Packing for Goa? Here are some hidden gems, plus popular restaurants that you must check out

From seafood to wood-fired pizzas - here’s what the summer state has to offer

Currently, Goa seems to be the destination that city dwellers are flocking to for a quick escape. The smallest state in the country was also the first state to become free of the virus, which led to people returning back to their normal lives. With shacks, fine dining, Goan delicacies, the city as chef Sandeep Shreedharan rightly said is emerging as the food capital of India. So, if you’re planning a trip to the summer state, here is your guide on where to eat while there.

Talking about the city that’s now his home, chef Shreedharan has a few spots that he believes are must-visits. He offers us a deeper insight into the evolving foodscape of Goa with handpicked recommendations he swears by. Take a look!

Jamun

For Indian food lovers, the chef recommends Jamun. If you’re looking tuck into juciy meat delicacies,this diner serves everything from Pork Chili Fry with Goan Chorizo, Crab Xec Xec and Prawn Pulao to North Indian delicacies like, Lamb Seekh Kebab and Mathania Mirchi Paneer Tikka.

Address: 190, Mazal Vado, Assagao, Goa

Call: 078238 99945

Sai Krupa

If you’re looking for authentic Goan thali, stop by at Sai Krupa for a delectable experience. If you’re not in the mood for the thali, just call for some fried fish and prawns and you won’t be disappointed.

Address: Chogm Rd, behind Navtara Rest, Porvorim, Sangolda, Goa

Call: 092843 57929

Edible Archives

Following a relatively new philosophy, Edible Archives is an ingredient-focused restaurant in Goa. Located strategically in the courtyard of a large old Portuguese home, it celebrates all things indigenous. They promote the Kochi’s love for regional diversity not just through rice, but also local vegetables and preparations from across the country. Currently, they’re serving their winter menu until March.

Address: 1301, Anjuna Mapusa Rd, Kumbhar, Gumal Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa

Call: 083088 30750

G-Shot Coffee Roastery & Cafe

“The best coffee for me is GShot Coffee,” shares chef Shreedharan. A community-run cafe-meets-roastery, their coffee should be on your must-try list. It has a gourmet menu with dishes made from the freshest ingredients and a chill, music-filled vibe that lets you disconnect in the true sense.

Address: H. No 436, Bouta Waddo, Assagao, Goa

Call: 088064 41139

Basilico

Established by an Italian lady and her Goan husband, Basilico is a garden restaurant set up in a Portuguese-styled villa in Goa. Chef shares, “It’s a 22-year old brand that nobody knows about.” It has fresh and authentic flavours with a quantum of options in salads, pizzas, homemade pastas, raviolis, lasagna and calzones.

Address: Dmello Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa

Mafia Cocktail

This unassuming and dimly-lit, late-night bar is ideal for a night with your friends. Serving South Goan delicacies along with beef roast and beef chops paired with locally-brewed cashew feni, it’s where you should resign after a long day of tourist-ing.

Address: Pilerne - Candolim Road Pilerne, Marra, Goa

Call: 077981 05340

Roboto

Looking for a quiet night in? Head to Robotos, an izakaya and ramen house. Helmed by chefs Maia Laifungbam and Sanchit Behl, Roboto is situated inside the heritage property, Sole De Goa. Theirmenu offers beef tataki with salt-cured egg yolk, pork katsudon with smoked cherry tomatoes and shoyu tonkotsu ramen.

Address: 5/2, Naikawaddo, near Dolphin Circle, Calangute, Goa

Annapurna

A hole-in-the-wall, in Goa, Annapurna is perfect if you’re looking for a simple meal after a couple of night outs. Try their thaalis or the fish fry for an ultimate Goan experience.

Address: Next to syndicate Bank, Opp Bata Showroom, D D Despande Road, Vasco da Gama, Goa

Call: 0832 251 3735

The popular spots on the map

Bomras

The iconic Burmese eatery has been a part of the culinary scene in Goa for over a decade now and with a new address in Anjuna there’s a lot to look forward to. The new menu continues to feature signature dishes like their tomato salad, crackling pork and pomelo salad along with new dishes like, prawn ceviche with celery and lemongrass and an aromatic mutton curry with peanuts and cinnamon.

Address: 1152, opp. Our Lady Of Health Chapel, Mazal Waddo, Anjuna, Goa 403509

Call: 097675 91056

Mahé

Nestled in the bylanes of Anjuna, Mahe is the brainchild of co-founders Parth Timbadia and chef Sreedharan. This casual dining restaurant celebrates local seafood and gives traditional recipes from the South a modern tweak. A mix of small plates and curries, the menu features steamed fish, red snapper ceviche and slow cooked mackerel with fresh plums. Relish dishes such as their signature prawns curry, fish pulimulagu for a night to remember.

Address: Orchard Stores, 1111 Mazal Waddo, Calangute – Arpora Road, Near, Anjuna, Goa

Call: 097658 74858

Baba Au Rhum

Overlooking a bamboo grove and paddy fields, Baba au Rhum is the perfect breakfast spot. The eatery takes pride in cooking every meal from scratch with locally sourced ingredients. Starting out as a tiny French bakery, Baba Au Rhum is now an all-day café for you to enjoy the sun. On your trip, try the cold coffee and croissants or their famed wood-fired pizzas.

Address: House No. 1054, Sim Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa

Call: 098228 66366

Gunpowder

Set in an old Portuguese bungalow, Gunpowder serves staples from South India, including from Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. Their must-haves are dishes like, the Kerala mutton curry, Madras chicken curry, spicy Goan chorizo fry and Kozhi fish curry. Mop it up with flaky Malabar parathas. The eatery is also home to a small boutique selling one-of-a-kind clothing, jewellery, decor and snacks.

Address: No 6, Anjuna Mapusa Road, Saunto Vaddo, Assagao, Goa

Call: 0832 226 8083

Artjuna Café

A popular Mediterranean cafe, Artjuna is spread across a large garden and is beautifully decorated with Middle Eastern lamps and tables featuring sand art. They have an extensive menu and you will find everything from hummus, tahini and falafel to Turkish lentil soup. And it’s the perfect place to bask in the sun as you enjoy your afternoon. Pro tip: The cafe is pet-friendly, so if you’re travelling with your furry friends, you know where to head for brunch.

Address: 940, Market Rd, Monteiro Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa

Call: 077220 80190

Suzie’s

A new addition to the ever exploding food scene in Goa, Suzie’s has a unique take on fine-dining, and if you’re looking for a romantic night out with your S.O, this is the place. Chef Saurabh Anand from New York’s Awadh brings his touch with dishe, such as the Malaysian lamb and Vietnamese pork ribs, alongside coastal Indian food. Their bar menu is also intriguing with sprightly offerings like, the kaffir-lime infused tom yam,kokum drink with tequila and vitamin sea.

Address: House no. 531, near Chari Garage, Bouta Waddo, Assagao, Goa 403507

Call: 074988 56389