Sandwiched between green paddy fields in the picturesque village of Calangute is Goa's newest bistro - Café de Goa. Housed at the base of a striking maroon tower surrounded by verdant foliage in Orchard Villas just a short distance from St Alex Church, the cafe is slowly but steadily creating its mark on Goa's gastronomic circuit.

Started by the Reira Group, Café de Goa is the fruit of months of planning to bring a healthy and tasty culinary experience to the people of Goa.

A lot of mind, heart and soul have gone into making Café de Goa the warm and comfortable place it is, from designing the interiors to picking out the vibrant colourful cutlery, training the staff and planning the carefully selected menu. With its relaxed atmosphere, it truly lives up to its tag line – At Your Own Pace.

Elegant and chic, the bistro serves up a selection of confectionery, fresh salads and sandwiches among other offerings. From crunchy salads with fresh greens including arugula, lettuce, basil and even home - made mozzarella cheese, a selection of freshly baked warm crusty breads, and an assortment of innovative condiments, Café de Goa has something for everyone. The juicy watermelon salad with feta cheese and nuts is a sure winner. One can also choose from a variety of coffees, teas and juices to accompany your meal.

A wide assortment of cakes, quiches, muffins, brownies and other confectionary are available at the café. From lemon poppy seed muffins to creamy strawberry Swiss rolls, warm waffles heaped with fresh fruit and Café de Goa signature salted caramel chocolate brownie, it's a treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Café de Goa takes pride in working with only the freshest of ingredients. The vegetables, fruits and salad greens are mostly locally grown produce. Even the cheese and ice creams are sourced from places which make sure that the product remains as natural as possible and the original flavours are retained. The emphasis at Café de Goa is on simple and healthy eating.

In keeping with its green principles, Reira Group has incorporated its 'recycle, reduce, re-use', philosophy in everything that it does, including at Café de Goa. The furniture and wood work at the bistro is made from using recycled wood. A small store, complete with fruit, vegetables, local farm produce, freshly baked breads and packaged products is housed adjacent to the café.

The grocery store will have bottled and packaged food items made locally. The idea is to keep the food costs low by trying to reduce the cost of transportation of each food item. This will add up to reducing the carbon footprint of the café. Café de Goa mobile, Café de Goashop and Café de Goa tiffin are products that are in the pipeline.

Done up in warm earthy colours with splashes of pink and red, the cafe is designed to be open and breezy. Scenic photographs of essentially Goan landscapes and rural scenes line the walls of the café. An unhurried atmosphere which spells sussegado, excellent service and healthy wholesome food, Café de Goa is the perfect place to stop by for a friendly chat and a slice of happiness.

Café de Goa (+91 832 2279961) in Calangute is open All Days of the week from 9.00am to 5.00pm.