Think January 31 is just a date on the calendar? Nah, in Goa, it is much more than that! One of Goa's most popular streets, located in the Latin quarter of Fontainhas, it is also called 'Rua 31 de Janeiro' (January 31st).
Many people in Asia are rather fond of Fontainhas since there are many happening food joints, bars and restaurants in this locality.
From the oldest (Hotel Anandashram) to the new addition of Vedro, this area has some swank and nostalgic places that will definitely make you want to come here.
So, here are some eateries and outlets that you can check out on 31st January street in Panjim.
1. ANTONIO AT 31
Antonio's At 31 sits perfectly on the corner of the colourful Latin quarter. The blue and white bar is popular for serving in small plates.
A narrow lane with colourful hanging drapes takes you to the bar, which is dimly lit, giving it a very bar vibe, while that one window seat is merely meant to give you the feel of the local street.
Antonio's At 31 offers a space for people to simply come in and have a drink, and nibble some tasty bites while their at it.
Antonio's sticks to the mantra of ‘Bossuya marey’ or 'Coppak Bossu' (Let's sit for drinks) and allows its customers to grab a few drinks and enjoy the tapas and the ambiance.
Antonio's is perfect for a girl’s night out or hanging out with friends, or you can sip on cocktails or take bites of ‘Tapatizer’ or try out the delicious options from the menu.
Interestingly, the name Antonio's at 31 comes from the founder of Fontainhas -- António Joao De Sequeira -- and the place is called António at 31.
2. VEDRO
The newest addition to Rua de 31 January is Vedro, designed by actor Hrithik Roshans ex-wife, Sussanne.
The boho themed space offers a party zone, bar, etc. The kitchen of the space, Vedro, is managed by Chefs Maia Laifungbam and Sanchit Behl. At Vedro, one can expect a showcase of Japanese food in the raw and cold bar section.
Vedro scores high on aesthetics, from the interiors to the well-presented plates of food. We will be returning for that rack and the shrooms on the side.
3. CAFE MORANGO
If you think of Goa's Latin quarter, then you might picture the red and white house which is the perfect backdrop for many films that have been shot in this locale.
This house is synonymous with the Latin Quarter, and Café Morango is housed in this beautiful Indo-Portuguese house on 31st January street.
If you crave some good English breakfast with omelets or eggs early in the morning, then Café Morango is the place for you.
From a wide range of eggs and omelets, Cafe Morango, also serves Goan savouries which are absolutely mouth-watering.
Some of their signature items which are worth checking out are tender roast beef and egg sandwich, beef croquettes, pork pie, etc.
4. CONFEITARIA 31 DE JANEIRO
Another famous spot on this street is the 'Confeitaria 31de Janeiro' bakery. Not only does this place serve some of Goa's most popular sweets, but they are also freshly baked here with love. That is exactly what visitors, who flock to the bakery, say.
This bakery is generally packed and their items sell like hot cakes. What's more is that all these delicacies are prepared at the bakery in a wood-fired oven.
Instagramers and photographers often crowd at this outlet as it oozes a little French bakery vibe with its ambiance.
Bolinhas, doce, perad, cakes, are some of the popular Goan sweets that you will find here, and are also the ones that sell the fastest.
5. HOTEL ANANDASHRAM
The board outside Hotel Anandashram reads 1945, clearly indicating that it is one of the oldest places in the area. The outlet is well-known for serving delicious fish thali.
You name the fish, and they have it all ready (and delicious!) on your plate. In the afternoons, the lunch crowd slowly begins to pick up and you can find Hotel Anandashram getting pretty crowded.
Visitors can also try out their seafood rice and chicken dishes. Among the seafood rice, you can find mori rice, crab rice, prawn biryani, etc.
After your seafood taste buds are satisfied, don’t forget to try their famous Goan sweet dish, serradura. The small portions are just enough to complete your meal.