Located in the quaint surroundings of Assagao, Bawri is restauranteur Sahil Sambhi and chef Amninder Sandhu’s brainchild. With the luxury of space and a progressive menu, Bawri is a breath of fresh air when it comes to Goa’s culinary offerings.
TL Tastings
A Review of Bawri
Cuisine
The restaurant serves quintessentially Indian cuisine. Food at Bawri is a culinary odyssey—there’s traditional Indian slow cooking in heavy-bottomed, copper lagans; age-old recipes passed down generations; silbatta chutneys; earthen chattis; sigris and tandoors; and bold and complex flavours.
We Recommend
Small Plates
Our favourites among the small plates were Kohlrabi Salad, Beet, Grapefruit, Cucumber, Pistachio, Kashmiri Honey (INR 440) and Thecha Potatoes, Coorg Green Chillies, Peanuts (INR 350). While the beetroot and grapefruit were responsible for the tangy flavours in the salad, the cucumber and pistachios lent freshness and crunch. Crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, the thecha (grounded in a traditional pestle and mortar) potatoes were a zesty reminder of how potatoes are never a wrong choice. As for non-vegetarian small plates, there was a collective nod for the Bheja Masala, Manipuri Black Rice Dosa (INR 665) and the Kakori Kebab, Silbatta Chutney (INR 665).
Large plates
The large plates steal the show here. Chef Sandhu’s passion for complex flavours in simple dishes shines through and through. Her deep-seated love for regional Indian cuisine is the highlight of the evening. The Wild Mango Curry, Noolputtu (INR 575) was the perfect place to start. Equal parts tangy and sweet, the curry paired well with the softness of the noolputtu.
My favourite, however, was the Gutti Aloo, Dahi Ki Khamiri Roti (INR 575). The bite-sized, spiced potatoes sourced from Assam, were the perfect accompaniments to the fermented dough with which the roti was made. The Delhiite in me was also delighted when the dal makhni (INR 395) and garlic and kalaunji naan (INR 170) were served. The creamy dal with flavourful naan was comfort food served on a plate. For those willing to be pleasantly surprised, there’s the Bawri Naan, Lal Mirch, Garlic (INR 170) and Seeded Amaranth Roti (INR 170). My fellow non-vegetarian diners gave raving reviews about the Mutton Nihari, Slow Cooked Shank (INR 755) and the Bawri Butter Chicken (INR 575).
Desserts
The perfect way to end any meal is dessert. And when you’ve just devoured a hearty Indian meal, there is no escaping the sugar high at the end. It is here that chef Sandhu’s Bawri Jamun, Rabdi, Rose (INR 440) and Kesar Jalebi, Rabdi (INR 440) hit the spot.
Our Takeaway
Bawri wins over one’s heart in no time. There is a lot of thought behind what’s on the menu, the ingredients and their sourcing, as well as the cooking techniques. The entire team’s warm hospitality is a bonus. A must-try in Goa, Bawri is all the rage for the right reasons.
Quick Notes
Price for two: Rs 1,900
Address: House 3, Survey 161/11, Saunta Vaddo, Assagao, Goa
Timings: 12noon – 3:30pm; 7pm – 11:30pm; closed on Tuesday
Related: TL Tastings: The Second House, Goa’s Latest Restaurant That Marries Art With Flavour
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
— Who is the owner of Bawri?
Bawri is co-owned by restauranteur Sahil Sambhi and chef Amninder Sandhu.
— Does Bawri have vegan and keto options?
Yes, the menu offers vegan and keto options. Meals here can be customised as per various dietery preferences, including gluten-free diets.
— Does Bawri have outdoor seating?
Yes, Bawri offers indoor and outdoor seating, both.
Written By
Simrran Gill
Features EditorAn advocate of slow travel, Simrran Gill can mostly be found documenting her journeys, food, and people. Often fascinated by life in general, she is a true-blue Delhite and loves every opportunity to pack a suitcase and hop on the next flight out. She is a post-graduate in journalism and has previously worked with Outlook Traveller. When not travelling ..Read More
