Friendships are like shoes. Some don’t fit, while others feel as if they were tailor-made just for you.
Some are only pretty to look at, while others are so reliable that you could run a marathon and live in them.
It’s true that you’ll try many pairs before finding the perfect fit, but when you do, cherish them- just as Priyank Banchhor and Poorva Khichariya do.
Turning distant dreams into reality, the couple opened a restaurant in Morjim in August 2023, naming their little passion project 'Bobchik'.
Names are often intriguing, and 'Bobchik' was created by blending two nicknames: Priyank, affectionately known as Bobby, and Poorva, who goes by Chiki, forming the unique combination- Bobchik!
Upon entering, Bobchik boasts a cosy, ambient aesthetic with a warm, well-lit atmosphere that blends the charm of a home with the elegance of an intimate dining space.
But mistaking it for a full-fledged restaurant would be wrong as this home-turned eatery serves only 7-8 tables, which are available exclusively through pre-booking.
“We're not just running a restaurant; we're sharing our home and hearts,” says the duo.
Promising a personal touch, the couple hosts, cooks, and serves their guests themselves. The restaurant is also pet-friendly.
Driven not by commercial success but by the joy of cooking and connecting with others, their motto is to wake up every morning excited to work and to make work a source of happiness and joy, rather than just a path to success.
INSPIRATION TINGED
The inspiration behind Bobchik is multi-faceted. “Our love for travel, outdoor cooking, exploring cuisines, and childhood memories inspired us to start Bobchik,” Chiki shares.
With a shared passion for cooking, they wanted to create a happy space where they could share their love for food and create magic in the kitchen.
SLOW COOKED BACKSTORY
For Chef Bobby, his culinary journey began 12 years ago as a novice chef. Through dedication and hard work, he climbed the ranks, gaining expertise in various kitchen roles across several restaurants.
Eventually, he became an executive chef, overseeing kitchen operations and menu development, equipping him with the skills needed to run a restaurant.
Chiki, on the other hand, brought her entrepreneurial expertise from the construction and hospitality industries.
Together, her business acumen complemented Chef Bobby's culinary skills, making them a formidable team.
INITIAL CHALLENGES
The real test began when they decided to run the restaurant themselves with minimal staff. This meant personally overseeing every aspect, from cooking to serving, to offer a personalised experience for each guest.
“This approach has been both physically and emotionally demanding at times, but it's the labour of love that brings us joy and fulfillment,” says Chiki.
Maintaining a limited guest capacity is a deliberate choice for Bobby and Chiki, as they prioritise personalised attention to detail. However, this sometimes means saying no to guests, which can be difficult.
“We've had instances where guests don't understand our reasoning, and it can be challenging to explain our vision without disappointing them,” Bobby explains.
ME-N-U
Their signature dishes, reflecting their passion for Malaysian and Asian cuisines, include Claypot Rice cooked on a sigree over coal (with vegan, chicken, and prawn options), a Seafood Platter, Croissant Sandwiches, Tiramisu, Cheesecake, and deliciously hot Nutella-filled Cookies for dessert.
The best things in life are often not things, but rather the moments, memories, and people that we've met along the way.
And, for Bobby and Chiki, their favourite memories are made up of cooking together, spending time with their cute dog, Husky, and seeing guests leave with happy stomachs and joyful hearts- eager to return sometime soon.
DETAILS
WHAT: Bobchik Restaurant
WHERE: Morjim, North Goa
TIMINGS: Open all days, except Tuesdays
PRE-BOOKING COMPULSORY: +91 7020491759