If you’ve landed at the Goa airport, or your interstate bus has made its last stop in Panjim, then getting to the Northern beach belt is going to require you to take a cab ride past one of Goa’s most iconic roads – CHOGM. If you’re wondering why the all caps, here’s a free history lesson. CHOGM is the colloquial name given to the road that connects the main NH17 highway to the North Goa beaches via Sangolda – but the road itself is just about 40 years old. CHOGM road got its name when it was constructed circa 1980 when Goa was chosen as the venue for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 1983. It allowed for visitors and dignitaries to reach the retreat venue (which was the Fort Aguada BTW) quicker by avoiding the need to travel through Mapusa. Hence the name CHOGM Road.
In the past 4 decades since its inception, Chogm Road (let’s skip the caps) has evolved into Goa’s gastro gully. A road akin to Bangalore’s 100ft Road in Indiranagar, or Mumbai’s Carter Road. Regardless of what you’re craving, Chogm road has you covered with options that range from sushi to shawarma, tapas to falafels, or doughnuts to gelato. If you’re staying in the area and don’t feel like venturing too far, we’ve taken the liberty of planning a week so sinful, your stomachs will thank us!
Monday – Copper Leaf
Start your week the authentic way – the Goan way! Copper Leaf serves one of the best fish thalis in Goa, and the fact that it’s on Chogm Road means it’s also pretty accessible. While you’re there, choose from their extensive Goan menu and fresh catches of the day. Be warned however, there’s often a wait time to be seated because the restaurant garners quite a crowd around lunch and dinner.
Tuesday – Yaki Zushi
Touting itself as the #bestsushi, Yaki Zushi serves a variety of authentic Japanese dishes. Among them, their crowd favorites are the Salmon Sashimi, and their Nigiri Sushi. Rounding off their menu, Yaki Zushi also serves Pan Asian favorites from China and Thailand such as their Shanghai Style Chicken, Satay Kai, and an amazing Phad Thai.
Wednesday – Mustard
A favorite among locals and travelers alike, Mustard is culture and cuisine tied together in one elaborate package. Specializing in Bengali and French cuisine, Mustard does not fuse the two, opting instead to offer two distinct menus for these two distinct cuisines, the only overlap being, mustard. With live entertainment that’s perfect for a mid-week melange, Mustard is the perfect meeting point for the East and the West.
Thursday – Saraya Art Cafe
You’ve binged for three days, so maybe you wanna slow it down just a tad. Saraya Art Cafe is the perfect place to detox, both physically and mentally. Nestled in the lush green forests just off the Chogm road, Saraya serves a menu that is completely plant based, and perfect if you’re a vegetarian or vegan. Once you make it past their extensive list of soups, salads, and super fresh juices, consider trying their scrumptious thali, or if you’re doing dinner, look no further than the pizza oven.
Friday – Mezmiz
This one is a brand new entrant, but it’s already making waves in Goa. Mezmiz is Middle Eastern cuisine at its finest, sans the complications of an extensive menu. Instead, Mezmiz has opted to simplify your dining experience by offering a short selection of cold and hot plates (Mezze platter style) such as hummus, kebabs, tabouleh, and a hypnotic manakeesh, two main courses, and a few home made desserts. Coupled with a never ending supply of freshly baked pita bread, dining at Mezmiz is truly an unforgettable experience.
Saturday – Moki
The end of the week calls for a bit of revelry, and Moki is definitely the place to gather up the crew. With a stunning view of the Sangolda valley, this quirky pub-style restaurant serves innovative cocktails, and dishes out plates that toe the line between Indian and European cuisine. A great example of this is the Parizza, essentially an Italian pizza, on a Malabar paratha. Right?! With dinner out of the way, you’re just a stone’s throw away from the beach belt – Goa’s party hub.
Sunday – Baker’s Street
Let’s face it, you need to recoup. After the night you had, you need an early coffee and a late breakfast. Look no further than Baker’s Street, a cafe opened with the sole intention of being your friendly neighborhood hang. Since it’s open till 1am, feel free to catch a cuppa before you head home, and return the next day for a breakfast of doughnuts, sandwiches, wraps, or freshly made waffles. Yum!
If you have a favorite on Chogm Road that didn’t make the list, let us know in the comments below. And consider signing up for our newsletter for all things Goa.
