June 23, 2022
In the folds of North Goa’s bustling life, sits a serene little village that is bound to mesmerise you. If you have ever driven through the village of Assagao, it’s no secret that its winding lanes, lush greenery and luxe dining spaces can hold you spellbound. One of Goa’s most glamorous, yet quieter villages, Assagao demands to be explored in order to reveal its many hidden treasures. From fine-dining and contemporary cafes to boutiques, coworking and unending events, the village has it all. If you are someone looking to experience a quieter, more mod-ish side of Goa, here is what awaits you in the charming neighbourhood of Assagao:
Goa’s drinking culture stops and ends at its bars and taverns (Pron: tah-veyrn). In every village, you are bound to come across a small, obscure-looking bar filled with vibrant laughter and some of the wildest stories you will hear. The taverns in Assagao are some of the best ones you will see in the state. While Guru Bar, Escobar, and Happy Bar are some local favourites, the Mustard Cafe and Soro are some more contemporary bars. They offer a selection of local and international liquor along with the most mouthwatering foods to pair them with.
Assagao’s restaurants and cafes are some of the most unforgettable places you will go to. The rich cultural diversity amongst Assagao’s residents has led to the creation of restaurants serving all kinds of cuisines. Some of the more popular and well-loved dining spaces in Assagao are Kefi (Lebanese food), Gunpowder (South Indian Food), Mojigao (Mediterranean & vegan food), Maai (European, Portuguese-inspired food) and Izumi (for Japanese food). Apart from that, The Jackfruit Cafe, Baba Au Rhum, Artjuna are some other fun and offbeat cafes in and around Assagao definitely worth checking out. If you are looking to explore Goan cuisine, some local haunts are Vinayak and Reis Corner.
Assagao and its surrounding villages have been getting the limelight for being Goa’s upcoming workation destinations. While spaces like Clay and Barefoot offer cosy coworking and delicious food, NomadGao is more suitable for people planning a long-term workation (staycation) in Goa. The village’s quiet life makes it easier for remote workers to focus and get things done. Moreover, since it’s right in the heart of North Goa, all the recreational hotspots are a stone’s throw away.
For a while now, Assagao has been growing as a space for workshops, exhibitions and fashion boutiques. Some of the spaces you should shop at in Assagao are Rangeela, No Nasties, Indian Story, Cheshire Cat Gallery and the People Tree Studio. These brands are well-known for their exclusive handcrafted clothes and decor items and most of them are also proudly sustainable.
As busy as Assagao gets, it can also make time beautifully slow down for you. The roads passing through the village are lined with lush green fields, forests and palm trees. Taking a morning or an evening walk is the best way to really experience life in the village. Once you head out, you’re bound to come across the magnificent St Cajetan Church on the road heading to Anjuna. Apart from that, the village is a treasure trove of some of the prettiest Goan homes with breathtaking carved motifs, luxurious balcaos and aesthetic oyster shell windows. Lastly, Kho-jaao and The Local Beat are two local businesses that conduct treks and walking trails into the hidden corners of Goa. Exploring the state with them will be an unforgettable dive into something surreal.
Assagao is a pretty little village that has over time become one of Goa’s most glamourous neighbourhoods, and it is not surprising that it is now become a preferred neighbourhood to invest in property, too. It is a rich blend of traditional and modern architecture with an artful touch of local and international cultures and cuisines, which make it perfect for all kinds of crowds. It may not be loud and colourful, but is beautiful and serene and an experience worth taking back with you. Our recent luxury project, Rainforest Woods, located in Assagao sold out in record time due to the demand for homes in this popular Goan village. To know more about our upcoming residential projects in Goa, visit our website or follow Rainforest Estates on social media.
Here’s what awaits you in Goa’s most glamorous neighborhood – Assagao