Cold drinks, warm hearts: The story behind Mapusa's Babaji Cold Drinks

Babaji Cold Drinks, nestled in the heart of Mapusa’s bustling roundabout, is more than just a local favourite—it is a story of resilience, family values, and a steadfast commitment to serving the community. Founded in 1981, this much-loved eatery has its roots in a much earlier family tradition of food service that started in the 1970s, when the Dhawaskar family first ventured into the restaurant business.

A family legacy

Devidas Dhawaskar, who runs the eatery, recalls how his father, Dinkar Dhawaskar, was the driving force behind the decision to change course from running a full-fledged restaurant to establishing a humble cold drinks outlet. “In the holidays, my father would always say, ‘Come help me at the restaurant, you’ll learn how to run a business and how to treat customers.’ And I did. I learned everything from him,” says Devidas.

The origin of ‘Babaji’

The name “Babaji” itself holds a legacy, named after Devidas’ grandfather, who was affectionately called Babaji. “People even call me by that name now,” Devidas laughs, recalling a chance encounter with a customer who recognised him at Dubai airport, simply calling him “Babaji”.

More than a business

For Devidas, this is more than just a business—it’s a way of life. He fondly remembers his father’s dedication to maintaining relationships, even with the smallest customers. “Even if someone comes in just for bread, I get up and serve them myself. Every customer matters to me, whether they spend 10 rupees or more.”

Commitment to quality

In the early days, Babaji Cold Drinks started with the basics—fresh juices, milkshakes, and cold drinks, which quickly gained popularity due to their quality. "We always believed in offering our customers nothing but the best," says Devidas. "From the very beginning, we made sure that every glass of juice and every snack was prepared with care and attention to detail." This commitment to quality has been the backbone of Babaji’s success and continues to attract both locals and tourists alike.

Expanding the menu

Over the years, the Dhawaskars expanded the menu to include an array of snacks such as pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and bakery items, but it’s the signature falooda that remains a favourite among regulars. "Our falooda has a special place in the hearts of our customers. We have a regular following for it," Devidas says with a smile.

Unchanged principles

Though the business has grown, Devidas’s principles remain unchanged. Hygiene, quality, and fair pricing are paramount. “I never compromise on quality. I always use the best ingredients, and I make sure the prices are reasonable for everyone.”

A labour of love

Running Babaji Cold Drinks has been a labour of love for Devidas, who has poured his heart and soul into the business over the years. He attributes much of their success to the lessons passed down from his father, Dinkar. "My father was the backbone of our family," he says. "His experience and guidance is what allowed us to continue and grow over the years." Dinkar Dhawaskar’s quiet determination set the foundation for a business that has stood the test of time, weathering economic changes and evolving customer preferences.

Building relationships

What makes Babaji Cold Drinks special, beyond the food, is the warmth with which Devidas greets every customer. "For us, it’s not just about making sales. It’s about building relationships with our customers, many of whom have been with us since the very beginning," Devidas notes. Over time, the eatery has become a cherished fixture in Mapusa, where locals and visitors alike find comfort in the familiar faces and the consistent quality of food and drinks on offer. "Some of our customers have grown up coming to Babaji’s, and now they bring their children here. It’s a great feeling to see generations connect with our eatery."

Hands-on dedication

Devidas remains committed to staying hands-on, ensuring that Babaji Cold Drinks retains its personal touch. "We’re always here, overseeing things ourselves. That’s important to us. It’s about staying true to what my father taught us—hard work, dedication, and always looking out for your family and your community."

Driven by blessings

The emotional connection to his work is evident when he speaks of his father and the blessings that have carried him through the years. “I live on the blessings of my customers and my parents. Every day, I pray for them. That’s what keeps this place going.” Devidas’ heartfelt dedication is what makes Babaji Cold Drinks more than just a popular stop—it’s a reflection of love, legacy, and the lasting bond of a family.