The Goan Plate

At just 22 years old, Soham Naik from Ponda has turned his lifelong passion for cooking into a promising food venture called The Goan Plate. For Soham, the journey began during his internship in a Goan kitchen, where he discovered a deeper love for preparing traditional dishes. That experience not only strengthened his skills but also sparked a dream —to one day run his own place serving the food he loves most. His biggest pillars of strength have always been his parents and two of his dearest friends. Today, that dream has taken shape in The Goan Plate, a small but ambitious food corner that marks the beginning of his culinary journey.

A Celebration of Goan Street Flavours

The concept of The Goan Plate revolves around authentic Goan street-style snacks that people crave daily. Signature favourites like Ross Omelette, Cafreal, Omelette Pav, and Chilly Chicken form the heart of the menu. The idea is to keep the offerings simple but packed with taste, evoking the flavours that every Goan instantly connects with.

The name itself reflects this identity—The Goan Plate was chosen to signify exactly what customers receive: authentic Goan flavours on every plate. The location was carefully selected to be accessible to both locals and those passing by, ensuring a wide audience can enjoy the experience. Though modest in size, the food corner caters to a broad customer base drawn by its homely charm and rich flavours.

A Menu with Local Favourites and More

While Goan snacks take centre stage, Soham has also introduced a variety of popular chicken dishes to expand the appeal. Biryani, Honey Garlic Chicken, and Chilly Chicken are among the fast sellers, balancing comfort food with bold flavours. The Honey Garlic Chicken has emerged as the signature dish, alongside the ever-popular Chicken Chilly, both of which have won over regular customers.

The menu, though concise, reflects Soham’s philosophy of delivering authentic taste with consistency, combining street-style Goan favourites with homestyle chicken specialties.

Freshness and Quality First

Every dish at The Goan Plate is prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients purchased daily from trusted markets. Soham ensures that quality remains un-compromised while also catering to diverse dietary needs.

Customers can opt for lighter meals with less oil, healthy salads, or high-protein options, making the food corner inclusive for everyone—from street food lovers to health-conscious eaters.

Dining Experience

What sets The Goan Plate apart is the warm and welcoming atmosphere Soham creates. Guests are greeted with hospitality, cleanliness is maintained at all times, and food is prepared fresh on the spot. While each dish takes around 15–20 minutes to serve, the wait is rewarded with meals that are hot, flavourful, and cooked with care.

Challenges and Determination

Starting as a one-man operation has been both challenging and rewarding for Soham. With help from his mother in the initial setup, he now manages nearly every aspect himself, from cooking to serving. Though handling everything alone is tough, he views each day as a new challenge and an opportunity to improve. His focus is not on competition but on consistency, personal connection with customers, and staying true to the authentic taste that defines his food.

The Role of Social Media

Recognising its importance, Soham uses social media actively to showcase what makes The Goan Plate special. From posting photos of fresh meals to announcing daily specials, weekly packages, and highlighting bestsellers like Honey Garlic Chicken and Chicken Chilly, online platforms have helped him connect directly with customers. Social media also provides a valuable channel for feedback, enabling him to build a community around his venture.

Looking Ahead

Although The Goan Plate began as a small food corner, Soham’s vision is far-reaching. In the next five years, he hopes to grow it into a larger venture while preserving the homely vibe and authentic flavours that customers love. His dream is to create a space where people feel welcomed, enjoy meals prepared with care, and leave with a memorable experience. With dedication, daily improvements, and a commitment to quality, he is determined to build a brand that represents consistency, authenticity, and personal touch.