Goa: This bar in Baga is an ode to old Bombay

Old Bombay channels the beauty of a bygone era with its vibrant interiors
Goa This bar in Baga is an ode to old Bombay
Photo Caption: The menu is dominated by Mumbai staples like cutting chai, vada pav and chaat

It has become the norm now for every new restaurant in Goa to occupy a “centuries-old Portuguese villa,”. The thought of it is certainly charming but gets slightly repetitive after a while. So, while Mumbai has its fair share of Goan gastronomy hotspots like O Pedro and Goa Portuguesa, it's nice to see India's beach capital return the favour with an eatery that celebrates the street food of amchi Mumbai with its latest opening, Old Bombay.

Photo Caption: The Bombay-inspired cocktails have been curated by celebrity mixologist Nolan Mascarenhas

Old Bombay, Goa: A taste of Mumbai

Old Bombay restaurant is the kind of kitchen any Indian tourist in Goa would want to head to, after a week of bingeing on Portuguese, Saraswat Brahmin or Kunbi tribal cuisine. The menu is dominated by Mumbai staples like cutting chai, vada pav and chaat, wholesome Sindhi, Punjabi, Maharashtrian, Parsi dishes, and of course, Goan accompaniments.

Photo Caption: The watering hole is right on the Baga-Arpora Road, occupying a three-storey structure

Old Bombay, Goa: Baga Views

The watering hole is right on the Baga-Arpora Road, occupying a three-storey structure, with each floor catering to a different need. The ground floor has as an alfresco seating area and a bistro, the first floor is a casual diner, and the upper level is a compact bar. The glass-panelled staircase at the back of the house, connecting each floor, has a calming view of the Baga creek, unlike the beach views that most Goa cafes offer.

Photo Caption: The caf is a pretty pink with bougainvillea wall murals and wallpaper prints

Old Bombay, Goa: Floral Fiesta

Each floor puts one in a different mood – the café is a pretty pink with bougainvillea wall murals and wallpaper prints, garden furniture by Encon, contemporary cane chairs and coffee tables with comfy cushions from India Circus thrown into the mix. “There is a very strong, bold floral accent running throughout the floors. We have done a vibrant pink bougainvillea wallpaper and a strong pink element on the floor and bar,” says Saheba Singh, director, This is It Designs. “When you are using that many colours together, it can be beautifully bold, or it can go horribly wrong as well,” she adds.

Photo Caption: The first floor has teal walls with a bronze and gold floral pattern

Old Bombay, Goa: Understated Opulence

The casual diner above has an understated opulence – there's a distressed blue, wooden floor and day beds to lounge on, offset by rich wallpapers and glamorous chandeliers. “The first floor has teal walls with a bronze and gold floral pattern stencilled on the walls that I did myself,” says Singh. There are faux bougainvillea garlands cascading from the balcony ceiling as well.

Photo Caption: The upper level is a dramatic departure from its predecessors, done up in an earthy monotone

Old Bombay, Goa: Earthy Vibes

The upper level is a dramatic departure from its predecessors, done up in an earthy monotone completely made from cane and jute, a bamboo basket lamp installation as a centrepiece above the main bar, and chandeliers made from broken branches. But the 360-degree view of the landscape around is of verdant green treetops and the emerald green waters of the creek.

Old Bombay, Goa: Boho-chic

“We have used some prints from Old Bombay in the space, but the rest is fairly contemporary, which I guess is how the spirit of Mumbai is – always evolving and bold! We wanted a space that definitely echoed a boho-chic Bombay vibe that even the local Goans and foreigners would find super groovy,” Singh signs off.

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