A Taste of Goa in Mumbai: The Coconut Boy Experience

By Author

Published on January 13, 2024

Stepping into The Coconut Boy is like stepping into a vibrant Goan beach shack. The interiors are adorned with colorful murals, seashells, and traditional Goan artifacts, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. The open-air seating adds to the laid-back charm, while the aroma of spices and fresh seafood fills the air, whetting your appetite for what's to come.

Chef Rohan D'Souza shares the story behind the origin of The Coconut Boy as, “Coconut Boy was a concept that had been overdue in Bombay. Traditional Goan food was lacking in the market, with a noticeable gap in the availability of authentic choices. While there were a few restaurants offering Goan cuisine, it was not adequately showcased commercially. Our aim with Coconut Boy is to introduce the essence of Goan culture, its unique ingredients, and traditional recipes straight to Bombay. This is the gap we aim to fill with Coconut Boy in Bombay.”

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The menu at The Coconut Boy is a testament to Goa's rich culinary heritage. It presents a fusion of traditional Goan dishes, each with its unique identity and historical significance. It features a wide selection of traditional Goan dishes, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and authentic spices. From seafood specialties like Prawn Balchao and Goan Fish Curry to vegetarian delights like Bebinca and Sorpotel, there's something to tantalize every taste bud. Chef D’Souza suggests trying out Amboti since it is one of his favorites among the menu. “If I were to pick a personal favorite, I lean towards something comforting – the curry. Specifically, the 'Amboti' stands out for me. It's a spicy, chili-infused, hot and sour curry crafted with tomatoes and chilies, served with kingfish and bacalhau. In Goa, they prepare it with various traditional fish. The Amboti holds a special place in my preferences and has gained popularity here at Coconut Boy,” he adds.

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One of the highlights of The Coconut Boy is its dedication to fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing its fish and seafood from the coastal villages of Goa, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful ingredients. “This is how our food maintains its authenticity; a substantial portion of our ingredients, from vinegars to chilies and more, comes directly from Goa,” the chef adds.

Being collaborated with Mr. Hitesh Keswani, a highly regarded restaurateur in Mumbai, with a portfolio of esteemed restaurant ventures in the city, Chef D’Souza shares that they've had a collaborative working relationship for the past decade. “Knowing my Goan background, Mr. Keswani and I were confident that we could introduce something unique and authentic to the culinary scene. After ensuring that we had all the necessary elements in place, we were ready to launch Coconut Boy. This marked the conceptualization phase,” he says.

In terms of innovation, Coconut Boy focuses on straightforward recipes and dishes. They have maintained authenticity in terms of ingredients and flavors without taking any creative liberties with the core food concepts. The innovation lies, the chef emphasizes, more in the presentation style rather than altering the essence of the dish. D’Souza says, “Our approach to the actual food, from the base of the dish to its preparation, remains purely authentic, staying true to the roots of the state.

Coconut Boy has been in operation for a short time, yet it has already made a significant impact on the food and beverage scene in Mumbai. They have started on a positive note and have built an excellent team that executes consistently in terms of quality, food service, ambiance, and even live music. 

The Coconut Boy is more than just food. It's an experience that celebrates the Goan way of life. It is, indeed, the go-to place for both the young and old, offering a space to enjoy excellent food, refreshing drinks, and vibrant entertainment. So, in essence, that's Coconut Boy.


Bluebop Subs: Mumbai’s New Gourmet Sandwich Delivery from The Bluebop Café

Bluebop Subs: Mumbai’s New Gourmet Sandwich Delivery from The Bluebop Café

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 31, 2025

Craving a sandwich that truly hits the spot? Bluebop Subs, the latest venture from the team behind Mumbai’s beloved Bluebop Café, is here to transform your sandwich experience. Now available for delivery on Swiggy, Bluebop Subs brings handcrafted, chef-driven sandwiches right to your doorstep — all made with in-house baked breads, premium ingredients, and a generous dollop of soul.

Where Craft Meets Craving

Bluebop Subs is not just another sandwich brand; it carries forward the Bluebop Café’s legacy of quality, creativity, and flavour. Each sandwich is crafted with care, featuring breads baked fresh in-house, including hearty rye and gluten-free options for mindful eaters. Whether you’re a vegetarian, meat lover, classic fan, or flavour adventurer, there’s a sandwich here made just for you.

Eesha Sukhi, Director of The Bluebop Café, shares, “We’ve poured the same care and craftsmanship into Bluebop Subs that made The Bluebop Café what it is today. This launch is a celebration of flavour, convenience, and creativity. We wanted to bring restaurant-quality sandwiches to your homes without compromise.”

