Haochi-Asian Bistro, Panaji, Goa : Restaurant Review

If you’ve ever found yourself wandering through the streets of Panaji, Goa, thinking, “Where can I go for a good dose of Asian comfort food?”, let me introduce you to Haochi. A name that perhaps suggests you’re in for a culinary journey to remember, but let’s be real—this is more of a casual stroll through a familiar neighborhood rather than a grand adventure. So, if you’re planning a visit, I recommend lowering your expectations. Because if you walk in expecting one of those hip, edgy Asian spots with Instagrammable neon signs and dishes that would make even the most hardened food critics weep, you’re in for a slight letdown.

Let’s start with the drinks. The menu suggests an Elderflower gin and tonic, which, let’s be honest, sounded like just the right mix of floral and fizz for a sultry Goan evening. And it was… okay.

But then came the server’s recommendation—a gin-based watermelon martini.

Now, I’m all for trying new things, but this particular concoction was more of a misadventure than a discovery. I’ll say it bluntly: I didn’t like it. It’s the kind of drink that makes you question whether you should just stick to your original choice next time. In fact, I wouldn’t recommend it, unless you’re really into weirdly sweet drinks that taste more like a mocktail your kid might enjoy.

Moving on to the food, which, thankfully, fared slightly better. The salmon sushi was quite good. Fresh enough to make you appreciate the effort, with a taste that almost made me forget about the unfortunate martini. It’s the kind of dish that does its job without blowing your socks off—a reliable choice if you’re craving sushi in a pinch.

Next up, we tried the Haochi Special Mixed Fried Rice. Again, decent. It’s not going to win any awards, but it’s the kind of dish that fills you up and makes you think, “Well, that wasn’t half bad.” Paired with the chicken in oyster sauce, which arrived shortly after, it made for a reasonably satisfying meal. The chicken was tender, the sauce was savory enough, and together with the rice, it was the kind of combination that works well on a midweek night when you can’t be bothered to cook at home.

A special shoutout to our server at Haochi! He was warm, friendly, and genuinely attentive. Even though the food and drinks had their ups and downs, his efforts to make us comfortable truly stood out.

Now, let’s talk about the place itself. If you’re expecting a lively, trendy spot with ambiance to match the food (and who wouldn’t, given the proliferation of chic Asian eateries these days?), Haochi might disappoint. The interiors are neat and functional, sure, but don’t expect much beyond that. It’s all quite subdued.

In fact, the vibe is more “after-school hangout” than “Saturday night out.” Expect to see a lot of families, some kids who’ve just left their tuition classes, or groups of friends grabbing a quick bite. Privacy? Forget about it. The tables and sofas are packed close enough together that you’ll be privy to your neighbor’s conversation, whether you like it or not. It’s definitely not the place for an intimate dinner or a quiet date night.

So, what is Haochi, then? It’s a daily, come-eat-and-leave kind of place. No fuss, no frills, just food that’s decent enough to keep you satisfied without inspiring any great emotions. And maybe that’s okay. Not every meal needs to be a Michelin-starred experience. Sometimes, you just need a straightforward dinner that doesn’t try too hard. But remember, manage your expectations. If you head to Haochi hoping for an unforgettable culinary experience, you might leave with a sense of mild disappointment. But if you’re just looking for a place to get some decent food without all the bells and whistles, then you’ll be just fine.

So, in summary, would I rush back? Probably not. But if I found myself nearby, hungry, and without any better options, I might just give Haochi another go.