activated Charcoal Galouti acos, ruffle Mushroo Risotto, and a wide selection of bowls, bites, and sharing plates. It’s indulgence without inti idation, paired perfectl with sundowners or late-night revelr .
Soundtrack to the Sky
No rooftop escape is co plete without usic that atches its ood. DPB curates a soundscape of Afro Beats, soulful rh th s, and upbeat grooves, designed to flow with the evening—fro ellow sundown tunes to high-energ beats as the night unfolds. he pla list is i ersive, global, and perfectl in s nc with the experience of dining, drinking, and dancing in the clouds.
The Ultimate Above-the-City Experience
DPB is not just another bar on the ap. It is Goa’s new social currenc —a s bol of exclusivit and taste, where ever evening feels like a private invitation to the good life. With its un atched views, luxurious design, and season-proof concept, DPB has ce ented itself as a ust-visit for both travelers and locals.
Where Goa’s Elite Go to Play
Reservations at DPB are alread in high de and, with weekends and golden-hour slots beco ing the hottest tickets in town. his is not a bar ou stu ble upon—it’s an experience ou plan for, a rendezvous that de ands anticipation. he ost st lish tables are booked weeks in advance, and whispers of its signature cocktails and poolside cabanas are drawing a wave of jet-setters and taste akers.
If ou want to sa ou’ve trul experienced Goa’s new era of nightlife, DPB is non-negotiable. Because here, a ongst the clouds, the cit ’s ost desirable evenings unfold—and ou don’t want to be the one hearing about it second hand. Instagram : @dpbgoa
Peaty Peaty Mog
Mumbai-based nutritionist and food blogger Greta Fernandes shares a crispy corn mozzarella cutlet recipe, perfect for monsoons, with healthier alternatives, portion-control tips, and mood-lifting benefits of indulgence in moderation.
Article & Images by: Greta Fernandes (Deliciously URS)
Corn nd mon oon r m tch m d in h n!
Th r i d finit ur to indul in cri py fritt r durin thi on nd th r i ry ood r on b hind it. Th loomy w t on with cold mon oon br z work bit on our mood . L ck of unli ht dip our Vit min D l l .
So our body cr for cri py c rbohydr t which h lp to boo t th dop min nd rotonin l l both of which r mood upliftin hormon , nd th hot cri py food r d with t n y chutn y or uc in t ntly lift th mood . E rythin t n in mod r tion i fin . Inf ct, it i import nt to not compl t ly d pri your lf of your f ourit food .
A m rt w y to m k your w i ht-lo u t in for lon t rm i to try to incorpor t littl of wh t you lo to t. El ll th trictly follow d di t u u lly r xtr m ly hort li d.
In c you r too worri d bout th f t cont nt b c u of th d p fryin , you could l o try ir-fryin th cutl t . A b tt r w y to t y in th d ily c lori limit i to tick to ju t
2 to 3 cutl t . M kin th cutl t m ll r in iz l o h lp to pr ctic portion control. Gi thi cri py, t n y, picy corn r cip try thi mon oon.
Ingredien s
2 cup corn k rn l
2 l r iz pot to boil
Mozz r ll ch cub cut into m ll
pi c
2 r n chilli
1/2 inch in
1 t p r d chilli powd
2 t p cori nd r powd
½ poon cumin powd
½ r m m l
S lt to t t
½ cup brown br d crumb for co tin
½ cup ric flour
Meth d
Cru h corn, r n chilli in r to th r
Add cori nd r powd r lt & mix to th r ll in r di nt
Th n dd r t d pot to , r m m l , cumin powd r r d chilli powd
Mix ll in r di nt w l
T k th mixtur nd whil h pin into cylind r tuff pi c of mozz r ll
ch
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Fry till old n brow
S r hot with uc / r n chutn y
Handy T ps
Do n ur you opt for th Indi n d i corn nd not th Am ric n corn which i n tic lly modifi d cro ou c n r pl c boil d pot to with boil d r w b n n , th y cont in r i t nt t rch nd r ood for th u
To incr th prot in cont nt of th r cip you could dd ro t d r m flour or b n to th cutl t mix for b tt r binding
Rec pe c urtesy : Gr t F rn nd , Mumb ib d C rtifi d Nutritioni t & Food Blo r Webs te : D liciou lyURS.com
authored article
Cafes in Goa
Goa’s monsoon magic comes alive in cozy cafés like Blue Tokai, Bodega, Suzie’s, Bloom & Brew, and Prana, offering warm drinks, comfort food, and serene escapes from the rain.
Article by: Renata Fernandes
Images by: Freepik
Monsoon in Goa is a season of soft drizzles, lush green landscapes, and the perfect excuse to curl up with a hot drink. While the rain lashes outside, there’s nothing more comforting than finding a warm, quiet café to sip coffee, read a book, or just watch the world slow down. Here are five cozy cafés in Goa that offer exactly that rainy-day magic.
1. Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters – Campal, Panaji
Tucked inside the old quarters of Campal, Blue Tokai’s Panaji outlet is ideal for rainy day escapes. The large windows offer views of swaying trees and slick streets while you sip a freshly brewed pour-over or hot chocolate. The ambience is calm and minimalist, perfect for catching up on work or getting lost in a novel.