A Menu That Sparks Joy

Expect a lineup of sandwiches that go beyond the ordinary:

  • The OG Fried Chicken sub with slaw and house sauce

  • Bright, creamy Egg & Avocado delight

  • Indulgent Pepperoni Melt

  • Spicy, satisfying Peri Peri Cottage Cheese

  • Crisp and creamy Caesar Chicken Salad

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  • Classic favourites like Caprese, Ham & Cheese, and BLT

  • Wholesome vegan options like Tofu Green Delight

And for the sweet tooth, don’t miss their decadent dessert sandwiches:

  • Lotus Cheesecake Sub

  • Oreo Cheesecake Sub

From gourmet to comfort, health-conscious to hearty, Bluebop Subs is designed to deliver happiness, whether you’re working late, binge-watching your favourite series, or just really hungry.

Available now for delivery across Mumbai on Swiggy.
Follow them on Instagram: @bluebopsubs
Contact: 093722 02586


Novotel Vijayawada Varun Celebrates Andhra’s Culinary Heritage with Avakaya Mixing Ceremony

Novotel Vijayawada Varun Celebrates Andhra’s Culinary Heritage with Avakaya Mixing Ceremony

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 29, 2025

Novotel Vijayawada Varun recently brought the city’s culinary heritage to life with a vibrant Avakaya Mixing Ceremony, honouring the age-old Andhra tradition of mango pickle preparation. Held on May 25th, the immersive event welcomed chefs, food enthusiasts, and guests to celebrate the arrival of the mango season through this beloved cultural ritual.

Hosted at The Terrace, the event was a beautiful blend of heritage and hospitality. Attendees gathered around freshly chopped raw mangoes, gingelly oil, and traditional spices, joining hands to prepare Avakaya in a communal spirit. The evening began with refreshing local drinks like Mango Ice Apple Smoothie and Watermelon Mint Mojito, followed by a spread of nostalgic handcrafted snacks including Mamidi Tandra, Tati Tandra, and Kobbari Mamidikaya Mukkalu.

Hotel Manager Manish Pathak shared, “This event beautifully bridges local culture with contemporary hospitality, embodying the core ethos of Novotel Vijayawada Varun. The Avakaya Mixing Ceremony offers our guests an authentic taste of tradition, reflecting our unwavering commitment to community engagement and preserving Andhra’s rich regional flavours within a refined setting.”

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The culinary journey continued with a curated menu featuring regional specialties such as Korrala Gunta Puli Bongaralu, Kotha Avakaya Mudda Pappu Dumplings, Metha Chekkalu, Mamidikaya Bhajji, and Perugu Awada. Guests also enjoyed an Araku Filter Coffee and Masala Tea Bar, paired with local snacks, as live instrumental music elevated the immersive experience.

To mark the occasion, guests received handcrafted jars of Avakaya—a delicious takeaway that not only symbolised the start of the pickle season but also served as a flavourful reminder of Andhra’s gastronomic roots.


Rajasthali Resort & Spa Introduces Royal-Inspired Culinary Journey at Jharokha

Rajasthali Resort & Spa Introduces Royal-Inspired Culinary Journey at Jharokha

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 28, 2025

Rajasthali Resort & Spa has unveiled an inspired culinary journey at Jharokha, its signature fine-dining restaurant, through a reimagined menu that pays tribute to Rajasthan’s royal culinary heritage. The refreshed offerings honour time-honoured flavours while welcoming a contemporary twist that caters to modern tastes.

Crafted by the resort’s culinary experts, the menu showcases a thoughtful fusion of traditional Rajasthani recipes and global cuisine, bringing together rich flavours and refined presentation. Signature dishes include Dal Bati Churma, Ker Sangri, Laal Maas, and Jungli Maas, all prepared with authenticity and care, reflecting the grandeur of Rajputana feasts.

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Vegetarian favourites like Gatta Curry, made from gram flour dumplings in a tangy yogurt gravy, continue to reflect the essence of Marwari home kitchens. Highlights from the new menu also include the aromatic Gosht Dum Biryani, and Chicken Parmigiana, where Western comfort food is infused with Indian warmth.

For those preferring plant-based indulgence, the Subz Khubani Kofta Curry, combining apricots, vegetables, and a nutmeg-spiced tomato velouté, stands out as a blend of heritage and imagination. Fresh offerings like the Rajasthali Garden Bowl and Mediterranean Quinoa Mix bring light, refreshing balance to the rich main course selections.

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No royal feast is complete without dessert, and Jharokha’s sweet offerings—such as Kesari Rasmalai and Moong Dal Halwa—bring a luxurious close to the meal, embracing India’s love for soulful, traditional sweets.

“This new chapter at Jharokha is a culinary tribute—crafted not just for the appetite, but for the soul,” said Mr. Vichin Sehgal, Vice President, Rajasthali Resorts and Spa. “Every dish is a celebration of legacy, reinterpreted with artistic finesse and global elegance.”

Located on the Jaipur Expressway in Kukas, Jharokha at Rajasthali Resort & Spa invites food lovers, cultural explorers, and connoisseurs of regal flavours to indulge in a royal gastronomic experience that is both timeless and contemporary.

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