In the ever-emerging food scene of St Inez, where new cafés are continually coming up with diverse and contemporary menus, Café Ashwini stands out as a cherished place for those seeking a taste of tradition. Annoushka Fernandes of The Goan discovers how Café Ashwini has managed to retain its loyal clientele
In the bustling city of Panaji, Café Ashwini has established itself as a favourite local spot, drawing crowds from all corners of Goa. Conveniently located near Caculo Mall in St. Inez, the café is often a hive of activity, with customers lining up both inside and outside, eager for a seat or waiting for their takeaway orders.
The founder’s story
Founded in 2004 by Laxman Gaonkar, Café Ashwini’s story is as intriguing as its menu. Gaonkar, who previously worked as a waiter at a prominent hotel in Panaji, found his fortunes changing when he won a lottery. “I worked as a waiter from 1977 to 1982, but after hitting the jackpot, I decided to open my own place. And that’s how Café Ashwini came into being,” Gaonkar recalls.
Humble beginnings
Recounting his humble beginnings, Gaonkar adds, “I did all sorts of work there as a young boy. I initially purchased the place as a shop and didn’t immediately think about setting up a hotel. We didn’t face any significant issues starting the place; I began setting up the place with a few people from my hometown in Surla, who have all left now.” The café is named after his daughter, ‘Ashwini’, adding a personal touch to its identity.
Goan speciality
The café’s popularity is largely attributed to its authentic Goan cuisine, particularly its speciality – Goan Bhaji. “Our bhajis are well-known, especially the Sangam bhaji, which is a favourite among our customers, all the bhajis are mixed in that” says Gaonkar. Customers can enjoy a variety of bhajis like Patall, Suki, Mix, and Usall, served with Goan Pao or Puri, and always accompanied by the special Goan Mirchi.
Other locations
Hotel Ashwini has expanded beyond its St. Inez location, with branches in Caranzalem and Valpoi. However, Gaonkar remains dedicated to the original St. Inez café, overseeing operations personally and ensuring that the café continues to offer the authentic Goan breakfast that locals crave. “My son manages the branch in Caranzalem and another relative in Valpoi, while I remain dedicated to the branch in St Inez,” he said.
Focus on tradition
While new cafés might offer a variety of trendy or fusion dishes, Ashwini’s focus on traditional Goan breakfast items provides a unique niche that newer places may not fully capture. “Despite the many dining options available, Goans prefer their traditional breakfast, and we make sure to deliver just that,” Gaonkar notes.
Maintaining high standards
One of the hallmarks of Ashwini’s lasting popularity is its consistent quality. The eatery has built a reputation for delivering reliably excellent dishes, maintaining high standards over time. This consistency ensures customers know what to expect every time they visit, reinforcing their loyalty. “You have to have an interest in the work you do and put your mind into whatever you do and people will notice these things and come in,” says Gaonkar.
Affordability and quality
Regular customers appreciate the café's affordability and quality. ”We often come here for tea and breakfast before heading to work. The best items are tea, samosas, sheera, puri, mushroom samosas and bhaji served with pao. The prices are reasonable as well,” said a customer.
