“May I have your attention please? 1-0-1-0-3 up, Madgaon Express, has arrived on platform number 1.”
Don’t we all love train journeys? The chuk-chuk-chuk-chuk, the ‘bread cutlets’ and ‘chai, garam chai’ making way along the aisle, the tracks taking us on subconscious trips and the vistas passing by from the windows - it’s nostalgic, adventurous and a journey we all love to take (provided we have the time).
What if you could experience all of that in a span of an hour or so, with mouth-watering Goan cuisine? While Goa may be known for its laidback beaches, parties, churches, Portuguese and Goan heritage, here’s an offbeat little gem I’d like to add on its tiara!
With another trip down the gastronomic lanes on #FoodieFriday, I discovered this themed restaurant in the commercial and cultural capital of Goa – Margao!
WHERE: Margao Central, Goa.
Konkan Railway Corporation Limited, Near Rawanfond Circle, Margao, Goa
WHAT: Reliving the dining in railway experience in a unique
themed restaurant.
Margao Central is nestled in an actual railway coach. Yes, a quaint coach. That might make it seem small, but its big concept, menu and charm will make you want to board immediately.
A typical yellow station signboard reading out MARGAO CENTRAL – MULTICUISINE TRAIN RESTRAURANT greets you first. The fencing of white wooden strips and a blue and white train coach a little ahead, awaits hungry, curious and awed passengers.
You’ll be transported to what would seem like the interiors of Deccan Odyssey or Maharaja Express when you enter!
The owner, Mr. Maruti Iyer, let me in on how Margao Central started its journey – this Konkan Railways coach was taken from Margao railway station (barely 5 mins. away) about a year back, and a day later, it was converted into a restaurant. Railfans, are you reading?
They also play background sound effects to complete the experience – like a Janshatabdi whizzing by! So I soaked up the ambiance and it was time to dine. “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well” said the first page of the menu, and it couldn’t ring truer. With my tight travel schedule, I decided on ordering a Fruit Punch and a Paneer Tikka starter.
Here’s a heads up – they don’t serve alcohol, as per railway rules. But they do serve a variety of delicious beverages, desserts, North Indian and Chinese veg, non veg and seafood starters and main course and even South Indian snacks!
Also, if you thought this was just an ambient place to dine, there’s Platform No. 2 hosting get-togethers for groups of 150 people too!
Margao Central opens early 8 am on wards with breakfast, filling meals of their special Goan Fish Thalis along with a la carte and evening snacks 4 pm on wards, to dinner until 11 pm. You can also try out the Goan specialty dessert, Bebinca here.
Needless to say, the food here is fresh and satiating. My non-vegetarian ‘co-passengers’, also recommended it, and not just the food, but the entire experience.
So the next time you’re in Goa, you know yet another MUST VISIT spot. Do share your thoughts, and suggestions on where you’d like our next #FoodieFriday to be. Meanwhile, you can check out this video and subscribe to 200Journeys! Yetha.
Watch all train theme restaurants in India.
Also read : Mumbai to Goa Cruise Journey