Experience The Goan Tavern Culture At Cajoo’s Bar, Assagao’s Newest Hidden Gem!

Have you ever wished you could travel back in time and experience the charm and warmth of a traditional Goan tavern? Well, you don't need a time machine for that. All you need is a visit to Cajoo's Bar in Assagao.

Cajoo's Bar is a hidden gem that pays homage to the legendary Cajetan Fernandes, who ran a beloved tavern in the village for decades. He was known for his generosity, hospitality and love for music. His spirit lives on in this cosy and lively Bar that welcomes everyone with a smile.

The Bar is tucked away on the first floor of Fig & Maple, a restaurant that serves inventive dishes with seasonal and local ingredients. Fig & Maple is a bright and spacious place that showcases chef Radhika Khandelwal's creativity and passion for food. She uses produce from her own garden and sources from nearby farms to create fresh and flavourful dishes.

Cajoo's Bar is like stepping into another world. It is a dimly lit and snug space that can seat 20 people or accommodate up to 90 standing tipplers on a busy night. It is decorated with vintage posters, wooden furniture and colourful cushions that create a nostalgic and homely atmosphere. The Bar also has a garden with bimbli and kokum trees that provide shade and fruits for the cocktails.

The Bar offers affordable food and drinks that cater to the cravings of a late-night boozer. The menu features homey and comforting dishes that range from Rs 30 to Rs 450, such as fries, curries, fish fingers, pork chilli fry and garlic cheese poee. The portions are generous and satisfying, unlike the dainty and restrained ones at Fig & Maple. The Bar also has a post-midnight menu that serves prepackaged boxes that people can take home or heat up in the microwave.

The drinks menu at Cajoo's Bar is equally impressive. It includes cocktails made with local ingredients such as bimbli martini, kokum margarita, cashew feni sour and toddy palm punch. There are also beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks to suit different tastes and moods. The cocktails are refreshing and delicious, perfect for a hot Goan night.

The Bar aims to create a cosy and community-oriented space for the residents of the area, reminiscent of the old Goan taverns that were social hubs for locals and visitors alike. The taverns were places where people could meet, chat, drink, eat and enjoy music. They were also places where cultural exchange took place between different communities such as Portuguese, Konkani, Marathi and English.

Cajoo's Bar tries to revive this tavern culture by hosting live music by local bands and singers, DJ nights and karaoke sessions. The music genres vary from rock, blues, jazz, and reggae to indie. The Bar also organizes pop-ups and workshops for artists and small businesses. The Bar supports local talent and encourages creativity among its patrons.

Cajoo's Bar is more than just a bar. It is a place where you can have fun, relax, socialize and express yourself. It is a place that celebrates the Goan spirit of Cajoo and the taverns. It is a place that you would want to visit again and again.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and head to Cajoo's Bar for a night of nostalgia, music and good vibes with a side of delicious food. We bet you won't regret!

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