TAVERNS OF GOA

EVERGREEN BAR & RESTAURANT, PANJIM

By Aditi Malhotra Images by Evergreen Bar

Taverns are a part of Goa ’ s culture. As significant it is to enjoy Goa ’ s fish curry and rice at a local restaurant, it' s imperative to visit a local tavern to get the true Goan vibe.

Panjim alone is a hub to such treasure of taverns that are still holding on to the age-old culture of Goa. I recently happened to stumble upon one of the taverns in Panjim and instantly loved the vibe of the place. Evergreen Bar & Restaurant, located on the Mahalaxmi Temple Road is diagonally opposite the very popular restaurant Kokni Kanteen. As I crossed this place, it almost seemed inviting with its vibrancy, and I just had to check it out. The chic décor was indeed inviting, I simply loved the posters adorning both side walls. It gave it a very youthful appeal and for a moment I thought that it was a new bar. But then I had a candid conversation with the owner and learnt that the bar opened way back in 1975 and the décor hasn ’t changed much since then. It was started by Mr Mhablu Mhalsekar and as of today, his son Sayyam runs it. You can indulge in chilled beers, straight drinks like rum and whiskey and also the local favourite fenny at Evergreen. It’ s the kind of place where you can have intimate conversations with a group of friends over drinks or sometimes just grab a glass and relax with your own thoughts. You should also be glad to know that Everygreen has been serving the authentic Goan fish thali since 1975 and even to date, you can relish it in both the afternoon and nighttime. I mean picture yourself, with a chilled beer in hand, having candid conversations with your friends while polishing off a rawa kingfish and some prawn curry n rice. What more can one ask for? Sometimes all you need is these simple pleasures of life to relax after a hectic day at work.

And you know what I love the most about these taverns in Goa is the fact that you don ’t have to

worry if you don

’t have company. These places make you feel completely at home and you can literally enjoy your own solo company or catch up with complete strangers and make new friends. This is something I have noticed across taverns in Goa, they have a very different feel and vibe to them that is unmatched. I am so glad that some people are keeping our culture alive through these taverns. Because these taverns are not mere places to drink and eat, but they are all storytellers of their own kind. Until we meet next time, it’ s time for another bar and another story!