MOTOFOODIE

Since 1972, from authentic fish thalis with sol kadi and seafood made with the day’s freshest catch to traditional mocktails and cocktails – everything served here celebrates ‘Kokni’—the traditional Saraswat cuisine of Goa.

Served in a setting that exudes quaint, vintage Goan charm, Kokni Canteen in Panaji draws locals and tourists alike with its fresh, traditional and delicious sea food.

Anticipate longer wait times during peak lunch-hours, over weekends and on extended holidays, but don’t let that deter you! It is, worth the wait!

Must Try:

• Kokum Soda: absolutely refreshing!
• Fish Thali: consists of fried fish, Goan fish/prawns curry, a vegetable dish, rice, pickle, a digestive sol kadi  and fish dhabdhabit.
• Fresh Fish Fry: Choose the type of fish + type of fry – my personal favourites are – Surmai aka Seer Fish in a Rava Fry, Butter Garlic, Recheado (a traditional Goan red tangy, spicy masala).
• Prawns Rava Fry and Prawns Butter Garlic: both are absolute masterclass!

For the Vegetarian:

If you can stomach the aroma of sea food, the veg food options are decent: 

• Starters: Veg Stuffed Papad, Goan Mushroom Chilly, Paneer Cafreal/Recheado/Rava Fry, Finger Chips, Phodi Batat etc
• Main Course: includes Veg thali, Goan Veg Pulao.  Dishes such as – Veg Malvani, Veg Uradmethi, Alsande Tonak, Mix Veg Tonak, Mushroom Xacuti, Veg Cafreal and Kaju Green Peas Bhaji etc.

Useful Information:

• Ambiance:
  • Indoor AC dining with utilitarian seating
  • Best for family, friends & groups (not advised to take infants, since the space is tight and due to the incoming patrons, a long-duration meal is a challenge)
  • Pet-friendly: No
• Service: the entire staff is polite, will help you choose/describe the food and happy to serve.
• Alcohol: Alcohol (Mocktails, Beer, Goan Feni & Wines) are served along with the food.
• Window-side Tables: If you are like us travelling on motorcycles, ask for the tables with windows – to stuff the motorcycle helmets and gear.

• No Online/Phone Reservations: they don’t accept reservations, so once you show up at the restaurant, give your number at the bar and wait for your turn. 
  • For larger groups (more than 4 people) – anticipate a wait time of at least 20-30 mins.
• Facilities:
  • High-chair for Kids/Toddler/Infant: Not available
  • Breast-feeding room: Not available
  • Wheelchair Access: No – entry to the restaurant (ground floor) is super narrow ☹️
  • Wheelchair Friendly Toilet:  No 
  • Customer Toilets: are available and ok, separate for men and women.
  • Food Parcel/takeaway: They parcel all the items on the menu
  • Food Delivery: Listed on popular food delivery apps
  • EV Charging Point: No EV charging point is available at the premise for cars or motorcycles
• Cost of the Meal: for 2 adults is INR 2,000 (without alcohol)
• Mode of Payment: Cash, UPI, Credit and Debit cards are all accepted
• Parking for motorcycles & cars: Free parking for cars and motorcycles on the bylaws around the restaurant
• Timings: 12:30 pm to 5pm and 7:30 pm to 11:30pm [Open all days of the week]
• Location: Kokni Canteen, Dr.Dada Vaidya Road, Panaji, Goa [Find them on Google Maps]