Cafe Prassan has been a staple in Panaji, offering authentic homemade Goan dishes. From heritage-rich breakfasts to hearty lunches, The Goan explores how Cafe Prassan has managed to enchant generations with its timeless charm and unmatched flavours
Since 1968, Cafe Prassan has been a beloved cornerstone of Panaji’s dining scene, offering a taste of authentic Goan cuisine. Nestled in the heart of Panaji, Cafe Prassan has stood the test of time, serving generations with its heritage-rich, reasonably priced lip-smacking breakfasts and lunches.
Family legacy
Founded by Purshottam Kamat, the restaurant was later taken over by his son, Bhalchandra Kamat, who has carried forward his father’s legacy since the 1980s. “My grandfather originally established this place in 1968, but due to other commitments, he rented it out,” recounts Saheel Kamat, Purshottam’s grandson. “His heart was always here, and he returned to take control again. When my father, Bhalchandra, came of age, he took over the reins.”
Saheel, who now assists his father while running his own catering business, describes the continuity of Café Prassan's legacy: “My father is still running the restaurant with the same dedication. I help out whenever needed.”
The story of Prassan
Interestingly the café is named after Saheel’s cousin Prassan who was born during the naming of the café. “My father's sister's son's name is Prassan. He was born during that time so that name was given to the restaurant as well,” says Saheel.
From breakfast to lunch
While many restaurants serve only breakfast, Café Prassan goes a step further by offering a variety of lunch options, including their popular fish thali.
“We serve Goan pao bhaji, mirchi, samosa, and vada for breakfast. For lunch, we offer Goan fish thali, veg thali, and chicken thali,” Saheel explains. “Our focus is solely on Goan food to ensure the quality and authenticity of each dish,” he adds.
Homemade masalas
Cafe Prassan ensures authenticity with masalas made at home by Saheel’s mother Harsha Kamat. Cooked on-site, these traditional flavours set them apart. “These masalas are passed down from generation. We get the homemade flavour and serve it here, we do not use any preservatives,” states Saheel. Despite new eateries in Panaji, Cafe Prassan is committed to genuine Goan cuisine and offerings like both brown and white rice.
At Café Prassan, lunchtime is a busy period, with locals and office workers flocking to enjoy the rich flavours of Goan cuisine.
"We’re open from 7 am to 4:30 pm, which covers peak office hours," says Saheel. "We see office goers stopping by for a cup of tea and breakfast before heading to work, and then returning for lunch."
A timeless ambiance
Cafe Prassan has intentionally kept its traditional decor, including old tiles, despite suggestions to renovate. “Even though we could renovate, we choose to keep the old tiles and traditional decor. It’s important to us to preserve the heritage and essence of the place," says Saheel.
Continued popularity
Despite significant changes in Panaji, such as the relocation of offices like the PWD department to Porvorim, Cafe Prassan has maintained its popularity. "Even though many offices have moved away, people still travel across the bridge to dine with us because they can’t find the same quality of food elsewhere," informs Saheel.
A unique offering
One cherished memory for Saheel is the feedback from customers about their unique fish thali. "We offer a choice of five different types of fish thali for the same price, which many customers appreciate". Unlike other places, where diners are limited to one type of fish, Cafe Prassan allows patrons to select their preferred variety, all for just 100 rupees.
Saheel’s favourite dish to recommend is the Brown Rice Fish Thali. "The rice is heritage-quality, and our fish curry is made authentically, without preservatives," he explains.
Expanding horizons
In addition to the bustling atmosphere of Café Prassan, Saheel has also ventured into the catering business to meet the growing demand for Goan cuisine outside the restaurant.
“We started the catering service because many people can’t always come to the restaurant. I handle it personally,” Saheel explains. “We cater to small parties and deliver both Goan and non-Goan food. Whether it’s fish curry or a full meal for a gathering, we deliver all over Panaji and nearby areas.”
A name rooted in joy and satisfaction
Saheel shares that the name "Prassan," meaning "pleased" and "happy," perfectly captures the joy the family feels in running their business. This warmth and satisfaction are also felt by their patrons, making every visit to the restaurant a delightful experience for all.
