Gastronomie Goa-aah!

I love Goa. The word conjures up all these images of sandy beaches and long afternoons lazing in shacks, watching the ocean. Endlessly.

Or not!

I went on a quick trip to Goa recently, to visit some very close friends who live there. When in Goa, do as the Goans do.. which is V.E.R.Y. different from the lotus-eaters life above! You wake up, go to the gym, work.. maybe.. go to the market, maybe work some more, maybe go for a movie. But the thing that you can definitely do is.. EAT! And eat well. And I did!

So here’s my list of must-do food places, that are completely off the well-beaten, shack track:

1. Quarterdeck Panjim

Watch the sunset by the riverside, accompanied by chicken sandwiches and masala chai.

Location: Mandovi Riviera, Panaji

2. Cantare, Saligao

Set in the quiet village of Saligao. They have a huge verandah and balcony to sit. Perfect for people-watching. A refreshing change from the Baga-Calngute-Candolim beat, with its traffic and traffic jams.

Location: Pass the police stations into Saligao. As you drive through and start to leave the village, there are local shops and bars on the right. Look out for Cantare on the left. Ample parking (behind the restaurant) available.

3. Zanja

Ok, I admit this one is near Calangute. But it’s not a shack. In fact they shut at 5.30 in the evening! Their specialty is breakfast, brunch, lunch and snacks. Chris and Lee (the couple that run this place) are the sweetest souls and the meanest cooks :-). Everything on the menu is fantastic. And you can top it off with some ‘darshini’ style coffee!

Location: Calangute Arpora Road, Porra Vaddo, Calangute. Look out for the funky logo of a ginger cat.

4. Bomras

Fancy some Burmese food? Then this is THE place! Wednesdays are Khao Suey nights, but that hardly matters because everything there is unusual and superb.

Location: From Candolim, towards the Fort Aquada Road. It’s on the right side.

5. Ritz Classic

A nondescript, super busy and noisy place, mostly frequented by locals. But OMG, the fish thali! Just dig in with your fingers and let the smell stay on your hands for the rest of the day :-)

Location: 18th June Road, inside the Hotel Le Grande, Panjim. Upstairs.

6. Viva Panjim

Another nondescript place, frequented by the locals. But unlike Ritz above, this one is tucked away in a quiet lane, in a beautiful part of Panjim. Definitely try the local fare (Xacuti, Caldinh dishes).

Location: 31st January Rd, Fontainhas area, Panjim.

I love Goa. But I looooove Gastronomie Goa!