Nestled in the quiet charm of Vanelim, Colva, The Imlee Jar is a refreshing culinary gem that’s redefining vegetarian food in South Goa. The café is the heartfelt creation of Sanskriti Geete — a self-taught chef, food lover, and former corporate professional who swapped boardrooms for the aroma of spices and the rhythm of chopping boards.
Sanskriti’s journey into the food world wasn’t a coincidence. Even during her corporate tenure, food remained her anchor — from curating recipes on Instagram to experimenting tirelessly in the kitchen. But it was her move to Goa that turned a long-held dream into reality. Recognizing a gap in Goa’s vegetarian scene, she envisioned a space where meat-free cuisine wasn’t treated as an afterthought but celebrated for its richness and innovation.
A Culinary Philosophy Rooted in Nostalgia and Innovation
At its core, The Imlee Jar celebrates modern Indian comfort food — where the traditional meets the contemporary. The name itself is a tribute to flavour and memory. “Imlee” (tamarind) is symbolic of tangy, bold essence — a nod to her beloved family chutney recipe passed down generations. The “Jar” recalls childhood moments of peeking into grandmother’s pantry — where each jar held not just food, but love and care.
This sentiment flows into every aspect of the café — from its vibrant, homely interiors to the thoughtfully curated menu. Sanskriti’s approach to food is rooted in intention. Each dish is built from scratch, using fresh, local ingredients, and designed to surprise and comfort in equal measure. Whether it’s a reinvented Dahi Mousse Papdi, Butter Jack and Lachha, or the playful Chai Thali, every plate tells a story — one steeped in nostalgia yet brimming with originality.
The Menu: Familiar Flavours, Reimagined
The menu at The Imlee Jar is a vivid mosaic of street-style chaats, mock meat innovations, global fusions, and fresh desserts made in small batches. Highlights include Cigar Rolls, Jackfruit Cafreal, and the Instagram-favourite Jamun Shots. Seasonal ingredients are given a starring role, and no shortcuts are taken — even the onions are chopped fresh for every order.
Sanskriti also keeps rotating desserts and drinks to keep regulars excited. With a balanced mix of hearty bowls, bite-sized indulgences, and fun beverages, the menu appeals to both those seeking comfort and those craving novelty.
A Space for Stories, Slowness, and Community
But The Imlee Jar is more than just food. It’s a place that invites people to slow down, unwind, and reconnect — with others and themselves. The café offers books, board games, cosy corners, and an atmosphere that feels like a friend’s living room. It has quickly grown into a beloved community hub where birthdays are celebrated, friendships are formed, and guests often become regulars — or in some cases, lifelong friends.
Customer feedback has played a huge role in shaping this space. One early review read, “This place feels like a hug,” and it’s a sentiment that encapsulates the ethos of the café. Sanskriti personally interacts with diners, not just to gather feedback but to build genuine connections. It’s not unusual to find her chatting with guests, dancing with kids, or swapping stories with travellers who now call her a friend.
Challenges, Lessons, and a Dash of Grit
Running a café solo, especially without a formal background in hospitality, hasn’t been without its hurdles. From staffing issues to juggling multiple roles, Sanskriti admits that every day is a learning curve. Yet, her background in management and natural adaptability have helped her keep operations smooth and the spirit high. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s sincerity and consistency.
Embracing Community, Not Competition
Rather than viewing other cafés as competition, Sanskriti sees the industry as a shared ecosystem. Her strategy for success is simple yet powerful: stay authentic, evolve creatively, and build emotional connections with guests. In her eyes, there’s space for everyone — and the true win lies in making diners feel seen, cared for, and inspired.
A Digital Presence with Personality
Social media plays a vital role in connecting with the café’s growing audience, but the approach is refreshingly organic. Posts are playful, real, and filled with behind-the-scenes glimpses, happy faces, and foodie moments. Guests also contribute by sharing their experiences online, further amplifying the sense of community the café fosters.
The Road Ahead
Looking to the future, Sanskriti envisions The Imlee Jar growing slowly and meaningfully. While there are no immediate plans for expansion, she’s open to pop-ups or product lines down the road — as long as they stay true to the café’s spirit. Her ultimate vision? To continue serving food that sparks joy and connection — one plate, one memory at a time.
In a culinary landscape that often overlooks vegetarian food, The Imlee Jar is a refreshing reminder that meat-free can be magical. With heart, creativity, and a whole lot of imlee, this café is not just redefining vegetarian cuisine — it’s creating a movement, and doing so with grace, grit, and a generous helping of soul.
