Siolim, nestled along River Chapora, presents an interesting duality. It attracts tranquillity seekers and social butterflies alike, offering them both serenity and social interaction. Recognising this unique village vibe, Issa opened its fine-dining experience here a few months ago with the promise to embrace the concept of connection through its food.
Stepping into Issa, the gentle murmur of the river and swaying coconut palms immediately create a calming ambience.
Earthy tones of beige and warm wood set the stage for understated elegance, complemented by pops of life from potted greenery. Every element is meticulously chosen to cultivate a welcoming and inviting space.
Issa offers a choice to its guests – air-conditioned comfort with a dedicated bar and stunning river views on the lower level, or an al fresco experience on the breezy terrace boasting breathtaking panoramic vistas.
We chose to bask in the Siolim’s atmosphere on the terrace. The expansive view offered a sense of pure relaxation creating a very personal and comforting setting.
THE PERFECT POUR
We started with a gin-based cocktail – the Butterfly Effect. This concoction featured gin infused with blue pea flower, alongside vodka, tequila, triple sec, white rum, lemongrass cordial and a touch of Co2 for a playful effervescence. For a taste of timeless elegance, we also indulged in the ‘South Side’, a refreshing blend of gin, mint, and lime. Both cocktails struck a perfect balance of tartness.
COMFORT FOOD
A creamy burrata chaat, set the tone for a delicious meal. This playful take on the classic chaat featured a perfectly set burrata, its creamy centre contrasting beautifully with the zesty flavours of tamarind and mint chutney, plantain crisps, smashed chickpeas and beetroot dust. Each element worked in harmony, transforming this simple dish into a delightful explosion of textures and tastes.
Every bite of the burrata chaat was a refreshing delight, accompanied by the soothing sound of the waves lapping against the riverbank. The next course, jackfruit tacos.
Light and smoky masala jackfruit within the tortillas, perfectly complemented by the pico de gallo and a touch of coriander pesto. The jackfruit itself, cooked to perfection, offered a satisfying textural contrast – soft and yielding yet offering a delightful chew. A seamlessly weave of flavours.
SOMETHING FISHY
For a touch of the exotic, we tried mussels with Thai curry – a dozen mussels. The savoury, spicy, and sour notes of the dish blended with the creamy coconut milk and the aromatic herbs like lemongrass captured the truly amazing taste. It was one of the favourites whose taste still lingers in my mind, when thinking of it.
Issa's menu offers a plethora of options to tantalise every palate. From avocado toast and beef carpaccio to Malabar curries and prawn dishes, the European influences seamlessly blend with local flavours, creating a truly wholesome dining experience.
We also opted for the kingfish skewers. The soft fish, perfectly infused with grain mustard, was paired with a refreshing and chewy fennel citrus salad. The aroma of the confit garlic sauce added another layer of complexity to this delightful dish.
For those seeking a more casual dining experience, Issa also offers a range of burgers, wraps and sandwiches with vegetarian, chicken and pork options. Seafood lovers can revel in the bounty of the sea, thanks to Issa’s charcoal grills.
SWEET ENDINGS…
No meal is complete without a dessert, and their Issa Indulgence did not disappoint. This chocolate mousse, infused with Baileys, offered a delightful juxtaposition of rich chocolate and smooth, creamy texture. The subtle hint of Irish cream added a touch of complexity.
If you yearn for a slow travel experience or simply seek a place to relax and unwind, Issa in Siolim, North Goa, is the place you got to be.