Location: Campal, Near Military Hospital, Panaji, Goa
Bombil is a tiny restaurant tucked in a small place on the lane opposite Kala Academy. It can be easily missed if one is not looking for it. The facade has some bright yellow colours and some painted flowers to mark the place. What fascinated me the most is its name which means Bombay duck fish and I absolutely love it. The walls are lined with some old photographs and paintings which give the place a nice Goan vibe.
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| View from the window |
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| Wall painting |
We headed here for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. There is ample parking space to the backside of the restaurant.
The restaurant was fairly occupied when we reached. There are about 5 tables with seating for 4 each. They have a very limited menu displayed on the blackboard at one end. We had come specifically for the thali. Regular thali had Khapi fish. We ordered Prawns thali, Kingfish Thali and Mutton Thali. And of course Lime Soda for me and Beer for the husband. But the guy who took our orders suggested going for Shandy. I had heard about Shandy but never tried. So, thought to give it a try and we loved it.
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| Shandy with Limca |
Our orders were served very quickly. Each thali had a good portion of rice (we went for ukde rice), Prawns curry, Dried bombil, crushed Papad, Tisryo, Prawns cutlet, Solkadi, pickle, Cauliflower Bhaaji, custard, and the choice of fish. I found the contents of this thali to be slightly different from the rest.
They also served us a small portion of Para (an extremely spicy dish made of Bombil served with the disclaimer of being spicy) and Chicken pickle. Both the things tasted good and something new for me. Thalis come with unlimited rice and curry. Prawns in the thali were quite big and juicy. We mostly avoid eating mutton in restaurants as it is never cooked to our liking but this one was just perfectly cooked. Fried kingfish in the thali was decently big and tasted delicious. We also ordered Prawns Chops and Fish cutlets which we had to carry home as we were super full.
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| Kingfish Thali |
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| Prawns Thali |
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| Mutton Thali |
Overall, everything was fresh and nicely cooked with the proper spices. The service was quick and all those who managed the place were very courteous and helpful. Also, this is one of the super pocket-friendly restaurants situated in Panjim city.
Will definitely visit again.
