GOANCHO : promising to transport your taste buds straight to the sun-kissed beaches and spice-laden kitchens of Goa

LIFESTYLE

Bandra’s New Culinary Gem: Cafe Goancho Brings Goan Flavors and Innovative “Poietos” to Your Plate! Bandra, the suburb that’s always buzzing with new food haunts and cafe escapades, just welcomed a new kid on the block!

A vibrant new cafe, by the name of Cafe Goancho has just opened its doors, promising to transport your taste buds straight to the sun-kissed beaches and spice-laden kitchens of Goa.

More than just a Cafe, Goancho is a culinary journey, dedicated to serving Goan Cuisine that will have you coming back for more, again and again. But how did it all start, you must wonder? It all started with two women with diverse background but a common mission: to bring the food of Goa that they love so much, to the streets of Mumbai.

Smita Naik and Neha Singh Khanolkar, on just another lazy Sunday, were discussing their favorite dishes of Goa and lamented about how they could never find a good one in sight ever in Mumbai. And thus, a complaint gave birth to a new dream.

Smita, born and brought up in Kudal, on the outskirts of Goa, had grown up on the spices and curries of the region. With a firm background in finance and investments, she got busy helming a career in it post marriage, eventually becoming a partner at Rukmini Foods Impex. Years later, the tastebuds were lingering for the familiar taste of nostalgia.

And that’s when she reached out to her sister in law, Neha. Setting up bakeries and kitchens wasn’t a new thing for Neha. Starting off at Oberoi in Delhi, she’s spent over a decade honing her skills as a baker.

Specialising in sourdough bread making from the prestigious School of European Pastry in Mumbai. For two years, Neha focused on perfecting the art of making 100 percent whole wheat poies and sourdough breads.

One bite of the poies and sourdough sandwiches and you will be surprised by the softness and the flavour of the bread. But Neha wanted to go beyond that. She decided to stuff it too with the best fillings. Introducing the Poie’to!

That’s the story of the humble Cafe Goancho : just two women rolling up the sleeves and serving up delicacies, one dish at a time.

​When you enter Cafe Goancho, the first thing you notice is that the focus is squarely on tradition. Every dish on the menu is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Goa, prepared with timehonored recipes and the freshest ingredients.

From the fiery kick of a classic Recheado to the comforting embrace of a Chicken Xacuti, each bite evokes the true spirit of Goan home cooking.

You’ll find all your favorites here, meticulously crafted to deliver that unmistakable Goan flavor you crave.

Not to forget, even the ever elusive Chonak, the fish native to the shores of Goa. Or even sip on the natural cooler, a Kokum Mojito.

But while honoring tradition, Cafe Goancho isn’t afraid to innovate. And their star new offering, Poie’tos, is set to revolutionize your Goan food experience.

Restaurateurs’ Smita Naik & Neha Singh Khanolkar

Imagine this: the soft, fluffy, and slightly crusty Goan poie bread, traditionally enjoyed on its own, now transformed into a vessel for an explosion of flavors. “Poie’tos” are an ingenious creation where different authentic Goan curries are generously stuffed into poie bread, then perfectly toasted to create a warm, satisfying, and utterly delicious handheld meal.

Whether you’re a fan of the rich, coconut-infused Prawn Balchão, the tangy and spicy Chicken Vindaloo, or a comforting Cafreal or even an experimental English Breakfast, there’s a Poie’to waiting to surprise and delight you.

Team ‘CAFE GOANCHO’

It’s the perfect grab-and-go option for a quick lunch, a unique snack, or a delightful way to sample multiple curries in one go. No wonder, Cafe Goancho is just the perfect stop for a swift takeaway.

Add to that, they’re open till late night too. All the way till 1:30am. The ideal stop for the late night cravings and hunger pangs.

Beyond the incredible food, they also offer a warm and inviting ambiance that mirrors the relaxed charm of Goa itself.

It’s the perfect spot to unwind with friends, catch up over a cup of hot toddy, or simply savor the flavors of a truly unique meal.

So, if you’re in Bandra and yearning for a genuine taste of Goa, or simply curious to try something deliciously new, make your way to Cafe Goancho.

Your culinary adventure awaits, and trust us, you won’t want to miss out on the magic of Poietos ! ‘Cafe Goancho is now open at Shop no 6, plot no 56A, Pali hill road, near vegetable market, Mumbai 400050]. Follow us on @cafegoanchobandra for updates and daily specials!