Spaces mirror us, picking on our smallest habits and preferences. Yet, they aren’t the only ones who are influenced.
Walking along the quaint streets of Fontainhas in Goa, we stumbled upon a space that was all too inspiring. Offering a unique blend of art, design and coffee, some may even go on to call it a haven for those seeking a slower pace of life.
The board outside reads nada. A Sanskrit word that translates to 'sound', 'tone' or 'vibration', while also meaning ‘universal pulse of life’ or ‘flowing streams of consciousness.’
Once you enter the space, you can’t take your eyes off their handcrafted ceramics. With their unique finishes, interesting colours and a sense of play, they are as beautiful as their functionality.
“We are a design-focused company, curious to push the boundaries of the materials we use,” said Aakarsh Choubey.
Intrigued by the process of creation, he, along with his business partner, Ridima Khandelwal, co-founded Nada, their aim being to blend art and design in a way that would appeal to a broader and more diverse audience.
Walking us through their creative process, Aakarsh explained, how porcelain’s translucency impressed them as a medium. “There is a romance to it when it interacts with light, creating a dialogue that is truly captivating,” he said expertly.
Although a difficult medium that requires experienced hands, at Nada, the most important aspect of their design process is the user.
“We are constantly exploring how to evolve this conversation, it’s a search to add emotional value,” informed Aakarsh, adding that any space, product, or experience is designed with hope to enable a dialogue — something that’s more inward.
Set along the narrow picturesque walkway, with hilly Altinho as a backdrop, Nada seems to have found the apt setting.
“The house is about a hundred-years-old, and there’s a sense of openness to its circulation. The romance of its high ceilings, the way light enters through the windows, and the warmth of the laterite-cladded well are all very inspiring,” said Aakarsh, grateful for how things turned out.
While scouring through the artistic pieces, you realise how the space uses the language of design to elevate the coffee experience that’s offered at 45 Tasting Room.
“The vessel itself plays a vital role in how the coffee tastes. There are various ways this experience can be amplified, and 45 Tasting Room is a step in that direction,” said Aakarsh encouraging visitors to keep an open mind while exploring this interesting concept.
At Nada, you get a warm welcome, even newcomers do. Through loyalty programs, they strive to make high-quality coffee more accessible to regulars, while also catering to diverse dietary preferences with alternative options for non-coffee drinks.
Apart from introducing a three-course coffee tasting menu, showcasing diverse flavours from India’s finest coffee-growing regions and roasters, Aakarsh excitedly shares what’s on the cards, “Soon, we will be opening our space to local designers and artists to showcase their work.”
Every little detail, from the curve of the table to the hue on the walls, reflects an artistic passion, and the space at Nada embodies just that.
DETAILS
LOCATION: Nada, House No. 45, Fontainhas, Panjim
WHEN IT'S OPEN: 9.30 am — 6.30 pm (seven days a week)
CONTACT: +91 9999664444