Confessions of a Foodie in Goa

 

“Prodham bhookt, magi mookt”; I’m quite certain you all must be just as clueless as I was the first time I heard what seemed like a Sanskrit shlok. But then, I visited Goa and it all started to make sense. “You can’t think until you’ve eaten well”, this popular Konkani proverb is what every Goanese stands by, and rightly so! There is more to Goa than its golden sands and enticing beaches. Food and drinks are taken very seriously and boy, you’d be amazed if I tell you that Goan cuisine has more to offer than the quintessential Goan curry and prawn vindaloo! With this very agenda in mind, I decided to let loose the foodie in me, and embark on a gastronomic adventure in this tropical paradise.

Mum’s Kitchen

I’d barely just made it out of the airport, and my first stop was this cosy restaurant located in Panjim. Who doesn’t like “Maa ke haath ka khaana”? We all do! At Mum’s Kitchen, “Mothers” from different parts of Goa have compiled and recreated some of the most mouth-watering traditional dishes, while striving to preserve the authenticity of Goan cuisine. With its warm ambience, green tiled tables and homely décor, you are sure to feel at home. The restaurant offers a wide array of dishes for vegetarians and non-vegetarians and has been rated The Best Goan Traditional Cuisine twice in a row by Times Food Guide.

Lila Café

Enter this quaint, airy setting amidst a thatched roof, white tent and bamboo chairs, on the banks of the lazy Baga river and treat yourself to some of the most imaginative healthy food (if you thought you can’t watch your calories when in Goa, think again). Everything here is natural and homemade, including marmalade and honey! Run by a German couple, there’s something very quirky about this place: whether it’s their signboards (“Dogs are friendly, beware of the owner”; “Please wear t-shirt or shirt”- a sign board with a shirtless muscleman painted on) or their menu which resembles a news periodical, titled Never-Mind-Times. I would highly recommend this place for a lazy brunch near your hotel in Calangute or the perfect cure for a hangover. Their croissants made with generous portions of butter are a must-try; or you can enjoy other delicacies such as sour dough bread, pumpernickel bread, Hungarian goulash, smoked king fish and apple pie.
 

Thalassa

Perched on the edge of a cliff, with gorgeous views overlooking the Arabian Sea, this Greek taverna offers one of the most picturesque sunsets and delectable Greek fare. “Thalassa” is a Greek acronym for sea and this open-air restaurant styled entirely in white always reminds me of one of those classic eateries in Mykonos. So get yourself the perfect table, sip on a Mimosa, gorge on generous portions of mouth-watering Greek delicacies, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the friendly staff. I guarantee you’ll leave this restaurant completely satisfied and on top of the world (quite literally).

La Plage

A popular hangout for Indian and international celebrities, this stylish shack in Ashvem Beach area offers delicious French cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere. Adorned with colourful muslin curtains, abundance of deck chairs strewn on the white sands and the backdrop of mellow tunes, this place ranks high on my list of must-try restaurants. I highly recommend their burgers (one of the best I’ve ever tasted), their Bloody Mary with a twist, and if you are a chocolate lover like me, the Chocolate thali (that has 8 kinds of mini-chocolate desserts). A piece of advice: be sure to reserve a table well in advance and try and get a seat close to the water. 

 

Saturday Night Market

What plans for Saturday night? Maybe some shopping, followed by dinner and cocktails and then some foot-tapping music? Now, what if you can get all this in one place? Yep, you heard it right. The Saturday Night Market isn’t just called The World’s Local Market for no reason. Spread over acres of vast open field, this bustling market located in Arpora offers everything from handmade jewellery and international labels, to live concerts and of course food, and is a great option to spend a perfect Saturday evening. For foodies like me, your first stop should be the Food Corner, with offerings from around the world; authentic wood-fire pizzas, organic salads, Lebanese delights, sushi, steamed dim sums and crispy spring rolls. The chocolate-fountain marks the perfect ending to a hearty meal! Grab yourself a fresh strawberry daiquiri or sip on one of Goa’s premier wines at Big Banyan, as you stroll around this enormous market.

Someone rightly said “Goa is more than just a destination, it’s a state of mind; and when the place offers cuisines from around the globe, then that’s like the cherry on the cake. So why wait? Pack your bags (and your appetite) and plan your trip to Goa.

If you're planning a long weekend getaway to Goa, these tips will come in handy!

Where to Stay? Sinq Beach Resort (3 star), Neelam The Grand (4 star), Grand Hyatt (5 star). Here are other hotels in Goa.

Budget: Rs 2,500 per person (inclusive of 2-night stay in a 3 star hotel)

Distance from Kolkata: There are direct flight from Kolkata to Goa. The average flight duration is 3 hours. 

Traveller Type: Friends, Solo Travellers, Couples