Chef Rodwin Rodrigues, a south Goan from Aquem, Margao, is well known for his healthy baked treats. On visiting his elegant new bakery in Margao, we believe he will become equally well known for serving and preserving heritage Goan sweets and recipes that are virtually unheard of, from savoury cheese eclairs to sweet pasteis de figada.

Chef Rodwin’s Boulangerie and Patisserie
Shop No 10, 70, Abade Faria Rd, near Old Civil Court, Murmuti, Margao, South Goa
Google Maps Location: [ Ссылка ]
Timings: Opens at 9 amk Sundays CLOSED

Fittingly, Chef Rodwin’s bakery is located in the heritage quarter of Old Margao, at the front of the beautiful Figueiredo mansion at the Murmuti end of Abade Faria road, a few steps away from Shri Damodar Sal temple, Holy Spirit Church, Old Market and the old Sessions court. Chef Rodwin’s bakery is in the very heart of this quarter.

Three things are immediately striking when you enter Rodwin’s: the elegant, modern design which is so different from the old, heritage bakeries of Margao; then, the baked treats on display that are very different from the usual fare in this city; and not least, the wonderful aromas of baking.

The day’s fresh menu is right upfront when you enter, but whenever we have visited, we have been captivated by the display case. It’s always full of delicious treats to choose from, and refreshingly different from the usual fare of croquettes, rissois and bathk.

The first time we went, we had to try the fantastic brownie (Rs 40) and the French Opera pastry (Rs 35). Then we tried the chicken cafreal paozin (miniature stuffed pao; Rs 40). We also enjoyed a crunchy cheese croissant (Rs 50) and a creamy mini chicken and cheese quiche (Rs 70). I was fascinated to see pasteis de figada on the menu, something I’ve never seen before, unlike the more famous pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts), which are popular in all former Portuguese territories and which quite a few Goan bakers have been selling for years now.

After 14 years working on cruise ships and 12 years teaching at Margao’s Swiss Cruise Academy and the Salgaocar Hospitality Institute in Raia, Rodwin decided the time was right to shift from theory back to action and realise his dream of opening his bakery, 3 months ago. Chef Rodwin said the warm response he received from the Old Margao community has been enough for word about the food to spread all through the city. In a short while, Rodwin has gained quite a following, without even the assistance of any social media campaign. Thus, the popular pasteis de figada was sold out by the time we visited that first evening. Which happily meant that we would have to come back again soon.

The next time, we were back nice and early, especially to taste the pasteis de figada and pasteis de nata. This time, we’ll show you a little more of Rodwin’s bakery. Up the stairs is Cocoa Nova @ Chef Rodwin’s, the section where Reji Yohanan makes their small batch, single origin, handmade bean to bar chocolates. Chef Rodwin shows me the rogdo (wet grinder) in which the cocoa beans are ground into chocolate, and of course the beans themselves, sourced from a plantation in the Western Ghats of Kerala’s Idukki district. There are some unique flavours of these chocolates - Himalayan salt, orange and ginger, masala chai, pistachio and cranberry. The roasted almond chocolate is a low GI option.

The cafe is an elegant space to match the elegant confections served here. They also have a great coffee machine.

The delicious pasteis de figada (off-white) are made by Rodwin’s landlady, Maria de Fatima Figueiredo, whose pasteis and empadinhas are already popular among those in the know in Old Margao. Chef Rodwin requested her to make her pasteis for his bakery and she graciously agreed. No less delicious were the traditional pasteis de nata (golden).

We enjoyed some more quiches (Rs 70), a creamy chicken puff (Rs 40), spinach mushroom pouches (Rs 50), and a cheese croissant (Rs 50). Jaya enjoyed a hot chocolate and Roma a cold coffee. Both are must tries here.

While we were eating, Rodwin brought us some of his cheese eclairs (mini Rs 35, large Rs 70), a traditional Goan treat served during the Portuguese rule. We also tried Rodwin’s fantastic cherry tartlet. Diabetics can try Chef Rodwin’s multigrain jaggery cookies with mixed seeds and ginger and gluten free and sugar free ragi cookies, sweetened with stevia.

Chef Rodwin has made a gutsy decision to start his own business. Having witnessed how, in the bargain, he is keeping Goan traditions which were fading alive, we wish him every success So whenever you are next in Old Margao, step in to Chef Rodwin’s, and get a taste of Goan heritage

Music:
Clara Mendes / Bicicletinha + Instrumental Version, O Que Ficou / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Caro Luna / A Mi Madre (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

#goa #4k #goanfood #hires #portuguesefood #margao #bakery #cafe #heritage

свернуть