Café Real is one of the well-visited Cafes in Panjim, with its location is in the heart of the city. Established back in the mid forties, this place is not a just a popular eatery, but also a geographical landmark. Cafe Real is most famous for its evening snacks like Samosa, Sukhi and Usal bhaji. In addition to an established local clientele, you will almost always see a few tourists floating around. During rush hours, expect to wait a few minutes to get a table. The 70-year cafe has gone through a lot of renovations over the years, but the ambiance of a small-time cafe is still what gives this place its uniqueness. Sitting inside, one senses a very nostalgic and authentic vibe.
You may have to wait a while for a seat as it remains filled to capacity. There’s a good selection of North and South Indian snacks, all of good quality. They serve South Indian favorites like Masala Dosa which is stuffed with aloo-bhaji inside. On offer is a modified version of Goan Patal Bhaji, made with beans instead of chickpeas in garam masala gravy. Other favorites to be savoured savour are Samosa, Aloo Vada, Chilly Pakoda, Onion Pakoda, Sukhi Bhaji, the potato bhaji served with piping hot puris, Mushroom Bhaji, Alsana Bhaji, and the unique Goan Tomato Bhaji which is cooked in a Garam masala gravy. Looking out for a pre lunch or post lunch filler? The snacks can be had with coffee and tea. If you see people waiting for a table during lunch, then it’s a ‘Real’ situation.
Café Real is over seventy years old restaurant in Panaji, which has acquired its classy reputation since the Portuguese regime in Goa. The restaurant continues at the same central location (Near Azad Maidan) although the interior has undergone periodical changes. Today it is a compact air-conditioned quiet place where Panajiites take pride in having their snacks and tea. Their aloo bhaji (popularly called as “patal bhaji”) served with the native Portuguese bread “pao”, is a speciality. The restaurant also serves typical Goan dish “alasande tonak” and kanda bhajjis, which is quite delicious. Upon questioning a British couple about how they discovered this joint, they explained, “We didn’t know about this place. We just asked somebody where we could get something local, and they guided us here”. And that’s pretty much how this place is advertised, through word of mouth. This means of advertising has been more than enough for Cafe Real, which has built its reputation on serving good authentic Goan food.
0832 2422264
Mahatma Gandhi Road, Panjim, Goa – 403001
