Nestled in the tranquil village of Nerul, Bunglow No 7 is a charming retreat that celebrates heritage, warmth and authentic flavours. The Goan explores this beautifully preserved Portuguese era home where Mangalorean cuisine takes centre stage, offering a taste of tradition and nostalgia like no other
In the serene village of Nerul, tucked away from Goa’s usual bustle, stands a beautifully preserved Portuguese-era Goan home that quietly tells stories of a bygone time. This is Bunglow No 7, a charming culinary space where nostalgia lingers in the air, and every detail is steeped in warmth. With its vintage furniture, heirloom décor and the comforting aroma of spices, it feels less like a restaurant and more like being welcomed into someone’s ancestral home.
The vision
At the heart of this space is Ratan Naidu, who arrived in Goa two decades ago, drawn by its rich cultural fabric, but also aware of a gap. Authentic Mangalorean cuisine was missing. “Being half Mangalorean and a total foodie, I realised there was no space serving true Mangalorean food here,” Ratan explains. “That sparked the idea of opening Bunglow No 7.”
Restoring history with heart
The journey involved a painstaking restoration of the old Portuguese-era house, a process rooted in deep respect for the past, though it was no small feat. “It had to feel lived in, not just restored,” Ratan says. The interiors are filled with heirlooms from his grandfather, vintage crockery, antique furniture and black and white photographs that breathe life into every corner. “Guests often tell me it feels like visiting their own ancestral homes, and that is exactly the feeling I wanted to evoke.”
A menu full of soul
The experience is as much about the ambience as it is about the food. The menu, delightfully presented on wooden hand fans, offers a lovingly curated array of Mangalorean coastal classics. Everything here speaks of soul and simplicity. One bite into their signature Chicken Ghee Roast, made from a family recipe and spiced with Byadgi chillies from Karnataka, and you will know you are in for something special. It is slightly milder than the traditional version, yet rich and smoky, served best with a soft neer dosa.
Authenticity on every plate
“I wanted to bring dishes that taste like they have come straight from a Mangalorean kitchen,” Ratan says. And it shows. There is a light chicken stew with fluffy appams, a hearty chicken curry paired with crisp kori roti, and a standout pepper pork. “The food hits the soul, not just the stomach,” says Sameer Naik, who stumbled upon the place during a weekend drive. “It is comfort food at its finest.”
Lisa Fernandes agrees. “It felt like walking into my grandmother’s house, the wooden doors, the tiled floors, the aroma of ghee roast in the air, it was all incredibly nostalgic.”
Platform for cultural celebration
Apart from preserving Mangalorean culinary traditions, Ratan is also passionate about honouring Goan culture. “We have hosted several Goan cuisine pop-ups and plan to introduce more local flavours to the menu,” he says. “Eventually, I want this place to be a cultural hub, a pet café, a cosy bakery and coffee shop, perhaps even Coorg cuisine someday. This is just the beginning.”
Hands-on with heart
Despite his many roles as restaurateur, host and curator of the space, Ratan remains hands-on in the kitchen. “I make sure every dish is cooked right. The recipes are personal, and I want guests to taste that,” he says. His days begin early with a trip to the market, and end with conversations at dinner tables, just the way he likes it.
More than just a meal
Whether you are a local in search of nostalgia or a traveller craving something authentic and off the beaten path, Bunglow No 7 promises a lot more than a hearty meal. It is a place where food, memory and the charm of a Portuguese-era Goan home come together beautifully.
