Dutch Factory, Vengurla.

Dutch Factory, Vengurla.

Dutch Factory is a fortified, almost 400-year-old fortified building now almost reclaimed by the jungle, with its fortified brick buildings intertwined with huge Bunyan trees and in ruins.

Due to the vice-like grip of Bunyan tree roots and age, the brick walls and structure had become fragile and were crumbling and falling. Keeping public safety in mind, the structure was declared “in dangerous condition “.  The public was discouraged from visiting it.

The Dutch Factory was built by the Dutch East India Company with the permission of the Bijapur Sultanate in 1637-1638 to serve as a trading post and supply depot. The unstated purpose was also to spy on and keep watch on the Portuguese naval movements taking place from the Goan ports due to intense rivalry for the control of the Kokan Coast. It was a fortified fortress-like building built of fired clay bricks with a watch tower,  fortified protective compound wall, three huge halls interconnected by arched passages and strong iron gates. Shah Alam, a Mughal prince, sacked the Dutch Factory in 1687. Soon after, in 1692, the Dutch also abandoned it. Britishers claimed it in the 19th century and used the buildings as local courts and administrative offices. No records are available as to when it was totally abandoned and left to be reclaimed by the jungle.

Considering its historical importance and tourism potential, in 1974, the local administration got it declared as a “Protected Monument” by the Archaeological Survey of India. Efforts were made in 2024 to undertake just sufficient restoration work to remove the “ dangerous “ tag.

However, a vice-like hold of the roots of Bunyan trees and other vegetation has rendered the structure very fragile, and visitors are advised to exercise caution in venturing into unsafe places.

There is no entry fee and no official visiting hours. Still, it is best to visit Dutch Factory during daytime when there is plenty of natural sunlight.

( Note: For historical facts like years, etc and other relevant data, open internet sources have been made use of.) 

Dutch Factory. Satawadi / Sakawadi, on the way to Vengurla. An ASI-protected monument.

The Dutch Factory. Predominance of arches. In doors and niches in the walls.

Dutch Factory. Stairs for the rampart wall and the watch tower, which is now no more. 

Dutch Factory.

Most probably a two- to three-storied massive building. Dominated by the arched construction.

 An ASI-protected monument.

At the Dutch Factory.

Dutch Factory.

Most probably a two to three storied massive building. Dominated by the arched construction.

 An ASI-protected monument.

Dutch Factory.

Most probably a two to three storied massive building. Dominated by the arched construction.

 An ASI-protected monument.

At The Dutch Factory.

Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro, Panaji, Goa.

 Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro is part of and is located in Fontainhas.

Fontainhas is the oldest Latin Quarter in Panjim, the capital of Goa. It has the unique distinction of being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Zone for preserving 350 years of Portuguese architectural style and traditions. The houses in the narrow street are painted bright shades of blue, yellow, green and red, with red-tiled roofs. As per law, the house structure has to be maintained in its original form, and they have to be repainted after every monsoon to preserve their distinct brightness.

The Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro was established and started as a bakery turning out its bakery products on wood-burning ovens in 1930. Almost matching Fontainhas in its ancestry. Being part of the UNESCO World Heritage Zone, 31 De Janeiro benefits from its fame and increased footfall from a very large number of tourists, taking pride that even today the products and the bakery savouries are still being made on a wood-fired oven for their distinct flavours. At the same time, it suffers from the fact that as a modern-day restaurant it has to operate in a building constructed, most probably as a residence and totally unsuitable to serve as proper accommodation for a restaurant. This becomes most obvious when most of the visitors in a group as small as four are unable to find seats where they can sit as a group. A sort of solution has been found by creating additional seats by placing iron chairs and ‘mario-tile’ weatherproof tables in the lane outside the cafeteria. However, a notice warns the patrons, “ This is a public lane. Please do not move the chairs and tables, resulting in obstruction of the public lane…….”

We visited this place twice, at different times, and both times we could not find a table/place where five of us could sit at one place. If one wants to enjoy the visit to Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro, one must find a time when it is less crowded. Positively avoid weekends, holidays and tourist ‘season’.

The exterior is painted white. This came as a bit of a surprise as I thought that in Fontainhas, white colour was meant only for religious structures, such as churches, chapels, and convents. 

Plenty of artificial roses against the brilliant white of walls present a colourful and pleasant visual.

We tried almost all the popular dishes. For a bakery that has been operating since 1930, for the last seventy-five years plus, the products are average, and not a single item leaves a lasting taste or impression on your palate. In fact, their cold coffee was not room temperature, but definitely was not 'cold'. Pastes de nata must have been "blistered under high heat because it was quite hot, causing discomfort when I got to eat it! 

I feel Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro should be visited as a tourist attraction, which it seems to have become, and not as a visit to a cafe where you go to enjoy Goan sweets & savouries.

At the Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro. Goa.

Weatherproof "Mario Tiles" table, Artful light and plentyful artificial roses.

The offerings at Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro.

The proud legacies since the foundation in 1930.

The proud memories since the foundation in 1930.

Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro best sellers.

 We tried Pasteis de nata, Serradura, Bebinca and Bolo de Laranja.

he proud memories since the foundation in 1930.

Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro. 

Details of another weatherproof "Mario Tiles" table,

Details of another weatherproof "Mario Tiles" table,

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Part of our order.

