Bhojan

Greedy gourmets always find a way to satisfy their extra-large appetites. They live voraciously through all-you-can-eat restaurants that have been doing rounds around the dining scene of late. If you too fall in the same greedy bracket and are in Goa then we suggest you give those beach shacks a miss and drive down to ‘Bhojan’. Bhojan is dedicated towards reviving the age-old hospitality tradition of India with Thalis. Lavish generously loaded thalis awaits you here beckoning you to sit and enjoy a leisurely fare served lovingly by them. The restaurant is located at Hotel Fidalgo in Panaji, which is a busy hip locality with tourists so parking could be an issue. However, if taken the trouble, we assure you Bhojan will be worth it in every way.

Don’t be fooled by their contemporary décor. Bhojan is old-fashioned where it matters most – their menu. The concept of thalis is reinforced here and diners are encouraged to sit down to enjoy an extensive Gujarati meal under their attentive gaze. You are served with love and are piled with non-stop food. Its highly recommended to go with a roaring appetite to do full justice to their Gujarati and Marwari spread. Menu changes daily and is purely vegetarian. One of the few places in Goa where alcohol is not allowed. Better stick to chaas or orange sharbat to quench your thirst. Oval thalis lined with a long row of bowls comes filled with different kinds of vegetable or lentil. Pickles, condiments, appetizers, curries, desserts, all are served and then refilled as you finish. Start with, khaman dhokla or vegetable cutlet or dal dhokli before moving onto, paneer makhani, ragda, kadhi, aloo sukha and gawar masala.

Mutter pulao, phulka, paratha or poori are placed in front of you to take your pick as accompaniment. Round off this gastronomic bonanza with traditional Gujarati desserts like, malpua, srikhand and gud papdi. Menu keeps on changing so chances are you will find something entirely different when you visit Bhojan. Visit with your family or a fellow foodie who can match your appetite. Service is cordial and efficient. Bhojan is value for money. This is where the old-fashioned element ends and they enter 21^st century. The décor is designed to keep up with times. While you may still notice the imprint of past century in few places, the interiors at Bhojan are modern and elegant.