RAIA: Ramakant Shirodkar’s eatery, located within the serene village of Raia, just seven kilometres from Margao, offers a simple but delightful culinary experience worth exploring. Surrounded by verdant paddy fields, coconut trees, and traditional Goan houses, this quaint village eatery is popular for its nutritious and traditional Goan fare.
Ramakant Shirodkar, a 63-year-old resident of Bella Vista, Raia, is the heart and soul behind this culinary gem. A sports enthusiast with a passion for volleyball, cricket, and football, Ramakant’s journey into the world of gastronomy began around seven years ago. Originally, Ramakant was planning to seek better job prospects abroad. However, he was unable to travel abroad and instead of feeling defeated, he decided to pursue his culinary dreams instead. Today, his modest eatery is a beloved spot for locals and visitors from other talukas.
From mouthwatering vadas, mirchi pakoras, and bhajis to sumptuous vegetarian samosas, Ramakant’s menu reflects the diverse flavours of Goan cuisine with influences from various cultures. His wife, Sumetra Ramakant Shirodkar, adds her culinary expertise to the mix, preparing delectable bhajis like mushroom, kurma, and sukhi bhaji, based on the day’s menu.
The highlight of Ramakant’s eatery is the specialty banana buns, a must-try for all visitors. Assisted by two helpers, Ramakant and Sumetra ensure that each guest goes back with a memorable dining experience. Sumetra’s day starts at 4.30 am, diligently preparing the dough and ingredients for the day ahead.
Operating from Tuesday to Sunday, the eatery serves breakfast and lunch, welcoming around 50 to 70 patrons daily. “Handling the place with just the two of us working becomes very difficult at times when our helpers do not turn up” says Shirodkar. “For now, it is mostly only the locals from Raia and some friends from other places who are our regulars,” he adds. However, Shirodkar is more than happy to welcome people from other parts of the State and beyond, eager to host and treat more people to their family recipes at their cosy restaurant which can easily accommodate about 25 persons at one go. “My young boy who is currently in class X is very supportive in whatever we do and assists us in however he can,” adds Ramakant, who enjoys working and says cooking and serving food is a stress buster that relieves him of all his personal worries. “I love working with no disturbances around,” he adds. For Ramakant, running the eatery is not just a livelihood but also a source of joy and relaxation, offering respite from the rat race.
Specialising in traditional Goan Hindu cuisine, Ramakant serves up both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with non-vegetarian dishes prepared upon advance request. With
a commitment to quality and hospitality, Ramakant’s eatery promises a memorable culinary journey for all who visit.
