Fire meets feni at this pop-up dinner in Goa
Insia Lacewalla
On the evening of May 2, 2025, Panjim’s culinary scene will get a spark of smoke and soul as OitO, the intimate new restaurant by Chef Viraf Patel, will join forces with OURO de Goa as part of OitO’s ‘Over the kitchen experiences’ series for a one-night-only dinner pop-up.
With just 20 seats at the table, this event is a spirited exploration of heritage and flavour where bold German cuisine meets the complex aromas of artisanal Goan feni.
SPECIAL OF THE DAY
The star of the evening is Ouro’s Spiced Premium Cashew Feni, a small-batch, barrel-aged spirit, crafted at Dudhsagar Plantation.
Infused with local herbs and spices, this nuanced feni is a far cry from the fiery beach shack versions most are used to. It’s a bottle with personality — rich, earthy, fragrant — and on this night, it finds its match in an inventive German menu that’s anything, but predictable.
The collaboration is inspired by Ouro founder Ashok Malkarnekar’s own dual heritage. Raised between Germany and Goa, Ashok has long felt that both lands — one lush and layered, the other grounded and structured — share more in common than meets the eye.
That philosophy comes to life through a menu that bridges cultures: think charred, soulful preparations with a sense of comfort, spice and the occasional wink of mischief.
Raised between Germany and Goa, Ashok has long felt that both lands — one lush and layered, the other grounded and structured — share more in common than meets the eye.
Chef Viraf, known for his thoughtful use of fire and flavour, brings that ethos to this 5-course menu with dishes that promise to be playful yet grounded. Expect hearty German classics reinterpreted with local ingredients — a pretzel crust here, a feni infused sauce there, perhaps even a reimagined Bavarian goulash.
And of course, each course is paired with Ouro’s feni — served neat, stirred or smoked — allowing the spirit to dance across dishes in unexpected ways.
It’s the kind of dinner where stories are as important as the seasoning, where you can taste the journey from Dudhsagar’s forests to a Berlin kitchen table. Where you might sip feni from a coupe glass while tucking into sauerkraut with a toddy twist.
Set within the warm, minimalist interiors of OitO’s bespoke mezzanine, this evening promises an experience that’s as intimate as it is inventive. Only 20 seats are available, and bookings are open on Urbanaut or via phone +91 7718885078.
It’s the kind of dinner where stories are as important as the seasoning, where you can taste the journey from Dudhsagar’s forests to a Berlin kitchen table.
If you’re looking for a dinner that breaks borders — and perhaps a few rules —this might just be your passport.
DETAILS
WHAT: Over The Kitchen Experiences, OitO x Ouro
WHERE: OitO, Risara Elegante, Caranzalem, Panjim
WHEN: Friday, May 2, 2025
TIMINGS: 8 pm – 11.30 pm
RESERVATIONS: +91 7718885078 or
https://urbanaut.app/spot/over-the-kitchen-experiences-oito-x-ouro