There are some well known cafes in Goa, to have typical Goan Bhaji-Pau-Chai and Cafe Real located in central Panjim is one of them. Cafe Bhosle, Cafe Tato are other similar cafes.
Having history of some 50+ years, this place is frequented by the who’s who of Goa. People of all religion, rich or poor, healthy, wealthy and Goan or non-Goan, everybody throng to this place.
Please note, this is not a place for English breakfast (if you are looking for one, do not proceed reading this review). This is a strict local cafe.
Ambiance: If you look at the place - nothing great, a small setup with a cramped sitting arrangement, tables laid out close to one another, with hardly any walking place around or even to stretch your arms - some times you share the table with complete strangers as there is no table you can occupy for your own-self or for the two of you. No family rooms, no pampering, no special treatment - all sit at same place and eat same stuff.
Menu: Bhaji-Pau (Types of Bhaji: Mix, Suki [plain Potato], Tomato, Chavli, Chana, Paneer), Mirchi [Mirchi Pakora], Bhaji [Onion Pakora], Bun, Puri, Tea, Coffee, Juices, lime soda.
Location: Under Reebok/Adidas showroom, opposite Delhi Darbar restaurant.
Parking: Hopeless situation! This is a busy street, if you are lucky you may manage to find a parking spot, else just drive around until you find one.
Service: quick. Packed during evenings.
Price: About 200-250 for 2 people for a typical - 2 Bhaji-Pau, Mirchi Pakora, tea/drinks menu.
Quality: Definitely a must-one-time visit. Based on your first experience, you can decide if you want to go there again. My personal experience, I kind of no more a fan of their preparation. Bhaji no more taste same or alike what you get in some other cafes in Panaji, mirchi pakora had extra cooking soda. Worst was - there was a flying cockroach around our table - disgusting! This raises concerns regarding the hygiene maintained at this place. Buns were served hot but that lovely taste was lacking.
So, if you ask me, if I would love to eat here often, my answer is a No! May be once in 6-months or in a year’s time.
Another important aspect: Like most cafes in Panjim, this place too is closed on Sundays. It’s almost impossible to find a decent cafe open in Panjim on a Sunday. Sanyog is the one you will find open, however its a typical Udipi restaurant.