It doesn’t matter if you’re a local or someone visiting the State, there are days when we all crave home-like comfort food without the effort. If that’s on your mind, this newly-opened neighbourhood restaurant in Goa is the place to be.
As you walk along the narrow lanes of Sao Tome in Panjim, it’s almost hard to miss Ourem, a cocktail bar and restaurant that stands out with its charming green exteriors.
And, nothing prepares you for what lies inside until you step through the 150-year-old door, and you’re instantly immersed in a completely different vibe.
“It’s an old house, we rebuilt it. We’ve restored the windows and the main door, the rest is all new, the flooring, colours and the upper floor,” says Purusharth Agarrwal, popularly known as, Puru, Ourem’s owner who was keen on keeping the feel of a traditional colonial house with a touch of modern influence.
“The restaurant’s name comes from the street over there, Rua de Ourem,” he explains pointing to the street. “Ourem also means 'gold' in Italian, ‘oro’. We chose the name because of the location and also to pay tribute to the old times, when gold was used as a currency just like pepper and leather.”
You feel a cool breeze from the air conditioning and hear soft background music as you enter Ourem, appreciating the little details, from the yellow ochre walls to the chandeliers and stunning light fixtures.
The ground floor features a comfortable seating space, a bar, a community table for larger groups and an outdoor patio space that looks magical in the evening.
“We have three levels. This bar (on the ground floor) is all about spirits; on the first floor, we have a Feni and Agave bar which will come up later. Above that, we have a hidden speakeasy room for 10-15 people, that’s available only on booking,” he shares.
Giving more insights into the bar, Puru feels that while others are overcomplicating cocktails, they aim to keep things simple and straightforward.
“Our basic thing is that people should enjoy and repeat the cocktail. We’re not trying to complicate things, simplicity is our USP,” he points out.
He highly recommends trying the feni and agave cocktails, particularly the Amor de Rosa, a unique and must-try experience.
Since its opening in December 2024, Ourem has been popular with locals, especially from Panjim. “We've had repeat customers since our food is also very local, but I’ll leave the talking to the Goan herself, Chef Ines,” says Puru, as the chef joins.
“I’ve curated the menu entirely, the food part,” smiles Chef Ines Soares as she places on the table dishes like Rissois de Camarao and the catch of the day, freshly fried kingfish in recheiado masala, with some potatoes, grilled vegetables and butter garlic poie.
A chef since 1983, Ines spent the last 20 years in Dubai before returning to Goa. “I decided to focus on Goan food with a Portuguese touch,” she says.
Even though she was away, she never lost touch with Goan flavours. Apart from a few Portuguese dishes, the menu reflects the food Goans eat at home like stew, Feijoada and Assado de Língua.
While Chef Ines isn’t a fan of twisting traditional dishes, she’s always willing to make something special if requested, even if it doesn’t feature on the menu. What’s also special at Ourem is that you get to try items you won’t find anywhere else, like Pudim de Laranja – the chef's own delicious creation.
So, whether you're with friends or family, looking for a cosy spot to relax or just don’t feel like cooking, drop by this perfect neighbourhood spot, where great food and warm vibes await you.
DETAILS
WHAT: Ourem cocktail bar and restaurant
LOCATION: Sao Tome, Panjim, North Goa
TIMINGS: Lunch (noon to 3 pm); dinner (7 pm to midnight)