PANJIM: Step into Panjim's bustling market, and you'll find eager customers forming a beeline towards one tiny stall – Mahalaxmi Sweet Mart. Meet Viraj Virdikar, the Goan culinary alchemist behind this unassuming shop, where a heady mix of farsan, a popular savory snack in Goa, awaits those who patiently wait for their turn.
Viraj's craftsmanship lies in the art of blending various ingredients like a skilled mixologist, creating a delightful assortment of farsan, along with other delectable treats like papdi, ghati, shev, masur, khara bundi, corn chivda, gavti shev, groundnuts, khargati, chakli, and banana chips. Some of these delights grace the stall daily, while others are available exclusively on Mondays and Thursdays, all sourced locally from Goa.
When Mahalaxmi Sweet Mart opens at 11 am, customers eagerly line up for their share of Viraj's prized farsan mix. Rarely do shopkeepers witness such a devoted following, with patrons patiently waiting even before the shutters are raised. With a warm smile, Viraj greets his loyal customers each morning, a testament to the bond he shares with his community.
When asked about the secret behind his farsan's allure, Viraj says, “People flock to my little stall at all times of the day. It is the on-the- spot mixing USP which attracts my customers. The chivda is fresh, delightfully tasty and irresistible.”
The roots of Mahalaxmi Sweet Mart run deep, as Viraj's father, Vilas Shambu Virdikar, began this journey selling lemons at the age of 15 in the historic Portuguese Panjim market. In 1971, they acquired the small stall that remains their base of operations. The early days were challenging. “Those days there were hardly any customers. People hardly had any money. My dad would wait for customers and go to eat lunch late. The stall would be kept open daily with no holidays,” Viraj recounts.
In 1995, Vilas passed away, leaving a legacy that Viraj, along with his two sisters, continued. At the age of 17 or 18, Viraj started learning the trade and smoothly took the reins. Now, with more than three decades of experience, he is a master of his craft.
Mahalaxmi Sweet Mart's reputation has spread far beyond Panjim and its surrounding areas. Visitors from Mapusa, Margao, Ponda, and even from Mumbai and the UK seek out Viraj's farsan as a unique Goan delicacy. During festivals, the demand for his savory delights soars, with most of his customers returning for more.
Before the pandemic struck, Viraj's days were a whirlwind, operating from 11 am to 4 pm, then breaking for lunch before reopening from 6 pm to 10 pm. The long hours took a toll, but the pandemic prompted a change. Presently, he opens the shop from 11 am to 2 pm, except for Saturdays, when he caters to evening customers.
Asked about his expansion plans, Viraj says, “I have no such plans of expanding since it is difficult to manage the business. My son Karan, who has completed his Class XII helps me in the business, but one cannot rely on employees. Reliable manpower is not available,” he says. Nonetheless, Viraj remains grateful to his loyal customers, with whom he shares a strong rapport, thanking them for their patience and continued support.
Mahalaxmi Sweet Mart stands as a testament to the essence of Goan flavors, crafted with love, dedication, and a dash of tradition by Viraj Virdikar and his family. A visit to this unpretentious stall promises an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you with cherished memories of authentic Goan farsan.