AS INDIA CONTINUES TO GROW AS A SERIOUS FOODIE DESTINATION, LOOK NO FURTHER THEN GOA TO EXPERIENCE A WEALTH OF TANTALISING INDEPENDENT RESTAURNATS THAT NOW HAS IT STANDING SIDE BY SIDE THE LIKES OF MUMBAI & NEW DELHI. CNT RECENTLY SITED GOA AS BEING HOME TO TEN OF THE BEST FIFTY RESTAURANTS IN INDIA
WITH GOA’S COVETED PERCH ON THE CUSP OF THE ARABIAN SEA, SEAFOOD IS, OF COURSE, THE STAR OF ITS MENUS. LAYER THESE COASTAL FLAVOURS WITH LOCAL SPICES AND FOUR CENTURIES OF PORTUGUESE INFLUENCE (HELLO, CHILLIES), AND HERE IS A CUISINE THAT’S ENTIRELY UNIQUE IN INDIA. ALONGSIDE ITS CLASSICS, GOA HAS MASTERED INTERNATIONAL FAVOURITES, TOO—THE RESULT OF A CONSTANT STREAM OF VISITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD HANKERING FOR A TASTE OF HOME.
Bomras
An institution of the restaurant scene in Goa, Bomras has been going from strength to strength, recently awarded the number one restaurant in Goa by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine this gastronomic wonder hits all the right notes. Serving sizzling Burmese inspired cuisine, in the pretty garden setting of the foodies’ fav neighbourhood of Assagao. Chef Patron Bawmra, ‘Jap’ has drawn on his rich Burmese heritage and reimagined it, using the best & freshest Goan ingredients. Signature dishes include – lime & chilli snapper, crackling pork, pomelo & pomegranate salad and seared beef with basil and coriander. Need we say more?
Mum’s Kitchen, Panaji
This friendly diner is perfect for families in Goa with children. The ethos here is intrinsic to the culinary traditions of Goa, painstakingly preserving the home cooked dishes that go back through the generations and are only truly found in Goa. The menu is an easily navigable blend of Goan and Portuguese classics, with croquettes and chourico rolls to tempt the fussiest of eaters and the peri-peri prawns drawing a consistent flock of loyal supporters.
Amavi by Sumera, Calangute
Slip off Calangute’s main strip to discover Amavi by Sumera, named for the woman cooking up a Cordon Bleu storm within. Veering indulgently from a tender Beef Wellington to duck with pickled shitake, an accolade of ‘best restaurant in Goa’ is well-deserved here. Time your visit for a live music night and enjoy the party.
Sublime Goa, Assagao
A holiday in Goa is an invitation to immerse in ‘susegad’—the lazy ease that permeates this beautiful state. For a direct experience of the Goan philosophy, eat at Sublime. It lives up to its name, with fantastic food and a relaxed setting in a gorgeous old Goan house: the perfect place to kick back with a long, laidback lunch.
Black Sheep Bistro, Panaji
A hipster haven, Black Sheep Bistro excels at casual dining in the capital. It has mastered the art of a relaxed ambiance, with ingenious cocktails and excellent food adding to the good vibes. The menu combines global classics as well as Goan favourites: the Creole Chicken and crispy Prawn Tempura are consistent crowd-pleasers.
Izumi Assagao
Another big hitter on the Assagao scene, Izumi is an upscale Japanese dining experience that elevates everything from the simplest sashimi to the most delicate dishes of steaming ramen , it is no wonder that IZUMI Assagao is a firm favourite. With a tropical indoor-outdoor setting Izumi is perfect day or night, look out for their Sunday live Jazz brunches. The perfect end to anyone’s week.
For The Record
Well worth leaving the beaches behind, this wonderful little low-key bar, For the Record is situated in the heart of historic Fontainhas in Panjim. The perfect vinyl bar, take your time browsing some seriously vintage records, while the barman whips up some seriously impressive cocktails. For the menu expect simple yet flavourful pizzas, salads, burgers and some sort of salted tempura leaves that are lighter than air.
The Second House
The Second House is situated in the heart of the quiet & quaint village of Saligao, serving up some serious interior design, in this Instagram magnet of a dining destination. Set in a converted old Indo-Portuguese bungalow over 100 years old, it is an unusually large space – spanning over 8,500 square feet. Since fruition The Second House has always pulled in the crowds with their perfect sharing food that is casual, unfussy and full of flavours. The chef’s very global approach to cooking is felt throughout the menu of kimchi cutlet served with a tamarind chilli dressing, togarashi beef tart, not to mention the fresh seabass ceviche with tart raw mango dressing topped with seeds.
Feature images © Amrapali House of Grace; VioletaStoimenova/iStock; Mum’s Kitchen; Amavi by Sumera; Mojigao; Lisovskaya/iStock; LeoPatrizi/iStock; vm2002/iStock
