The 18th Century colored Wondered of Goa - The Only Surviving Latin Quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Zone
You (all of you) have been to Goa many a times - haven’t you? But, how many times have you been to this pastel colored, vibrant, all to be soaked in street of the Capital city Panjim? Zero. Maybe One.
If the answer is Zero, then there’s something - probably more than something that you have missed out!
Fontainhas is one of Goa’s most vibrant and one of the its most historical places. Designed in the 18th Century, the Portuguese left a mark in this area.
The area is filled with Cafes in all sorts of colors from Blue to red to Yellow and the homes are built around that in similar colors. Infact, most of these cafes have been converted from hundreds of years old homes.
How to Reach Fontainhas?
Fontainhas is located just at a 10-minute walk from the centre of Panjim. If you’re staying in other areas of Goa, and you’re coming in by your own car (car rental), park your car at EDC Paid Parking Lot.
From there, it is just a 10-minute walk from Patto Pedestrian Bridge to the other side of Panaji known as the Fontainhas. And you’re right there, in the middle of coloured cafes, homes surrounded by history. Most of the cafes are just metres away from each other.
Where to Eat in Fontainhas?
Veggie Burger, Cafe MeuLar by Barista.
The Latin Quarters or Fontainhas is absolutely packed with Instagrammable cafes and it’ll be one hell of a hard decision to pick and choose. But, I chose three of them and arguably the best three of them in the region.
1. Cafe Ederra
Opened just over an year ago, but out of a century old home, this was my first spot when I reached Latin Quarters. Yellow from outside, the cafe is nice and tiny with subtle interiors from inside. The Moment I stepped in, it felt something unique. Like something historic. I let my sweat go off first in the AC (It was insanely hot and humid when I went) before asking for the Menu.
I read through the Menu and there was an insant cry in the heart - What to drink? I ordered a Kiwi Cooler along with a Pesto Grilled Sandwich.
Both the items were reasonably tasty but extremely costly. The Kiwi cooler was INR 340 and the Pesto Grilled sandwich was INR 380. Were they worth the price though? No.
It is still worthy enough to visit and just order a drink or two like I did.
Cafe Ederra (L), Pesto Grilled Sandwich (R)
2. Cafe MeuLar by Barista
This place has to be among the most beautiful looking from the facade in the entire region. It’s navy blue from the outside. It’s basically a Barista (Yeah, the same Barista we all knew in our childhoods) . Because it was so good from the facade, I thought of going in too. But, it’s an average place from the interiors. The interiors are kind of old (maybe preserved) and not maintained that well. After much thought, I decide to order a Veggie Burger (Pictured above at the top). The Burger was 6 out of 10. It was just a regular burger with tomatoes, onions and a regular patty. Somethiing you’d easily cook at home.
But - Why am I mentioning this place then? Well, Gen Z in today’s day and age doesn’t want food. They want photos. Instagrammable photos. Themselves in front of the facade. This place is perfect for that! You might wanna hop in if you’re looking for a coffee - but don’t expect too much from this Cafe.
3. Hola! - Copas & Tapas
The name might give you a lot of ideas - doesn’t it? Spanish. Literally translates too - Hello! - Glasses & Snacks!
This is an ABSOLUTE GEM of a place and arguably the best of the Fontainhas. The Vibe is extraordinarily good. Spanish songs, great crowd, it just hit straight to the heart. After soaking in the vibes, I took the Menu, which was huge! Drinks, beverages, Pizzas, Tapas (Snacks) it had it all.
I ordered an Indigo Blue Mocktail (Made of Jamun, chaat Masala & another ingredient I forgot) and a Bruschetta. The Mocktail was outstanding (though a little too sweet). The chaat Masala really hit the spot. The Bruschetta hit the mark with the crispness and the taste.
The Best food, the best vibe, the best atmosphere and the best aesthetics, all came in here. This place is a MUST VISIT even if you miss everything else. The Prices are super decent too as we paid just under 800 INR for three items (Third one is a secret!)
Verdict.
Doesn’t matter if you’re in Anjuna, Candolim, Panjim, Arpora, Calangute or wherever in North Goa, there’s no way you can miss out on Fontainhas. The place will get even better during Monsoons and the atmosphere will be one to savour for life.
Here’s a small video which captures everything I did and ate.
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