If you are looking for a place to enjoy a fresh and hearty meal or grab a quick bite, you could check out Caravela Cafe and Bistro, a home-grown brand that is making waves in Goa
RAMANDEEP KAUR| NT
Caravela Cafe and Bistro is a family affair that started as a homestay with five rooms and a small coffee shop. Today, it has three outlets – Panaji (2015), Candolim (2020), and Margao (2023) – each run by a different member of the Noronha family from Nagoa, South Goa.
The cafe was started by Carlos Noronha, in Panaji with just two sandwich varieties and three types of soups on the menu. But over the years, it has expanded its menu to include Goan mains, snacks, salads, pizzas, and desserts. The cafe prides itself on cooking everything on the spot, using fresh ingredients and authentic recipes.
One of its USPs however is its coffee. In fact, it is known for its premium in-house coffee brand, Latin Quarter, which has been rated among the top 10 coffee brands in India by Architectural Digest for two years in a row. Latin Quarter offers a rich blend of caffeine flavours sourced from the finest Arabica and Robusta beans from Coorg. The coffee beans are hand-roasted in small batches and ground to order, ensuring freshness and quality. You can choose from four types of roasts and five types of beans, depending on your preference and mood.
But coffee is not the only thing that Caravela Cafe excels at. Some of the popular dishes include eggs benedict with Goan sausage, honey mustard chicken or cottage cheese sandwich made in focaccia bread, and chicken meatball sub sandwich.
One of the most popular items on the menu is the all-day English breakfast, which consists of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, toast, and hash browns. This is a filling and satisfying meal that will keep you going for the day. Another crowd favourite is the BLT sandwich, which is made with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on toasted bread. This is a simple but classic sandwich that never disappoints.
If you are in the mood for something more exotic, you can try the stir-fried beef and bell peppers, which is a spicy and flavourful dish that goes well with rice or noodles. You can also opt for the penne vegetarian white sauce pasta, which is a creamy and cheesy dish that is loaded with vegetables. For dessert, you can indulge in one of the four eggless cakes or the sugarless cakes that are available at the cafe.
While the Panaji and Margao outlets are run by Carlos’ elder son Carlos Jr., the Candolim branch is run by the younger son Cyrus.
What stands out is the cafe’s cozy and inviting ambience that makes you feel at home. To add to that, the staff is friendly and attentive, and the service is quick and efficient. The cafe also has a unique design that reflects its location and personality. For example, the Margao branch has more space and plays around with different elements, while the Candolim branch has more tourists and a vibrant vibe.
The cafe has faced some challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as losing customers and retaining staff. However, it received support from its loyal patrons and has managed to bounce back. The cafe keeps adding new items every one or two months to keep its menu fresh and exciting. The only thing that the cafe does not serve is alcohol. But fret not, the cafe has something for everyone, and will make you want to come back for more.
