Be it the fluffy rice idli, the savoury sambhar or the crispy dosa, South Indian cuisine can well be described as a symphony of flavours.
And, introducing this authentic taste of the South, and broadening the culinary options in the State, Dakshin Restaurant and Bar has opened its doors in Goa.
“Usually anyone who starts a business in Goa will typically look at targeting tourists only, but we wanted to cater to Goan diners as well,” said Anil Patel, one of the owners of the space, on setting up the eatery along the bustling MG Road in Panjim.
A haven for delicious and affordable South Indian vegetarian fare, with a few non-vegetarian options as well, the menu lists pongal, dosas, poori, bagara rice, veg pulao, paneer pulao, doney mutton pulao, avakaya pappu annam, curd rice and more.
After tasting Southern dishes across Goa and none having the authentic feel, Patel, who comes from a hotel and business background, felt he could correct it.
“So, for the people who crave authentic flavours, we wanted to create a space like Dakshin that stands for Southern flavours,” he smiles.
To complement the subtle flavours of breakfast specials, idli and dosa, the entire taste spectrum boils down to the chutneys. And, that’s what the restaurant is attempting to serve – chutneys that have origins from the south, that’s distinguishing them from other breakfast spaces out here.
“We serve a South Indian thali which is a typical full plate meal that you’d eat in any Southern state,” Patel says. “We have pulaos that are special in Andhra and Telangana, and also serve typical Goan dishes like rava fish fry and fish curry. But, our speciality is Southern dishes.”
The restaurant also has a drinks menu comprising tea, coffee, alcohol, cocktails and mocktails.
Enter the two-storey (ground plus one) eatery, and you can’t help notice the non-typical set-up comprising high-top tables or counters.
“The ground floor is all about quick dining, it’s self-service. You come, take your plate of dosa or idli whatever, and go,” he says.
He adds, “Apart from tourists, we’re trying to cater to locals, the regular office goers, who are always on the move, and are looking to grab a quick bite. We want to offer them something different rather than their regular cuisine.”
If you are one of those who wants to sit and unwind with friends and family, the first floor of the restaurant has a fine dining, more luxurious set up, where you can sit, order and savour every bite of the dish which comes to your table.
“This is our first venture in Goa. And of course, we want to make it a success and do a lot,” Patel says, extending an invitation to dive into the flavours of Dakshin.
Taking you along the lanes of South India, the flavours and aromas at the restaurant elude a sense of comfort just like home.
But, even if you’ve never given South Indian cuisine a shot, you could head to Dakshin, and get a taste of the South right here in Goa.
DETAILS
LOCATION: Dakshin Restaurant and Bar, Near Panjim Residency, MG Road, Panjim, North Goa
TIMINGS: Breakfast (7 am to 11.30 am), Lunch (12.30 pm to 3.30 pm)
ON THE MENU: Idli, dosa, pulao, unlimited thali, tea, coffee, alcohol