Restaurant Name & Location: MOG Art Cafe, Pilerne Industrial Estate, Goa.
Date of Visit: 8th April, 2024
The recent visit to this hidden café in North Goa was pretty much a round-circle moment for me! Why? I visited the Museum of Goa (MOG) back in 2018 as a visitor after getting to know the interesting art pieces it had through social media, fast forward to 2024 when I landed a shoot for their in-house cafe called the MOG Art Café.
Ambience: Museum of Goa is located in the Pilrene region of Sangolda Goa which is pretty much also an industrial area with no many options for good food. But MOG pretty much is a beautiful space for get-togethers and solo explorations.
The interiors of the café are simple and have a rustic artistic feel.
Being surrounded by a jungle with lush greenery brings in fresh, cool air and natural light, which contributes to a refreshing atmosphere, enhancing the café’s overall mood.
My favorite time being at the Café during shoot days was early in the morning and post 5pm when the surroundings is calm and greeted with the pleasant sound of the fauna.
Understanding their menu was an important part of the food shoot hence I did get to try many food options they serve at the café. The café staff is a small yet efficient team making it a very homey and personalized experience when visiting the café. The café manager was very well knowledgeable of the menu items. The service time can alter a bit due to a small team, but the views and calm at the place gives you a relaxed atmosphere even for minor delays.
Coming to the most exciting part the food at this café is a lovely range of native Indian dishes like Panki from Gujrat, Ghavne and Moongache Ghati from Konkan region, Banana stem salad from south Indian cusine, Ross omelette from Goa and many more regional options. The café also offers modern food options like milkshakes, French fries, sandwiches, ice cream, and so on . My personal favorites include the following:
- Panki: A traditional Gujarati dish made from a fermented batter of rice or lentil steamed between banana leaves. This delicate pancake-like dish has a subtle aroma and unique flavors. This was my personal favorite as it was so light on the stomach and you can easily eat more than 2 pieces and not feel full, the café served it with a nice subtle tangy green chutney elevating the overall flavor profile.
- Banana stem salad: Trying for the very first time this refreshing dish popular in South Indian cuisine. It is made using the tender inner core of the banana stem paired with herbs and a tangy dressing.
- Buttermilk Lassi: I was a little unsure about trying something that has it origin from a dairy source but frankly the minty flavour in combination with buttermilk was so tangy and rich that it made the perfect drink during the summer heat. This drink is a light, refreshing and savory drink that bends with the tangy goodness of buttermilk with cooling spices. A perfect digestive drink after meals.
- Ghavne with Moonga Gathi: A delicious combination originating from the Konkan region of Maharashtra are these soft and lacy rice crepes are different from a normal Dosa. A regional gravy : Moonga Gathi is a mildly spiced sprouted moong curry that is cooked in a coconut based gravy is a delicious combination to pair with the Ghavne.
Did you know that Ghavne is made using a combination of rice flour, water and a little salt? It doesn’t require fermentation and is quick to prepare. Dosa batter is made using rice and urad dal (black gram), which is soaked, ground, and then fermented overnight for a tangy flavour. They also have other regional, Indian and local food combination that you must try when in North Goa.
Value for Money: The prices of the dishes are affordable and pocket-friendly. Conclusion: While the shoot was hectic and the summers in Goa turning dreadful every year, the Museum of Goa is a perfect hideout from the city’s hustle and chaos. The dense green forest background makes you feel more connected to nature and enjoy the peaceful vibes at the café. The food is simple yet creative and expansive in flavors making it a must-try when visiting the Museum or just enjoying the views at the café.
As an overall rating based on my first-time experience at the cafe,
I would rate the following:
Food: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Ambience: 4/5
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this review are based on my personal experience and taste preferences. What I find delicious or enjoyable may differ from others’ tastes. This review is intended to provide an honest account of my visit to the café, but it should not be taken as a definitive judgment.
Prices, menu items, and service quality may vary depending on the day and time of your visit. I encourage readers to visit the café and form their own opinions.
This review is not sponsored, and I received no compensation from the café for writing it.
Do you have a specific restaurant or dish in mind that you’d like me to review? If you enjoyed reading this review article, let me know in the comments, extremely grateful for your time. For more insides on the stories, follow my journey at: Instagram , Facebook
Note: Photos are shot during a food photoshoot project for MOG Art Cafe.