The Rasoda, Old Goa - Dine In, Takeaway & Mithai Shop — Restaurant in Goa

India is a country that offers diversity in almost everything and I feel that after language, food is one of the most important elements that showcase this diversity in cultures. For me a regional cuisine thali is a perfect platform to bring that diversity on a plate, most of the times we see a thali that represents the best of that particular region, sometimes thalis are extravagant and showcase two or more regions together. One such conceptual thali is the Maharaja Thali at Rasoda.

The recently opened Rasoda, in Old Goa, is a prime example of how different cultures and flavours from 2 northern states of India find a place in one thali. Rajasthan and Punjab are the 2 states that form the culinary delights at Rasoda. Spread across 2 floors, Rasoda is both a restaurant and a sweets shop. The ground floor has a more cafe-like appeal, while the upper floor is decorated with the Rajasthani theme and with low floor seating, it does offer a rustic charm.

Rasoda does offer an al-a-carte menu and smaller versions of thalis specific to each region, but the best way to enjoy best of both the cuisines is indeed the Maharaja thali. With a whopping 32 dishes on the thali, you surely will feel royal while having this thali.

The meal starts with the serving of Dhoklas and a Khasta Kachori Chaat along with some refreshing Chaas. One bite into the kachori and you will know that it is both delicious and gheelicious. Yes, one significant feature of both Rajasthani and Punjabi cuisine and probably the only commonality is the generous use of ghee. The texture of the kachori in the true sense was ‘khasta’ and it almost melts in your mouth. The dhokla, on the other hand, was made as juicy as possible. Topped with some spicy green chillies, it was just perfect.

This was followed by a serving of Tandoori Platter, which had Veg Seekh Kebabs, Tandoori Aloo and Mirchi Pakoda, accompanied by some delicious chutneys.

Even before the main course thali comes, I could feel my stomach filling up fast, but the aroma of the food kept my curiosity high and I was looking forward to the thali.

The main course thali had about 13 dishes from both the regions including signature dishes like Ker Sangri, Kadhi, Gatte Ki Sabzi from Rajasthan and Dal Makhani, Palak Paneer, Pindi Chole amongst others. Then there was a dessert platter which became the highlight of the meal. With exclusive items like Anjeer Ka Halwa, Choorma and Dal Ka Halwa, these items were literally to die for.

And the best part of this thali is that it is good to be shared between 4 people and thus gives you a wonderful chance to bond with your family or friends over a delicious meal and the servings are unlimited. So eat as much as you can!

If you haven’t been to Rasoda yet, it definitely calls for a visit, and I am sure you will enjoy as...

The only place in Goa that offers authentic Rajasthani delicacies along with Punjabi cuisine. We visited this place in Old Goa and literally ended up amazing ourselves with how awesome vegetarian food one can get. Even the die hard non vegetarians are going to love this place. Looking at their vast menu, we felt like one visit is not enough to try out all the specialities they offer. But they suggested us to try out their massive Maharaja thali which is perfect if you want to have most of items on their menu. Just make sure that go there on your empty stomach.

Ambiance: The place has a classy decor with a touch of Rajasthani feels. They have 2 types of seatings: traditional Rajasthani low level seating and normal seating.

Maharaja Thali: This unlimited thali can be shared by 4 people. First they served us Khasta kachori Chaat, Papadi Chaat, Rajasthani Papad and Chaach. Khasta kachori Chaat: This is literally burst of flavours in your mouth. Best kachori chaat we have had till date!! Papdi Chaat: Another great Chaat variety. It was very crisp and flavours were on point. Rajasthani Papad: So flavoursome and crispy. Chaach: Perfect soothing cooler to sip on while you feast on the thali. Next we were served Punjabi platter. Punjabi platter: This whole platter including the dips and chutneys was just awesome. It consists of Aloo Tikka, Babycorn Tikka, Mirchi pakoda accompanied with Mustard dip, Green chutney, Lehsuni chutney, Pickle and Salad. Specially the babycorn Tikka marination was very unique. Next, we were served with Main course platter. Main course platter: This covers authentic Rajasthani and Punjabi delicacies. It consists of Dal fry, Gatte ki sabji, Kadhi, Dal makhni, Mangode ki sabji, Ker sangri, Papad pyaaz ki sabji, Steamed rice, Bhindi fry, Matar paneer, Punjabi chole, Shaahi paneer, Masala rice, Karela fry, 4 types of roti(butter roti, butter naan, baajre ki roti, jowar roti), Dahi bhalla, Churma and Boondi raita.

In the end, we were served with dessert platter. Dessert platter: It had 4 types of dessert; Sukha gulab jamun, Rajasthani shrikhand, Mava barfi, Besan ki chakki.

This Maharaja Thali was a memorable experience for us. Thanks to Rasoda for getting Rajasthan right here in Goa.

We would definitely recommend...

Rasoda is your quintessential “feeding off past laurels” dining place, who have stooped trying to be consistent. We have been regulars here since 2021 and have had atleast a dozen scary to outrageous experiences, which we have politely highlighted to either Mr. Deepak Khaitan or his son Kush Khaitan, only to encounter it again. Dancing baby cockroaches on the tables, unclean floors, disinterested staff, sugar in chanas of chola bhaturas, cold poories, undercooked kheer, 4 aloos floating in watery gravy to finish with four pooris and 9 chanas floating in sweet/pungent gravy to finish off with 2 large bhaturas… obviously as you work your way to the finish you end up having pooris or bhatoora on the plate with no sabzi left, now here is where the business model begins. Charge a bomb and fleece customers by charging them for sabzi to finish off the remaining portion of the pooris/bhatoora. Despite having escalated this to the owners the EXACT same issues keep cropping up, which can only mean that this is wilful incompetence with the approval of the owners. Today the pooris were cold and lacking masala, the gravy was plain water with 4 chunks of boiled aloo and when asked for the top up, we were charged 100 rs extra. I am appalled and outraged at the gall of this level of stooging and compromising on the quality. Maybe the joke is on people like us who give them multiple chances and hope for them to stay consistent, while they keep going on a free fall of service and food decline. Rasoda is like a lottery ticket - some days you win, MOST days owners win by fleecing you and putting you in a situation to ask for better service and food. Give them a miss, they are ONLY A ONE TIME WONDER, and haughty about customer service recovery.

PATHETIC, OVERPRICED, UNHYGIENIC, LESS PORTIONS, COLD FOOD, BAD SERVICE, HIGH HANDED OWNERS

Edited to respond to the diplomatic and deceitful response of the owners- The portion sizes ARE PALTRY and not sufficient to go with the Indian Breads, also instead of accepting the lacunae stop making it look like we are begging to make the portion complimentary! Even more reprehensible, will ensure none from my network give this shabby joint...