At the Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro. Goa.

At the Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro, Goa.

The counter and the display hall.

The menu card, the Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro.

MOCHA. Cafe and Bar

 

MOCHA. Cafe and Bar.

Went there in the afternoon on “Friendship Day” with, of course, friends- whoelse!

Seating is spread over three distinct areas.

One. Outside the building under a covered roof, Sort of sitting out. 

Two. As soon as you enter. In this area, seating is on tables and chairs; 

The third is in the alcove where the seating is on sofa sets. Here, the table and chairs are quite low. My advice to senior citizens and those with knee problems is to avoid sitting in this area. This area also has engraved circular brass  'gyan' plates put up as decor.

Lighting, temperature control, and the ambiance is uite nice.

I would request the management to do something for the better appearance/ face lift of Suparman and Wonder Woman facilities. At the very least, a touch of paint for the doors!

The idea was to have lunch.

While going through the menu, some starters appeared quite tempting. All of us being senior citizens, we have now reached a stage where either we have starters, or we have lunch. Decided on the starters!

We had one plate of Chilli  Cheese Dragon Cigar; Served in a cigar box. Nice touch. It was crispy, and the taste was nice, but the stringy cabbage spoiled the experience. I just could not bite it off and had to suck in the rest of the cabbage string.

Other starters were also one plate each of Dahi ke Kebab(Sorry no photo), Nataraj Ki Aloo tikki Chat, Crispy Palak Patta Chat, and to round off Chocolate nd Vanila Ice cream. 

The starters were good, crisp and tasty.

We all are light eaters, and these starters were just sufficient for the six of us. Hopefully this may give you some idea of what to order

Also had a King Fisher Premium 330 ml bottle each for myself and my friend. The beer, as well as the beer mug, were nicely chilled. Really enjoyed the cool beer going down.

Good place for another visit.  

MOCHA MOCHA. Cafe and Bar.

MOCHA MOCHA. Cafe and Bar.

Sitting area with sofa sets.

The Bar at Mocha.

Sitting area with sofa sets.

Sitting area with sofa sets.

Superman and Wonder Woman Area.

This photo was not intentional, just happened.

Chilli  Cheese Dragon Cigar;

 Nataraj Ki Aloo tikki Chat, 

Crispy Palak Patta Chat, 

At MOCHA. Cafe and Bar.

A glass of chilled beer was nice.

Couple of Pages from the menu.

Drinks Menu. 

The Gyan Plate- Decor.

The Gyan Plate- Decor.

The Gyan Plate- Decor.

Immaculate Conception Church.

 Immaculate Conception Church.

When we went to visit, it was closed due to renovations.

Had to be satisfied with a look from across the road.

Grand old beautiful building. The staircase is an amazing symmetrical staggered construction. For the given height, this design also saves space.

Would have loved to spend some time in its beautiful surroundings.

Maybe we will visit again when the renovation is complete.

Immaculate Conception Church.

Immaculate Conception Church. Original Photo.

Immaculate Conception Church. AI-edited.

With Leela & Ajeet.

Kokni Kanteen.

Kokni Kanteen.

Rawa Fish Fry, Fish Sukat, Crab, Prawn and dry prawns, kokuk and Rice.

Kokani Kanteen is one of the old-time establishments and has been in operation since 1972, in an equally old vintage Goan-style bungalow.

Over time, it has almost established a reputation as a "must-visit place,” with Kokani Fish Thali as its speciality.

Its opening time is 12 Noon. When we reached there at 11:45 AM, there was a queue of about 8-10 people already there. The doors were opened promptly at 12 Noon.  

Immediately after entry is a bar and sort of reception. The vintage house is being used as a restaurant, without and apparant alterations or modifications to the structure. This has resulted in dining tables being put in what once must have been passages, hallways, alcoves, rooms, etc.

The walls are adorned with mostly black and white photograph frames showing the establishment over the years. A nice nostalgic touch.

For starters, we had asked for Prawn Masala. It was ok, spicy and hot. Thali service was fairly fast. It had Rawa Fish Fry, Fish Sukat, Crab, Prawn and dry prawns, kokum and Rice. We had also ordered Sol-Kadhi. I found the food very spicy and hot, uncomfortably so. Sol- Kadhin was too salty.

On our way out, we saw a few people were waiting for their turn. Apparently there is no proper waiting area. They were just standing and milling around in the bar area. 

All in all did not really enjoy the outing at Kokani Kanteen.

Verandah converted to Dining area. Kokani Canteen.

Cash Counter and Dining area. Kokani Kanteen.

The Bar,  Kokani Kanteen.

Todays Special, Kokani Kanteen.

Awards won, Kokanl Kanteen.

Timetable displayed at Kokani Kanteen,

 Not very clear about the purpose, unless they are a ticketing agent.

Kokani Kanteen.

Kokani Kanteen.

Notice in the local lingo announcing " Enter. We are now open"

 Zoom in for a proper look.

One of the dining Area.

Kokani Kanteen, Menu.

Kokani Kanteen, Menu.

Kokani Kanteen, Menu.

Kokani Kanteen, Menu.

Kokani Kanteen, Menu.

Framed photographs from an earlier era.

Starter, Prawn Masala.

Standard Kokani Thali. Rawa Fish Fry, Fish Sukat, Crab, Prawn and dry prawns, kokuk and Rice.