Goa got popular among the hippies and then became a gateway to tourists. But along with this, at the extreme ends of Goa, both north and south, came conscious gourmet.
Slowly more people took interest in sustainability and plant-based foods. Those are finally making their way into central Goa after Delhi and Bombay. The concepts that we see in these cities are now ingrained in Greenr on the heritage precincts of the capital city, Panjim.
Established in a century-old bungalow, this sustainable culinary artistry of Greenr is India’s first authentic California-inspired plant-based restaurant.
The founders, Nitin Dixit, Mohit Yadav and Vaibhav Nagori are proudly passionate about health, sustainability and community. They hope to create a better India through a social and mission-oriented perspective. And so is their partner in this Goa venture, Tania Bath.
You should definitely try the Pumpkin Spice Mousse dessert at Greenr.
Greenr is a concept that was inspired by a healthy and unprocessed plant-based diet, popular in California. It is built around active collaboration with emerging conscious food brands. Their produce is sourced locally from quality sources. Their grains and millets and other staples come from across India, often from small farmer organisations or single farmers.
The kitchen and bar menu at Greenr are well thought out. Unlike most other places, they are primarily plant based – vegan – and mention a sign for those items that contain dairy. They also have indications like low carb, fermented food and more. They have alternatives like gluten-free noodles and dairy-free cheeses.
Everything is ‘homemade’ including their tomato ketchup. They take utmost care of their packaging and make sure it is either biodegradable or reusable.
Just like their space, some of their food also takes inspiration from Goan-Portuguese cuisine. They have even managed to source some incredible toddy poi, made the traditional way.
So, if you are wondering what to have in here, the tried and tested recommendations include Cassava Root Fries and Hand Cut Chips for starters. For pizza, the Brooklyn Artichoke one and the pasta, Pesto Vegetable Spaghetti.
Their Anjuna Hilltop and Tres Mushrooms Risottos are fantastic too. To cool down on sunny days, try their homemade soda, the Greenr Cola or their iced tea, Passion Elevation. However, a personal favourite is Blueberry Frappe with coconut milk.
The team at Greenr wants to simply showcase an alternative that is good for them, good for society and good for the planet. They are very inclusive in their approach and believe that if you approach people with love, it is the best way of sending a message to preserve this beautiful planet. And that is exactly the vibe at their Fontainhas space no matter who you interact with.
They have indoor seating and it is pet friendly, including cats. Located on a busier street of Fontainhas, there is easier parking for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers.
Tania adds, “Goa is the national destination for people looking for an escape from their daily routines. They come here for the beaches, parties, weddings etc. However, it is increasingly becoming a place of discovery of new trends and directions in lifestyle and culture.
Greenr Cafe, with its unique platform to encourage health and sustainability, also aims to enlighten pan-India visitors to Goa on the importance of local culture, cuisine, heritage, and ecology.”