Motherly love: The secret recipe of Smita’s Lake View Restaurant & Bar

Some dreams take root in the quiet corners of home, growing slowly, nurtured by love and perseverance. For Smita Surendranath Blaggan, the kitchen was always her sanctuary—a place where recipes carried stories, spices held memories, and cooking became an expression of love. But she never imagined that her passion would one day become the heart of a restaurant.

A mother’s dream turned reality

Smita’s Lake View Restaurant & Bar, nestled in the serene village of Siridao, is a mother’s dream brought to life by a son’s unwavering belief. Having spent years as a government employee, Smita always found solace in the art of cooking, blending the rich flavours of Maharashtrian, Goan, and Punjabi cuisines. Her culinary skills were admired by family and friends, but the idea of turning them into something bigger always seemed out of reach.

A son’s vision

During the lockdown, after returning home from Dubai, Rohit Blaggan saw in his mother’s cooking what she had never seen in herself—a gift meant to be shared. He recognised an opportunity to transform her passion into a reality.

“My friends would always say, ‘Why don’t you open a restaurant? Your mum’s food is incredible!’ But we never had the means,” Rohit recalls. “Then one day, I told my mum, ‘Why not start something in your name?’

And so, what began as simple home-cooked meals for family and friends blossomed into a thriving culinary haven, where every dish is served with the warmth of home.

Passion for cooking

At 62, Smita remains the soul of the kitchen, personally preparing the signature masalas that give each dish its authentic touch. Every ingredient is carefully chosen, and every spice blend is crafted with care—ensuring that the flavours remain true to tradition.

“She doesn’t let any chef interfere with the masalas,” Rohit shares with a proud smile. “She makes them fresh, ensuring that every dish carries the essence of home-cooked love.”

A menu that tells a story

From the crispy, flavourful Prawns Dangar to the unique Squid Bomb, every bite tells a story of passion and heritage. The restaurant’s famous Goan thali, featuring 12 beautifully balanced items, has become a favourite among guests seeking an authentic taste of the region.

Overcoming challenges

Building a restaurant from the ground up was no easy feat. From managing staff to navigating the competitive industry, Smita and Rohit faced their share of obstacles.

“There were times when people tried to create hurdles for us,” Rohit admits. “Even with all the necessary clearances, some individuals made things difficult. It’s surprising, but sometimes Goans don’t always support fellow Goans.”

Yet, their dedication paid off. Today, Smita’s Lake View is not just a beloved local spot but also a place that has welcomed celebrities like Yash from KGF and cricketer Surya Kumar Yadav.

“It’s a proud moment for us,” Rohit says. “My mum’s food has reached people far beyond our little village.”

Creating a home for guests

For Smita, running the restaurant is about creating a space where people feel at home. “I am so grateful to every customer who has been part of our journey,” she shares. “Your love and support mean the world to me. Every time you visit Smita’s Lake View, you become part of our extended family. My goal has always been to serve food made with love—flavours that remind you of home and the warmth of tradition.”

An inspiration to others

As someone who took a leap of faith later in life, Smita hopes to inspire other women to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

“To every woman out there who has a passion but is afraid to take the first step—I say, believe in yourself,” she encourages. “It’s never too late. I started this journey at 62, and it has been the most fulfilling experience of my life. Yes, there will be challenges, but when you do something you love, every effort is worth it. Surround yourself with people who believe in you—just like my son did for me. Start small, take one step at a time, and trust in your abilities. Your dream could turn into something beautiful, just like mine did.”

Success measured in warmth

For Smita and Rohit, success isn’t measured in numbers but in the warmth of satisfied guests and the joy of sharing their food. With no rush to expand, their focus remains on preserving the authenticity that defines Smita’s Lake View.

“As long as people walk in and feel at home, we know we’re doing something right,” Smita says. “Good food, good company, and a little bit of love—that’s all it takes.”