A foodie’s guide to hogging in Goa

“The tans will fade but the memories of food will last forever” – Anonymous

Who says Goa is all about golden sands and enticing beaches? There is so much more to this tropical paradise. After all, the Goan recipe of happiness is good food and a bohemian lifestyle. From laid-back cafes to cosy seaside shacks and high-end restaurants, Goa truly has a vibrant dining scene.

Here’s our gastronomical guide to the region.

Mum’s Kitchen, Panaji: As the name suggests, this local haunt is all about home-style cooking. It offers a spectacular and unsual menu showcasing recipes collected from across North Goa. Serving a wide array of dishes for vegetarians and non-vegetarians, some of the popular delicacies from the menu are Keel Khatkhatem, Melgor, Bimbli Udamethi, Prawn Recheado and Kombdechem Sukhem.

Picture Courtesy: mumskitchengoa.com

Venite, Panjim: This quirky restaurant has been in business since 1955 and serves mouth-watering traditional Goan fare. The place has an off-kilter charm to it as it is done up with graffitied walls, beer bottle chandeliers and a lot more cool stuff. Drop in to enjoy Vegetable Vindaloo, Portuguese inspired Chouricos and Toffee Almond Cheesecake.

Picture Courtesy: goa.me

Cafe Chocolatti, Candolim: A gorgeous little garden cafe run by a Londoner is the perfect place to indulge one’s sweet tooth. It is a peaceful retreat where Double Chocolate Brownie, Cinnamon-Infused Carrot Cake, Ginger Cake, Cous Cous Salad, Tuna Quiche and Almond Biscotti are some of the must-haves.

Picture Courtesy: dumbbellsanddrama.com

Bhatti Village, Nerul: This is a family-owned restaurant run by Mericana and Patrick D’Souza. The joint does not have a menu; Patrick personally makes recommendations for dishes which change in every season. Some of the items popular among the guests are Gaboi (fish roe), Samarachi Kodi (dried prawn curry) and Pickled Mackerels.

Picture Courtesy: whatsupgoa.com

Baba Au Rhum Cafe, Anjuna: A perfect place to be with one’s friends and family, Baba Au Rhum Cafe is an experience in itself. This cafe cum bakery is ideal for breakfast for those who want to grab a quick bite. Their sandwiches, salads and tarts are worth a try.

Picture Courtesy: whatsupgoa.com

Bomra’s, Candolim: This place is Goa’s best kept secret. It is an unpretentious and welcoming restaurant serving authentic Burmese cuisine. With an al fresco dining, Bomra’s is an oasis of style. Order anything from the menu and it will be a delight to one’s taste buds.

Picture Courtesy: happilyunmarried.com

Thalassa, Vagator: Perched on the edge of a cliff, with the views of Arabian Sea, this restaurant offers delectable Greek fare in Goa. Expect dishes such as Kleftiko, Kebab Wraps, Spana Korizo and a lot more to indulge the palate.

Fiesta, Calangute: It is one of the classiest fine dining sea side restaurants in Goa. With pictureseque location, overlooking Arabian Sea, the restaurant offers delightful dishes from European cuisine. Must try delicacies and beverages at the eatery are Ceasar’s Salad, Death by Chocolate and Fruit Margarita.

Picture Courtesy: whatsupgoa.com

Britto’s, Baga Beach: This is a typical Goan beach shack, and one of the most renowned restaurants in the city. The ambience, cool sea breeze and soothing music adds to one’s experience at the eatery. The popular items from the menu are Pork Vindaloo, Prawn Curry, Chicken Xacuti, Fish Caldeen and Crab Curry, to name a few.

Picture Courtesy: listz.in

Head to these fabulous places to eat, drink and feel the magic of Goa.