The list of Dubki desserts is short: two dishes, both vegetarian, both ₹445. One is a Russian Honey Cake, a layered cake with a 19th-century origin story. The other, Fallen Ice Cream, is an upside-down cornetto designed to look like it’s just been dropped. They could hardly be more different. Here is what each one is and how to choose at Dubki – Dawn & Dusk Bar in Vagator.
Quick answer: Dubki serves two desserts at ₹445 each (about ₹514 with service charge and GST): Russian Honey Cake and Fallen Ice Cream. Choose the honey cake if you want something rich and comforting after a big meal. Choose the Fallen Ice Cream for something cold, playful and photogenic on a warm evening. Both together cost about ₹1,028.
The two desserts side by side
| Russian Honey Cake | Fallen Ice Cream | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹445 | ₹445 |
| Vegetarian | Yes | Yes |
| Style | Layered cake | Upside-down cornetto |
| Temperature | Usually served chilled or room temperature | Frozen |
| Best for | Finishing a heavy dinner, coffee | Hot weather, sharing, photos |
Russian Honey Cake: what is medovik?
Russian honey cake is known as medovik, from myod, the Russian word for honey. It is made from many thin layers of honey-sweetened sponge, stacked with a cream filling. The layers bake up firm, almost biscuit-like, then soften over hours as they absorb moisture from the cream. That’s why medovik is usually made well in advance. The top and sides are often coated in crumbs made from leftover cake, and sometimes nuts.
Where it comes from
A popular story says a young confectioner in the 19th-century Russian Empire created the cake for Empress Elizabeth Alexeievna, who disliked honey. Not knowing this, he baked a honey and sour cream cake, and she loved it. It’s a charming tale, but historians note that medovik doesn’t appear in 19th-century Russian cookbooks. What is certain is that it became widely popular during the Soviet era and is still a celebration cake across Russia and neighbouring countries.
The cream
Traditional fillings use smetana (sour cream) or condensed milk, sometimes both. Later versions use buttercream or custard. We don’t know which filling Dubki uses, since the menu gives only the name. If you avoid particular dairy products, ask.
What to expect
Medovik tastes of caramelised honey, with a soft, moist texture and a gentle tang if sour cream is used. It’s sweet but not cloying, and it sits well with coffee. On a menu full of global small plates, it’s a calm, comforting finish.
Fallen Ice Cream: the upside-down cornetto
The menu describes this one simply as an upside-down cornetto. The idea is that it looks as if an ice-cream cone has been dropped on the plate, cone pointing up, scoop squashed underneath. It’s a dessert with a sense of humour, and clearly built for the table to laugh at and photograph.
Beyond that description, the menu doesn’t list flavours, toppings or sauces. If you’re curious, or want to know whether it contains nuts or egg, ask your server. Our Dubki dessert menu page keeps track of what the card says.
Which dessert should you order?
Order the Russian Honey Cake if…
- You’ve just had a big main like the Mutton Mandi or Paella and want a small, rich finish.
- You’re having coffee or a nightcap.
- You like layered cakes and caramel flavours.
Order the Fallen Ice Cream if…
- It’s a hot afternoon or you’ve been eating spicy dishes.
- You’re with kids or a group who’ll enjoy the presentation.
- You want something cold and light after small plates.
Or order both
For a table of three or four, both desserts to share costs ₹890, about ₹1,028 with service charge and GST. It’s also a useful way to end a meal if people can’t agree.
Desserts in the context of the bill
| Order | Subtotal | Estimated bill* |
|---|---|---|
| One dessert | ₹445 | ~₹514 |
| Both desserts | ₹890 | ~₹1,028 |
| Dessert + light starter (French Fries, salted) | ₹770 | ~₹889 |
*Estimates include 10% service charge and roughly 5% GST on subtotal plus service.
A quick drinks-and-dessert stop for two can be one of the cheaper ways to enjoy the deck at sunset. The Dubki cost for two page has more scenarios, and our wider guide to Goan desserts covers local sweets like bebinca if you want something from Goa itself.
Medovik and its neighbours
Medovik is often confused with another famous Russian layered dessert, the Napoleon cake. They look similar in a slice, but they are built differently.
| Medovik | Napoleon cake | |
|---|---|---|
| Layers | Thin honey sponge, baked like biscuits | Puff pastry |
| Filling | Sour cream or condensed milk cream | Custard-style cream |
| Flavour | Caramelised honey, gentle tang | Buttery, vanilla |
| Texture | Soft, cake-like after resting | Flaky, slightly crisp |
Dubki’s menu lists only the honey cake, so there’s no Napoleon to compare on the night, but knowing the difference helps if you’ve had one and not the other.
A tip for the Fallen Ice Cream
Ice cream on a warm Goan deck doesn’t wait. Order it when you’re ready to eat, not at the same time as your mains, and have your camera out before it lands. The honey cake is more forgiving and can come with coffee whenever suits you.
FAQs
How many desserts does Dubki have?
Two: Russian Honey Cake and Fallen Ice Cream.
Are Dubki’s desserts vegetarian?
Both are marked vegetarian. Neither is confirmed eggless, so ask if that matters.
Is there a Goan dessert on the menu?
No. Neither dessert is Goan.
What is medovik?
Medovik is Russian honey cake: thin honey sponge layers stacked with a cream filling, usually sour cream or condensed milk.
For the rest of the card, see the Dubki menu with prices.