Places are like people. Some wish to stay hidden, and others crave spotlight. That's how it is with Chogm road in Porvorim.
Once a regular quiet street, today, Chogm road is chock-a-block with non-stop traffic and new stores moving in the second they get a chance to squeeze in.
If you are in Goa and looking to explore then here's your guide to what Chogm road has in store for you.
A KING'S BREAKFAST
Starting your day like a king includes a healthy and flavoursome breakfast and your options on the Chogm road are Café Bhonsle, Udupi Darshini and Navtara Veg Restaurant.
A local favourite, Café Bhonsle, is your best bet if your cravings call for sukhi bhaji, pao and chao. But if South Indian bites are your idea of a wholesome breakfast then heading to Udupi Darshini or Navtara Veg Restaurant is your quick fix to having a tasty and and pocket-friendly breakfast on Porvorim's Chogm Road.
BREAKFAST: Café Bhonsle, Udupi Darshini, Navtara Veg Restaurant
BRAND PARADISE
Breakfast may be out of the way, but the wheels of the shopping cart never stop rolling. Prepare to be spoiled for choice as Chogm road has plenty of renowned brands to shop from such as Sketchers, Fab India, Mochi, Bata, Puma and Metro.
So, fashionably speaking, Chogm road has got you covered with brands from head to toe!
SHOPPING: Sketchers, Fab India, Mochi, Puma, Metro, Bata
NAILING IT
Speaking of toes, don’t forget that getting yourself a pedicure is also an option.
Visit Snip Salon & Spa or Bina Punjani Hair Studio for a day of pampering or step into Once Again Unisex Salon or Nail Master Manish to get that fresh new set of manicured nails that you’ve been putting off for a special occasion. Because believe it or not, every day is a special one!
SALONS: Snip Salon & Spa, Bina Punjani, Once Again, Nail Master Manish
LUNCHTIME RUMBLE
Food always comes a full cycle, and as lunchtime arrives, so does the realisation that lunch options on Chogm road are endless.
Biryani at Niyaaz, Chinese cuisine at Picnic Restaurant and bar, Fine dining at Matsya Sagar, Chaat at Mishra Pedha, Schezwan momos at WOW momo, Chicken popcorn at KFC or a Goan thali at Copperleaf – the choice is all yours!
RESTAURANTS: Niyaaz, Picnic Bar & Restaurant, Matsya Sagar, Mishra Pedha, WOW! Momo, KFC, Copperleaf
SWEETENING THE DEAL
Two scoops of gelato or a scrumptious chocolate brownie, dessert tastes best when you’ve sworn you’re stuffed and can eat no more. After all, the dessert compartment in the stomach is totally different, right?
As for Chogm road, gelato options offer Omio Geletaria and Crème Choc, while other desserts available include choco-filled waffles from Belgian Waffles, Red velvet cupcakes from Bakers Street and Chocolate mousse from Cremeux, which is open and running 24x7. As for ice-cream, the list narrows down to two choices, Havmor to Amul.
DESSERT: Omio Gelataria, Crème Choc, Belgian Waffles, Bakers Street, Cremeux, Havmor, Amul
SUNDOWN MUSINGS
The sun goes down and street lights wait eagerly to join the illuminated sign boards that light up the Chogm road.
And, just like other metropolitan cities bustling with a cacophony of the voices and moving vehicles, Chogm road smiles, because for many, it is a reminder of the feel of home away from home.