Larder & Folk — Restaurant in Goa

It was a rainy Goan evening in the Fontainhas and that old Latin Quarter of Panjim, where the houses blush in shades of Ocher, Corak, Periwinkle and quite surprises of Greens! A muted washed green, in this case. Subtle but deliberate. Stepping through the threshold, everything shifted. Before one sees anything, they smell. Strong. Loud. Coffee and Butter. A scent that doesn’t wait for permission; hugs you, coats you, nudges your hunger. Right there, almost theatrically placed was a wooden bench. For those perhaps who need a pause before living in. I did. Larder + Folk is true to its name, it had everything a heart (and stomach) could ask for. Flaky croissants, pain au chocolat, sticky cinnamon buns, plush bombolinis, cakes, pies; decadence, restraint, and nostalgia, all in one glance.

My eyes locked on a Blueberry and Lemon Pie untouched, uncut, almost bashful. A pie in waiting. Fresh, crunchy blueberries sat on top, just beginning to bleed into a pale yellow lemon filling shy and creamy. Naturally, I ordered a Flat White. London has done that to me. And a warm, dark-chocolate-filled bombolini, soft like a baby's cheek, dusted generously with powdered sugar. Dense - Rich.

Then came the unexpected star: Sweet French Toast. Sweet, yes but equally, unapologetically savoury. A thick slice of Hokkaido milk bread, deep fried to golden, soaked in a smoky jaggery syrup that added just the right kind of salt. Topped with vanilla cream, ripe blush pink cherries, and a generous crumble. The kind that crackles when you bite, leaving behind echoes of caramel and toast. It was a brunch moment.

Outside, the monsoon hummed on, but inside at that table, with that toast I...

Tucked away in the heritage lanes of Old Fontainhas, Panjim, Larder and Folk boasts a beautiful location that's both scenic and steeped in history. The ambiance is thoughtfully curated, blending charm with a modern café vibe—perfect for an afternoon escape or a leisurely tourist stop.

We visited for a quick evening snack, but the dessert menu quickly caught our attention, especially when paired with their coffee options. The Vietnamese iced coffee stood out with its bold, strong flavor—definitely one for the coffee lovers. We also sampled one of their pastry cakes, which was decent, though nothing particularly memorable.

The star of the visit, however, was the three berry cheesecake doughnut -absolutely delicious and worth every bite. It was creative, indulgent, and easily the highlight of our experience.

While the café offers an enjoyable experience, it leans on the pricier side and, in some ways, feels a bit overhyped—likely more appealing to tourists than locals. Also, note that parking for four-wheelers is a challenge; you'll probably need to leave your car on the main road and walk a short distance to the café.

The staff were friendly and helpful, offering solid recommendations. Overall, Larder and Folk is a lovely spot for a one-time visit, especially if you're exploring the Fontainhas area and don’t mind splurging a little for the vibe...

Friendly and cool vibes cafe.

Love the food. I tried the beef roast sandwich (INR 475). It came with a bowl of broth on the side. Sandwich was simply outstanding and the dip made the sandwich even better.

Washed it down with a glass of Hibiscus iced tea (INR 142). It looked like a glass of rooh afza but thankfully wasn’t too sweet and yet quite refreshing. Perfect summer cooler.

Ended the meal with a Threeberry Cheesecake Doughnut (INR 171). I was skeptical about ordering a donut having been disappointed umpteen times elsewhere but this donut tasted fresh, gooey and very sinfully delicious.

The café can seat about 20 pax. WiFi is on the house. Some strikingly nice pieces of art adorn the rustic looking walls. The tables are just a tad bit small but the chairs are comfortable. There are private seating rooms too for those loud conversations and there were a couple of old aunties talking at the top of their voice thankfully away in the rooms.

Service is prompt, smiling and easy. One can step outside the cafe for a smoke. The cafe is pet friendly too.

It’s located in Fontainhas so one can forget about parking but someone like me wouldn’t mind walking a mile just to savour the food and enjoy the experience at Larder + Folk.

Be back in a while...