Review of Raju’s Happy Shed – Candolim Goa

I am actually appreciative to my friends, Sonia and Steve who suggested I should check this place out for a review.  Not only is this a review, but a wonderful story of how through hard work and being proficient in your talent, dreams can come true.

No sooner had MR R and I sat down at the table, we were greeted by the friendly face of Raju a waiter, we both respected and liked from a well-known restaurant in Candolim. Having been innovation mangers ourselves of restaurants, bars and hotels, Raju was the best waiter we had seen in long while. It wasn’t just a job for him. You could see he had a genuine hunger for hospitality. On many occasions, he had confided in us his dream of owning his own restaurant. Therefore, neither of us were shocked when he told us he was the owner. We are both in total admiration for this guy. He learnt the trade and then put his well-earned money where his heart is and opened this wonderful restaurant.

Staff & Service

Having employed young men from his hometown in North India, Raju has reproduced mini images of himself. Although early days and they still have a lot to learn ever waiter was well-presented, attentive and polite. Raju himself worked the floor with his usual professionalism and charm. Attending to all his guests, all the while in control of what was happening.  As the restaurant gradually filled the staff naturally stayed on track without weakening. Waiting staff, eagerly geared up a notch. What really impressed me, was from where I sat, I could see Raju had a chef whose job was purely to work on the pass. Basically, this is a person who coordinates the food service. As orders come in that person tells the other chefs what they need. Keeps track of how long the order is taking and checks the order before he calls waiting staff to serve. Amazing!

Poppadum’s and pickles served as soon as seated.

Drinks order taken and delivered quickly and efficiently.

When ready to order food, we were asked how hot we would like our curries, as with European guests curries are normally toned down. Asking for traditional med spicy our waiter said if it was too hot, then we could ask for yoghurt. Our order was then repeated back to us and asked if we wanted more drinks.

In less than twenty minutes our food was served.

Table check on food, and once more asking if we needed drinks.

 

HYGIENE

The restaurant and bar area, spotless, neat and tidy. When you hear the word shed, one would assume a temporary beach shack kitchen. Fear not, Raju has a fully functioning, hygienic, brick built catering kitchen. All chefs, professionally suited and booted.

Toilets were well maintained, clean and fresh smelling, with toilet paper, soap and paper hand towels.

FOOD

MUTTER MUSHROOM- Fresh green peas and mushrooms in an onion based med spicy sauce. Rupees 160/£1.81/€2.05/₽141.98/₴71.79/$2.51

I love this dish and I was not disappointed. Just as the label said, I had juicy peas and mushrooms and the sauce, so yummy.

 

VEG KOLHAPURI- Mixed vegetables in a spicy sauce. 

Rupees 150/£170/€192/₽133.11/₴67.31/$2.35

How many times do you hear me say, where are the vegetables? Well, I had no problems. I had a selection of chunky vegetables, and oh my! A full bodied sauce that set my taste buds a tingleling, but not too spicy for me. Just how I like it.

 

STEAMED RICE. RUPEES 70/£0.79p/€0.90/₽62.12/₴31.41/$1.10

More than enough for two to share of fluffy rice.

ROTI. RUPEES 15/£0.17p/€0.19/₽13.31/₴6.73/$0.24

Soft and fluffy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRINKS

60ml vodka Rupees 50/£0.57/€0.64/₽44.37/₴22.43/$0.78

Large Kingfisher Beer Rupees 100/£1.13/€1.28/₽88.73/₴44,87/$1.57

Diet coke Rupees 60/£0.68/€0.77/₽53.24/₴26.92/$0.94

 

THE SCORES:

FIRST IMPRESSIONS 5/5

AMBIENCE 5/5

STAFF    5/5

SERVICE 5/5

HYGIENE   5/5 

FOOD 5/5   

DRINKS 5/5

OVERALL SCORE 5/5 Red Hot chillies 

WOULD I GO AGAIN?

Certainly I really want to try more of this menu.

When we arrived there were only a couple of tables occupied, but even so there still was a pleasant atmosphere. As the evening progressed with more customers eating and chatting, adding the easy-going background music, MR R and I both agreed Raju has the makings of an excellent restaurant.

Yes, you can go out onto the main street and be put under the illusion that Goa is all fancy restaurants and boom, boom, boom, and you would be right. That is how Goa is now advancing. Don’t get me wrong, MR R and I are all for some boom, boom, boom, once in a while. But what enticed us back many years ago, year after year and then to live here - was good old fashioned hospitality, great food, value for money, great service and a relaxed ambiance. Put all of these components together and this is what Raju, with all his hard years of working in Goa has achieved, what a holiday maker’s vision of a vacation in Goa is all about.  

This restaurant is now on my list of return to. Look out for more reviews!

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Raju’s Happy Shed has a great value for money menu of Indian and continental, to tickle your taste buds.

Opp. Prezeras resort Candolim Panjim road Candolim, Bardez Goa, India

TEL: 095523 51068

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rajus-Happy-shed-1249055095136532/