Breakfast served in Goa differs, along with all that distinguish the State from others, and hence in some places, it may consist of vegetarian options, while in others, butter, eggs and ham washed down with either coffee or tea.
For the unique taste of a vegetarian Goan breakfast, the best places are found in Panjim in North Goa and Margao in the South.
If in Panjim, Cafe Aram is one of the few eateries that brandishes the tag of Goa as one enters and exits the establishment. The bhajis served here are of vintage Goa, the snacks take one back to the past, and the tea flutters of milk.
Cafe Aram was started by the Kesarkar family before the Portuguese exited Goa, and over 60 years later, Sameer, the current owner, sees to it that the Goan touch and taste are served as a combination to all customers.
Situated on 18th June Road, close to the Panjim Church and opposite the Panjim Health Centre, true to its Goan name, Aram relaxes all those who step in, and gives them 11 options of bhaji to choose from, besides an assortment of accompaniments.
Coming to Goa and leaving without stepping into this local tea shop is a visit gone through half-heartedly because the breakfast and tea served at this joint leaves one with a societal smell.
“I have seen another side of Goa whilst having tea at this place. It’s not just the food, but the intensity of the locals for others that floated around that made the experience so tasty,” shared Barbara from the UK, who was on her way to the Lokotsav exhibition in Campal, a mere kilometre away.
The tea here is different, it tastes mellow. The sugar is added at the customer’s request, and the onion bhaji help set the mouth-watering quickly, making the content of the dish disappear before any conversation can start.
Sukhi bhaji (potato prepared with turmeric, cumin and green chilies) or Sangam bhaji (a mix of vegetables prepared the Hindu way) are two staple Goan specialties eaten in many families in the morning and evening. And, at Aram, the feeling of home in a city is reproduced.
A price board prominently displays the rate, and except for four bhajis that cost Rs 60 a plate, the rest are priced at Rs 50 and could well fit into the abbreviation of VFM (value for money).
The tea here is different, it tastes mellow. The sugar is added at the customer’s request, and the onion bhaji help set the mouth-watering quickly, making the content of the dish disappear before any conversation can start.
“I was told of this place by a local, and have not regretted following his advice because the place is hygienic. Though the staff may not be fluent in English, the service is cordial and the taste is of Goa,” shares Altaf from Kashmir, as he devours his breakfast.
“I believe there are a few other places similar to this, but I wouldn’t risk trying them out because the cleanliness here is top. Plus, the taste of the tea does not leave my mouth,” adds Altaf’s friend.
A batata wada (potatoes wrapped in a gram flour batter) is another hot dish at this place that is best enjoyed when it is eaten hot – straight from the frying pan because it is then that the fusion of the gram and potatoes passes the litmus test of a good snack.
Finding a table is not easy, but definitely worth the wait. Despite the flow of customers, Kesarkar’s eldest son, Sameer, who manages the show, finds time to smile at each customer.
“Our customers have made us what we are today, and that is why we make it a point to maintain consistency in our quality. There is no compromise on that and it is this attitude that has built a strong bond between us,” admits Sameer.
Cafe Aram is one eatery that has been feeding locals and tourists when the city has been on the boil because everything served is served with the goodness of Goa.
From wherever the ingredients or vegetables are sourced, it is the consistency of maintaining taste that makes Aram an all-day breakfast joint in Goa that spreads the same flavour, irrespective of the hands that mould them.