4 minute read
OUREM
Nestled along one of Panjim’s historically significant yet forgotten roads, Rua de Ourem, lies a Cocktail bar & Restaurant that is not just a place to drink, but an immersive journey through time and tradition.
Aptly named Ourém, the bar draws its identity from the Portuguese name “Rua de Ourem,” which means "road to the creek." This old trading route once witnessed the exchange of valuable goods— including gold, which in Portuguese is also “Ouro.”
The name Ourém beautifully encapsulates this golden past, marrying local heritage with a modernday concept of community and hospitality.
An Ode to Hospitality
Puru, the bar’s founder draws inspiration from those who breathe life into the hospitality industry— bartenders, service staff, brand ambassadors— people whose passion and dedication define the experience. That admiration laid the foundation for a space where not just drinks, but people matter.
Housed in a meticulously restored old GoanPortuguese bungalow, Ourém blends history with charm. The setting evokes a sense of nostalgia— whitewashed walls, wooden rafters, and colonial architecture—offering a warm, unpretentious ambiance that invites you to settle in and savour.
Chef Ines:
"It’s never just about the food on your plate — it’s about the feeling it leaves behind."
Puru (Founder of Ourém):
"Most places fill your belly. I wanted Ourém to nourish the soul as well."
A Menu That Tells a Story
Rather than chasing trends or following the crowd, Ourém’s currency cocktail menu is rooted in history and creativity. Inspired by ancient trade, the Cocktail bar & Restaurant introduces a currency menu, drawing on items that once held monetary value— pepper, salt, leather, and of course, gold. Each cocktail reflects an era when these items were traded instead of coins or bills, giving guests not just a drink but a narrative in every glass.
The menu avoids complexity for complexity’s sake. Ingredients are locally available, and each cocktail is crafted with simplicity, passion, and precision. The Cocktail bar & Restaurant doesn’t identify a single signature cocktail because every repeat order is considered a bestseller. “If a guest orders the same cocktail four times, you know it’s made an impression,” Puru shares, recalling one such memorable moment.
At Ourém, their menu embraces classic GoanPortuguese flavours — the kind you’d find at traditional family gatherings and laid-back susegadstyle home parties. The culinary selection created by Chef Ines. Signature dishes like their crisp prawn rissois, slow-cooked stews, and Bife en Sangue Amanté evoke comfort, nostalgia, and a hint of indulgence. It’s food crafted for sharing, savouring, and creating lasting memories.
Creating Connection Over Cocktails
For Ourém, great hospitality goes beyond aesthetic, alcohol and food. The key is genuine interaction. Staff members take time to converse with patrons, understand their preferences, and guide them toward drinks they’ll love. This personal touch enhances the experience and fosters a sense of belonging.
Serving a diverse clientele—locals, tourists, and international visitors—the team has developed an instinct for knowing what each guest might enjoy. And it shows.
Always Evolving
While the foundation of the cocktail program is simple and historically inspired, Ourém adapts with the seasons. The Cocktail bar & Restaurant frequently updates its offerings to highlight seasonal ingredients and introduce new specials, staying fresh while staying true to its roots.
Events, live music nights, and themed evenings further enrich the atmosphere, giving guests more reasons to return beyond the drinks. Though mixology trends don’t necessarily influence the bar’s direction, it continues to thrive by doing what it does best—getting the basics right and creating an honest, heartfelt space.
Looking Ahead
Running a Cocktail bar & Restaurant in a city like Panjim comes with its fair share of challenges—be it logistics, staffing, or the unpredictable nature of the F&B industry. The team at Ourém approaches these hurdles with a mindset of continuous improvement.
Waste is kept to a minimum, systems are continuously evaluated, and the vision remains clear: to be a Cocktail Bar & Restaurant where people love to work and guests love to return. Looking ahead, Puru is committed to ensuring that Ourém remains a vibrant and welcoming Cocktail Bar & Restaurant— consistently delivering quality, and driven not just by profits, but by positivity and passion.
A Golden Experience
In a city brimming with bars, Ourém stands out by looking inward—toward its heritage, its people, and its values. It’s not just about serving cocktails; it’s about reviving stories, honouring tradition, and offering a heartfelt experience in every sip.
In many ways, Ourém is more than a bar—it’s a toast to Goa’s golden past and a celebration of its vibrant present.
