I was in Goa last weekend and I’m infused with susegado tinted peace. Yes, that much abused word when it comes to all things Goan. A number of people have messaged me asking for a list of recommendations for great eating joints. And being a vegetarian, I believe that if a place in Goa has good vegetarian food, the non-vegetarian fare will be outstanding. You can choose to correct me, but this theory has always worked for me and my friends. So let us begin with Morjim and Ashwem that seem to have so many happening places now that the Brittos of Baga seem to have been pushed into mundane oblivion.
Here are a bunch of places in North Goa, some old, some new and some rearranged in new settings.
Sublime Bistro, Morjim
This has downright brilliant food. Vegetarian options are few but I loved them all. I went and met the chef and thanked him for the meal which had such a delicate balance of all the flavours.
What I ate: Spinach in filo pastry, oven-baked mushroom, chocolate truffle (with a chocolate crumb and some Creme Anglais). And each dish was brilliant.
Cantare, Saligao
This is a resto-bar and comes alive at night. Makes for an interesting, non-shack experience at Goa. This is a restored house and if you find a seat in the balcony/verandah, it could make for a lovely evening. The owner walks around and talks to the people at every table. There is live music on some nights. Gets packed easily. We went in September and couldn’t get a table inside. So book in advance.
Thalassa, Vagator
This place is well-known for Greek food and is loved for its simple white decor. I almost thought, I was back at Santorini, Greece.
The location works in its favour. Overlooking the lovely Vagator beach, this place lets you sit and watch the sun set the sea ablaze and then shimmer a bit, colour the sky and then dip into the sea for the night. If you do wish to see the sunset, book a table in advance. If you get there before 5 pm, and have not booked a table, you will get evicted, literally. You will be told more than a thousand times, that you will need to leave by 5 pm.
What I ate: Tzatziki. Decent but didn’t wow us. And the veg souvlaki. This was delicious. The juices from the roasted veggies ran all over the plate, leaving us swabbing the plate with the pita bread. Yes, till the very last drop!
Infantaria, Calangute
Been around forever, good for breakfast and a quick meal. There are so many more restaurants at every corner and many of them are quite good. I think Goa is fun when you discover these places for yourself. Have fun and eat away.
Bhavani crafts tours at Audiocompass.in and blogs at merrytogoaround.com