Cafe Prashant: More than just a meal, it's a Mapusa ritual!

Nestled near Alankar Theatre in the heart of Mapusa, Cafe Prashant has been a gathering spot since it opened its doors in 1975. Known for its early opening hours, the cafe serves as a cozy morning retreat for locals starting their day and a welcoming stop for those returning from mass. First managed by the late Ramesh Sawant, and now by his dedicated brothers, Suresh, Mohan and Ramdas, Cafe Prashant is more than just a cafe; it’s a family legacy, as well as a community landmark.

Hard work and faith

“Our journey has always been about hard work, unity, and God’s blessings,” says Ramdas Sawant. The brothers, who have taken on the cafe’s operations since Ramesh’s passing in 1996, work in shifts to ensure the place runs smoothly from 5:30 in the morning until 9 at night. This family rhythm keeps the cafe bustling with energy throughout the day.

Milagres feast crowd

One of the busiest times for Cafe Prashant is the annual Milagres Feast. During this time, the cafe is expanded out onto the street to accommodate the large crowd of devotees. “For the Milagres feast, we extend our setup beyond the doors to cater to everyone,” Ramdas explains. “With blessings from Milagres Saibinn and our local deity Dev Rashtroli, we’ve seen our business flourish every year.”

Authentic flavors

While Cafe Prashant continues to attract regulars, Ramdas believes the secret lies in their commitment to authentic flavors and quality service. “Our food speaks for itself,” he says with a smile. “Even though many new cafes and restaurants have come up around us, we’ve only grown in popularity. People still come back for our local specialties.” The cafe’s signature dishes include patal bhaji, tomato bhaji, usal, and the much-loved batata vadas. These flavors, steeped in tradition, have remained consistent over the years, drawing people from all walks of life. “Our customers appreciate the unique taste and aroma that our local ingredients give to the dishes. It’s what has kept them coming back,” Ramdas says with pride.

Expanding the menu

Apart from their traditional menu, the Sawant brothers have adapted to the changing tastes of the younger crowd by adding a few new items, such as sweets and chaats. “We understand that people’s preferences evolve, so we’ve added dishes that appeal to the newer generation, without compromising our roots,” Ramdas notes.

A community hub

The cafe also holds a special place in the hearts of many who come from the nearby Catholic community, especially after the Sunday mass. “It’s amazing to see people come in after mass, sharing stories, meeting friends, and enjoying their breakfast together. This cafe has become a meeting point for people from all backgrounds,” Ramdas reflects. With its clean, inviting atmosphere and emphasis on quality service, Cafe Prashant has fostered a bond with customers that goes beyond just serving food. “Our customers are like family. We’ve built connections with them over the years, and that’s the real reward of our work,” he says warmly.

Traditional Goan meals

In addition to its breakfast staples, the cafe’s upper floor offers a variety of traditional Goan meals, including the ever-popular fish curry and rice. This upstairs section has become particularly popular for lunch, attracting customers who crave authentic Goan flavors in a homely setting. “The response to our fish curry has been incredible,” Ramdas shares. “People come specifically for the taste of home-cooked food.”

Looking to the future

Looking ahead, the Sawant brothers have plans to expand their menu even further. “We have already added panipuri, chaats, and other items that are gaining popularity, especially among the younger crowd,” Ramdas says. This openness to evolving tastes, paired with a strong sense of tradition, keeps Cafe Prashant relevant in an ever-changing culinary landscape.

A lasting legacy

The Sawant family’s commitment to quality, authenticity, and community has turned Cafe Prashant into an enduring success. For almost five decades, the cafe has thrived on the loyalty of its customers, many of whom have been visiting since the early days. “One of our regulars has been buying bhaji here since we first opened,” Ramdas fondly recalls. “It’s humbling to see people value what we do here and return time and again.”

In an era where many family-owned eateries are giving way to modern establishments, Cafe Prashant stands as a reminder of simpler times and cherished traditions. The Sawant brothers’ commitment to serving good food with love and warmth has made Cafe Prashant a local treasure. For those in Mapusa, it’s more than just a place to eat—it’s a slice of history. As Ramdas aptly puts it, “We’re here because of our hard work and God’s blessings. And we’re grateful for every single customer who walks through our doors.”