Tucked away near the historic old Mapusa Municipal Council building, Mahableshwar Cold Drinks has been a cherished landmark for over a century. Veda Raut of The Goan explores the rich legacy of this local treasure.
Nestled near the historic old Mapusa Municipal Council building, lies a cherished local treasure: Mahableshwar Cold Drinks. This establishment passed down through three generations, has been a beacon of refreshment and community spirit. Its rich legacy, vibrant atmosphere, and unwavering dedication to its customers make it a cornerstone of Mapusa’s cultural and social fabric.
The story of Mahableshwar Cold Drinks is as effervescent as the drinks it serves. Founded over a century ago, the shop has remained a constant in an ever-changing world. Despite its modest size, it has always been bustling with activity, proving that sometimes the best things truly do come in small packages. The enduring popularity of this quaint establishment is proof of its ability to keep its customers happy over the years.
Dada's dedication
At the helm of Mahableshwar Cold Drinks is Satish, affectionately known as Dada. For the past 40 years, Dada has been the familiar face behind the counter, greeting customers with a warm smile and a friendly chat, continuing the legacy started by his grandfather Vishnu and carried on by his father Mahableshwar. Dada's dedication to maintaining the shop's traditions while fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere has cemented its place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
Reflecting on the shop's storied past, Dada fondly recalls the bustling days when the old Mapusa market thrived around the Municipal Council building. "When the Municipality was being run here, all the counsellors, politicians, and other dignitaries would frequent the place," he reminisces. "This area was part of the main market, the old Mapusa market. I've been running the place for the last 40 years, and before that, my father was very well known. The place is named after him. And before my father, my grandfather ran the place."
Dada's memories paint a vivid picture of a time when the shop was a central hub for the community. "Even my older brother had a role in running the place, but he has since moved on to another profession. I would be in the shop until the evening, and then he would come and take over. Before, we would keep the place open until 10 pm because business was always booming."
Signature drinks
The drinks at Mahableshwar Cold Drinks have also played a significant role in its enduring appeal. "Lime soda is famous. Milk cold drink, rajgira, and ice-cream soda. Ice cream soda was the most popular," Dada explains. "There were no shakes during those days. It was mostly these drinks. Shakes started coming in with the tourists when 5-star hotels were started. First, shakes were being made only in the coastal belts and slowly made their way to Mapusa market."
Customer-connect
Despite the passage of time, Dada has kept the shop's infrastructure largely unchanged, preserving its nostalgic charm. "I haven’t made any changes to the infrastructure. I have kept it the way people remember it," he says. "Apart from the roofing, which I have fixed due to the leaks, and my appliances, everything else remains the same."
When asked what has kept the place running, Dada's response is: "It’s all in how a person talks. Conversation is key; it helps build a connection with customers, and that is what I’ve been doing. Maybe that is why people like coming here," he adds with a laugh.
Testament to tradition and community
The enduring legacy of Mahableshwar Cold Drinks is also reflected in its loyal customer base. Even locals who have moved out away make it a point to visit the shop for a cold drink whenever they return to Mapusa. One frequent customer notes, "Dada’s cold drink shop is a meeting point for all us locals. You meet everyone here, right from the top man to common folk."
In a world that’s constantly changing, Mahableshwar Cold Drinks stands as a comforting constant. Its enduring appeal lies not just in its refreshing beverages, but in the warm, welcoming atmosphere that Dada and his family have cultivated over the years. This small, unassuming shop is a living piece of Mapusa’s history, a testament to the power of tradition, community, and the simple joy of timeless cold drinks.
