Nurtured by friendship and driven by passion: The making of Café Goldspot

When two best friends come together with a shared dream, their bond can turn even the simplest idea into something extraordinary. That’s exactly what Sameera Khan and Iram Khan achieved with Café Goldspot—a cosy haven of nostalgia and delicious food nestled in the heart of Fontainhas, Panaji.

A dream begins

Sameera and Iram’s bond, which started in third grade at People’s High School in Panaji, led to their shared vision of opening a café after returning from their careers in Bangalore during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“Our story began during the COVID lockdown,” Sameera shares. “Iram and I found ourselves quarantined together for 20 days, right around Christmas and New Year. At the time we decided to reflect on all the things we hadn’t achieved yet. We made a list of 100 dreams, and at the very top was starting a café. Once we were out of quarantine, we told ourselves, ‘This is it—we have to make it happen.’ From then on, we started taking small steps to turn our dream into reality.”

Nostalgic name

The name "Café Goldspot" carries a sense of nostalgia, perfectly complementing its cosy setting in the vintage lanes of Fontainhas. “Once we found the place, we wanted a name that resonated with the nostalgic and vintage vibe of the area,” Sameera shares. “Goldspot was a soft drink from the 90s that many of us grew up with, but it’s no longer around,” she adds.

Transforming Café Goldspot from a dream into a reality was a journey filled with challenges and surprises. For Sameera and Iram, every step was a labour of love, strengthened by the support of Sameera’s mother, Saira, who joined the duo as Head Chef and brought her culinary expertise to the table.

Building together “When we started Café Goldspot on November 18, 2022, it was a tiny space, funded entirely by our savings,” Sameera recalls. “We didn’t have external investors, but what we did have was belief and my mother’s dedication. At 55, she began pursuing a diploma in Culinary Arts while also immersing herself in the café’s operations. Watching her inspired us to fully trust her vision, and now, she runs the café with the same love and care she’s shown us all our lives.”

Culinary heart

For Saira, food is more than sustenance, it’s an art form infused with love, tradition, and positivity. “I’m very happy to work with people. When they appreciate my food, it makes me feel fulfilled,” she says with a warm smile. “I approach my work with positivity and happiness. My mind doesn’t allow me to get tired,” she adds.

In fact, the menu at Café Goldspot is a treasure trove of Goan culinary heritage, lovingly curated by Saira over decades. “Many people who have tasted her food for the last 40 years always told her she should run a restaurant,” Sameera shares. “When this opportunity arose, it felt like the perfect time for her to bring her recipes to a larger audience.”

Diverse menu

Saira brings to life a delectable menu featuring breakfast treats like Xacuti, Ross Omelettes, Polle, among other things like Cutlet Paos, hearty lunches with Prawn Pulao, King Fish Biryani, Goan Rice Plates & Fish Thali to the menu.

Every dish reflects Saira’s culinary journey, inspired by her neighbours, friends, relatives, and family.

“Everything on the menu is an accumulation of Goa. Growing up across Goa, I learned making Christmas sweets with Catholic neighbours, preparing festive dishes with Hindu families during Ganesh and Diwali, and mastering Muslim cuisine at home,” she shares.

At Goldspot, the menu is a balanced mix of healthy options and comforting classics, offering something for everyone. From fresh juices like ABC and beetroot-pomegranate combos to indulgent ice cream shakes, sandwiches, and fries, the cafe caters to a wide range of tastes. Sameera shares, "We understand that not everyone wants to eat just healthy, so we provide options for both sides. The option at the Cafe is mostly healthy, crafted by Iram, who prioritises both taste and hygiene in every dish."

Saira ensures that the food she prepares is something she would serve to her loved ones, treating every dish with the same care and attention she would give to her family. When it comes to sourcing ingredients, she selects them, making sure they meet her standards. "We cook the way we would at home," she shares. "Our food feels like home food because it’s made with love and care."

Facing challenges

Although the café is located in Fontainhas, it faces the challenge of standing out amidst the growing competition. But Sameera views it positively: “It’s competitive but in a good way. This area has become an experience in itself. As long as our neighbours are happy and there’s no discomfort, we welcome new spots as they only enhance the overall vibe and experience.”

To stay ahead, Sameera emphasises the importance of constant market research and offering something unique. “We focus on maintaining a great price point and introducing signature dishes like our famous Turkish eggs,” she adds. “This helps us remain relevant and loved by our customers.”

Two concepts

The difference between Café Goldspot and Goldspot Canteen lies in their ambience and concept. Sameera explains, "Iram, who is a product designer with a keen interest in interior décor, handles the design. With Café Goldspot, we aimed to evoke nostalgia by creating a cosy space filled with 90s games, making it ideal for dates, breakfasts, and family outings."

In contrast, Goldspot Canteen offers a fresh take on the classic canteen vibe, where one can never be alone with their food and can enjoy it with a good book. Sameera states, "We wanted to transform the canteen experience by adding a library. Imagine if your school canteen had a library, that's the essence of Goldspot Canteen. Normally, a thali is enjoyed in a closed, quiet space, but here we’ve brought in a lively atmosphere with our library, allowing guests to experience the food in an engaging environment."

For Sameera,  who is part of the  tech startup world,  running a café has been an eye-opening experience, offering new challenges and insights. She reflects on how the physical demands of hospitality differ from the mental strain of a tech job.

Lessons learned

“Running a café has changed my perspective on entrepreneurship,” Sameera shares. “While tech startups are mentally demanding, hospitality is far more physically exhausting. The industry hasn’t evolved much in terms of working hours and practices, and that’s been an eye-opener. We’re slowly trying to bring change,”

Sameera and Iram, bring their unique strengths to the table. Sameera focuses on the financial and operational side of the business, handling the revenue model and other behind-the-scenes tasks. Iram, with her expertise in design, takes charge of the café’s interiors and overall ambience, while overseeing the day to day operations.

Strength in unity

For Sameera, the bond between her, Iram, and her mother, Saira, goes beyond business—it’s built on deep mutual support and love. “The three of us are each other’s strength, advisors, and friends,” Sameera reflects. “Seeing how far we've come together feels like a dream come true. I truly appreciate their hard work and dedication,” states Saira.

Sameera adds, “We depend on each other in everything we do. It’s not just about the cafe—it’s the strength we draw from one another every day. We inspire each other to push forward.”