Must try: Mocha, Banana bread Bonus: Free Wi-Fi and plenty of plug points for remote workers.
2. Café Bodega – Sunaparanta Centre for the Arts, Altinho
Perched on Altinho Hill inside a colonial bungalow, Cafe Bodega offers the rare charm of art, food, and rain under one roof. As showers trickle over the tiled roof and the garden fills with monsoon fragrance, the café serves up hearty breakfasts, comfort food, and soothing teas.
Must try: Quiche, Lemon cake
Bonus: You can browse the adjoining art gallery between bites.
3. Suzie’s – Assagao
Set in a garden nook in Assagao, Suzie transforms into a magical monsoon hideaway when it rains. With fairy lights, wooden tables, and a curated seasonal menu, it’s the kind of place you want to linger in. While Suzie’s is known more for dinner, their monsoon brunches are equally satisfying.
Must try: Seasonal specials, Handcrafted cocktails
Bonus: The rain sounds enhance the open-air vibe without ever feeling wet.
4.
Bloom & Brew – Margao
A favorite among South Goans, Bloom & Brew is equal parts charming and comfortable. With board games, bookshelves, and a garden view, this café is a hit among locals looking to escape the gloomy weather. Their menu ranges from waffles to soulwarming pasta.
Must try: Hot chocolate, Cajun spiced fries
Bonus: It’s pet-friendly and perfect for casual hangouts.
5. Prana Café – Palolem
On Goa’s quieter southern coast, Prana Café offers a mix of yoga vibes, healthy food, and warm hospitality. During the rains, Palolem slows down, and Prana becomes a sanctuary for travelers seeking peace with a side of smoothie bowls and espresso.
Must try: Vegan chocolate cake, Herbal teas
Bonus: Great for solo travelers looking to journal or unwind indoors.
Conclusion:
Goa’s monsoon may flood the roads, but it also fills the air with romance and reflection. These cozy cafés offer shelter, warmth, and inspiration when the skies turn grey. Whether you’re a remote worker, a daydreamer, or a coffee lover, each of these spots promises to make your rainy day a little more magical.
coffee latte
authored article
Inside a Goan Kitchen During the Rainy Season
Goan monsoon kitchens brim with tradition, from earthy curries and dried fish delicacies to festive sweets and rainy-day snacks, preserving flavors, memories, and warmth through resourceful, soulful cooking.
Article by: Renata Fernandes
Images by: Freepik
As rain lashes against tiled roofs and coconut palms sway in the monsoon wind, the heart of every Goan home, the kitchen comes alive. The rainy season in Goa doesn’t just change the landscape; it transforms the rhythm, aromas, and rituals of the household kitchen into something beautifully nostalgic and deeply comforting.
The Warmth of Seasonal Cooking
Goans embrace the rainy season by preparing warm, earthy meals that soothe the body and soul. Traditional dishes like patal bhaji (gram flour curry), tambdi bhaji (red amaranth stir-fry), and alsande tonak (black-eyed pea curry) fill the home with rich, spicy aromas. Cooks use seasonal greens and roots freshly brought from the local market or even the backyard garden. Hot rice, a generous drizzle of coconut oil, and tangy sol kadhi often accompany these meals, offering comfort after long, wet days.
Monsoon Ingredients that Steal the Show
Monsoons reduce fresh fish supply due to the fishing ban, so Goan kitchens rely on dried fish, pickles, and preserved chutneys. Dried prawns, mackerel, and bombil become heroes of the season, finding their way into kismur, a spicy coconut-based side dish that pairs beautifully with rice.
Tubers like kule (yam), maddi (taro), and sweet potatoes are roasted, boiled, or curried. Wild mushrooms, known as alambe, are prized delicacies used in richly spiced gravies and stir-fries.
Rainy-Day Snacks and Evening Tea
Goan kitchens turn snacky during the rain. You’ll often find someone frying mirchi bhajis, batata vadas, or pao stuffed with choris. These snacks taste best when paired with boiling hot black tea or lemon grass-infused chai, often shared with neighbours or guests who drop in during passing showers. On special days, grannies pull out brass pans to prepare holle (rice pancakes) or dodol, filling the home with the comforting scent of coconut, jaggery, and rice.
The Sacred and the Simple
The rainy season also means festivals and religious rituals, and Goan kitchens play a key role. During Sao Joao and Chikhal Kalo, families prepare offerings like patoleos—rice leaf parcels filled with jaggery and coconut—and Naivedyam thalis filled with local vegetables, dals, and sweets.
Food isn’t just cooked to feed—it’s offered, celebrated, and remembered.
Preserving for the Months Ahead
During monsoon, many households prepare for scarcity by drying ingredients under brief spells of sun or storing homemade pickles, papads, and masalas. Elders work patiently over stoves and stone grinders, preserving not just ingredients but culinary wisdom passed down for generations.
Conclusion: A Kitchen Full of Heart
Inside a Goan kitchen during the rainy season, every corner tells a story of care, tradition, resourcefulness, and love. As thunder rolls outside, the kitchen remains warm and alive, a space where flavors become memories and meals become moments shared. Rain in Goa may bring grey skies, but the kitchen ensures the season is filled with color, taste, and soul.
