Baba Au Rhum, Anjuna — Restaurant in Goa

Baba Au Rhum, Goa - A Hidden Gem Worth the Early Wake-Up

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Nestled in Goa, Baba Au Rhum is one of those charming cafes that manages to tick most of the boxes for a perfect morning outing—provided you time it right.

The Golden Rule: Arrive Before 10 AM

This place gets packed. If you're planning a visit, set your alarm and get there before 10 AM. Once the crowd rolls in, finding a seat becomes a battle, and the serene cafe experience quickly turns into a bustling zoo. Early birds definitely get the worm here.

Food & Coffee: The Main Attraction

The food is genuinely impressive—well-prepared, flavorful, and worth every rupee. But let's talk about the coffee. I tried the Affogato, and it was absolutely delightful. The perfect balance of bitter espresso and sweet gelato makes it a must-try for any coffee lover visiting this spot.

The Ambiance (and What's Changed)

The cafe itself has a lovely vibe, but there's a bittersweet note about the surroundings. There used to be a beautiful lake adjacent to the property, but it's fallen into neglect. The water looks murky now with poor circulation, which does take away from what could have been a picture-perfect setting.

On a happier note, you'll be greeted by an adorable cat at the gate—a furry little host that adds an extra touch of charm to your visit.

The Parking Predicament

Like most places in Goa, parking is a challenge. What makes it worse here is the complete lack of shaded parking for cars. In Goa's heat, that's a significant drawback. Plan to arrive early not just for a seat, but also for a decent parking spot.

The Overlooked Thrift Store

There's a small thrift store outside the cafe that barely gets any attention. Most visitors don't bother exploring it, but if you're into quirky finds, it might be worth a quick browse while you wait for your table.

Final Verdict

Baba Au Rhum is a solid choice for breakfast or brunch in Goa, especially if you're a coffee enthusiast. Just remember the golden rules: come early, be prepared for parking chaos, and don't miss that Affogato. Despite its few shortcomings, it's a place that deserves a spot on your Goa cafe crawl.

Best for: Early risers, coffee lovers, cat people Skip if: You're not a morning person or need...

Rather over-rated. I remember this place years ago. The novelty of a place with reggae, a chill vibe and a nice breakfast / brunch might have worked for them then, but visiting this years later felt like a let down.

Literally nobody seems to want to serve you or even be aware of your presence. When we walked in, a person who was part of the staff, nonchalantly walked past despite clearly seeing the confusion on our faces. Not once, not twice but thrice. After a bit of asking around we got the attention of the manager / hostess who was supposed to seat us. Where staff are normally inclined to notice customers, here, the vibe is a "we couldn't care less if you sat or left". It felt like they were doing us a favour.

The servers walk around with somewhat of an intention to not make any eye contact lest you'll call them and they'd have to take your order. Took a while to get someone to give us a menu so we could place an order. And then another 10 mins to get someone to come take the order. Despite trying several times to get attention and making eye contact with a server who checked in with us some another 10 mins after we'd already placed the order with another server.

At 3.35 a server walks over (the same one who seemed like he just didn't want to make any eye contact) and tells us to place the "last order". Apparently for some reason, that day, they were closing early. That's something you should tell a customer who walks in at 3pm that last order is in 30 mins! We asked for 5 mins to decide what we wanted to eat but the server claimed in 2 mins the kitchen would close and hence we couldn't have the 5 mins we wanted to make up our mind.

On top of this, they charge a service charge on the bill. I'd pay it gladly and leave a tip on top, if only they'd bothered to serve me.

We ended up eating at Bomras, where people looked happier to serve us and the food was great too.

Overall ... A disappointing experience. The experience was all there was anyways cos the food wasn't that special or unique to begin with...it was the vibe. Which has now become too...

Nestled amidst the lively streets of Goa, Baba Au Rhum Café is a culinary oasis that captivates both the palate and the soul. Our recent visit to this charming establishment left us enamored with its exquisite offerings and inviting ambiance.

Opting for the English breakfast platter and Vietnamese coffee, we were treated to a symphony of flavors that danced harmoniously on our taste buds. The English breakfast platter, a delightful assortment of classic breakfast fare, was prepared with meticulous attention to detail, each component exuding freshness and flavor. Coupled with the robust aroma and rich undertones of the Vietnamese coffee, our morning indulgence was nothing short of perfection.

As we savored our culinary delights, the soothing melodies that filled the air added an extra layer of tranquility to our dining experience. The earthy interiors, adorned with subtle touches of rustic charm, provided the ideal backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation—a true sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

However, it was not just the delectable food and inviting ambiance that impressed us; the top-quality service further elevated our experience. The attentive staff, with their warm smiles and genuine hospitality, ensured that our every need was met with efficiency and care, leaving us feeling pampered and valued.

In terms of affordability, Baba Au Rhum Café offers excellent value for money, with a pocket pinch for two amounting to approximately 1200 INR. Considering the quality of food, ambiance, and service, this price point is more than justified, making it accessible to a wide range of patrons.

Baba Au Rhum Café is a true gem in the heart of Goa—a culinary haven where flavor and ambiance converge to create an unforgettable dining experience. If you are simply seeking a cozy retreat to unwind, a visit to this esteemed establishment is highly recommended. Prepare to embark on a journey of culinary delight and sensory bliss...