If you're one of those people who are always on the lookout for spots where the aroma of coffee fills the air and conversations overpower Alex Warren’s Carry You Home that softly plays in the background, well, we’ve found just the place for you.
Nestled in the quaint lanes of Fontainhas, in Panjim, Ederra Cafe has been around for merely a couple of months, but is already a favourite, with some loyal customers.
Bringing their 18 years of expertise to their first venture in Goa, Neha and Gaurav, started Ederra (a word that means ‘beautiful’ in Spanish, quite apt for the cafe) in a stunning old Indo-Portuguese house.
As you step into the cafe, there’s a warmth and comfort that’s instantly felt. The soft music, the minimalist design and a neat counter that displays some freshly baked cakes, donuts and other tempting delights, leads to love at first glance.
“We’re a non-alcoholic space that serves one of the finest coffees in Goa,” says Gaurav as he gets into a chat describing his space. Realising that food was taking a back seat, he and his wife, Neha, were keen on setting up a space that offered just that.
“We serve everything fresh and in-house, and when you taste it, you can actually feel the difference,” he says, explaining the items on the cafe's menu.
The menu features vegetarian and non-vegetarian sandwiches, pasta, eggs, salads, puffs, cakes, cookies, bagels and patisserie specials like donuts and cinnamon rolls, besides coffees, teas, coolers, shakes and delicious smoothies.
Although serving limited offerings, the cafe has maintained a standard of taste, with Neha preparing everything on the menu, something that is reflected in their customers who’ve been returning for more of their yum creations.
“Within the short span that we’ve been operating, some people have already been coming back for a few things, among them are the Pesto Grilled Vegetable Sandwich, the crispy-golden brown Fried Chicken Sandwich and the Mariana Pasta,” Gaurav says with great pride.
Frequent visitors to the State for several years, what brought the couple to Goa two-and-a-half years ago was the charm and simplicity of the people.
“I personally feel we should be grateful; most of the other parts of the country are not anywhere close to Goa -- though this is something we take for granted,” says Gaurav.
“When my friends come, they are spellbound and find themselves taking pictures, which is natural. And, to be honest, there is something is Goa’s air which makes your mind very serene and calm,” he adds.
And, while you can come, unwind or work under the soft glow of the light fixture that hangs above each table, the cafe also has a 24-seater outdoor space that is perfect for Goa’s cool breezy evenings and even offers rooms (just above the cafe) on Airbnb.
Attracting tourists as well as locals, Ederra Cafe is more than just a place to grab a quick bite, it’s a spot that tempts you to linger a bit longer and savour the moment.
DETAILS
WHERE: Ederra Cafe, Fontainhas, Panjim
TIMINGS: Open 7 days a week, from 9.30 am - 8.30 pm
RATES: Sandwiches are priced from Rs 320 onwards, while coffee starts at Rs 180
CROWD FAVOURITES: Pesto Grilled Vegetable Sandwich, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Marinara Pasta, Shakshuka