Deciding on a place to eat is like playing badminton. With the shuttlecock being “you decide”, which is hit back and forth between everyone.
But all games come to an eventual end as the metaphorical shuttlecock hits the ground when the same old phrase leads to indecision and increased hunger pangs.
Not knowing what to eat is a pain in itself. But do you know what hurts more? Knowing exactly where you want to eat, but not being to access it because you are miles away in a different country far away from home.
Today’s edition of local recommendations are laced with the yearning of all the Goans, who have found home away from home in other countries, but can’t quite get the taste of these restaurants in Goa out of their mouth.
Currently based in the United Kingdom, when asked what one of her all-time favourite dish when she comes to Goa is, Vanessa Pereira from Santa Cruz exclaims, “Ashok Bar in Panjim! They have the best chicken curry!”
Standing still in time as the signboard reads, ‘Since 1970’, Ashok Bar & Restaurant is located behind the Panjim post office and is frequented by many.
VANESSA RECOMMENDS
1. Ashok Bar & Restaurant, Panjim
Spending most of his time at sea and a little in his hometown, Goan seafarer, Keegan Aquino heads to Wok n Roll, a Southeast Asian restaurant, every time he returns home to Goa.
“The Chili Basil Calamari, Laksa, Beef Rendang curry and Balinese grilled fish in Banana leaf are my personal favourites,” he smiles as he packs his bags to say a momentary goodbye to Goa again.
KEEGAN RECOMMENDS
2. Wok n Roll, Sinquerim
Closer to home, based in Bangalore, Nikita Nogar drools over Da Tita, an Italian restaurant & pizzeria in Majorda in South Goa. “At Da Titas, I love the Capricciosa Pizza. They make this homemade tomato sauce and have ethically sourced veggies and meat. The pizza also has prosciutto, which is my favourite kind of meat on pizza,” she says.
Nogar never says no to dessert. “Also, their tiramisu is so good! It brings tears to my eyes,” she laughs.
NIKITA RECOMMENDS
3. Da Tita by Magic Italy, Majorda, South Goa
Neona Heredia from Porvorim has always been a sucker for good sushi. And despite moving to the UK and having her fair share of sushi in a foreign land, her food itinerary for whenever she returns home on vacation always includes Sakana, a Japanese restaurant in Vagator.
“I can’t pick a favourite, I love all their sushi’s,” she smiles confusedly.
NEONA RECOMMEDS
4. Sakana Goa, Vagator
A student at the Cardiff University in the UK, Mahak’s list of places to eat in Goa runs long with suggestions such as Orzo Kitchen + Bar, Mama Miso Goa, Kebabiz and La Selle.
“I like the lasagna at Orzo, the Prawns Tempura and Pad Thai at Mama Miso, literally everything at Kebabiz and the pizza and pasta at La Selle,” she says as she tries to pick a favourite but fails every time.
MAHAK RECOMMENDS
5. Orzo, Navelim
6. Mama Miso, Cansaulim
7. Kebabiz, Margao
8. La Selle, Margao
Just a plane ride away, these guys are sure to return to their favourite restaurants and their comfort food anytime now. What are you waiting for?