A local touch always adds a sense of warmth. Not just because these methods have been tried and tested, but also because they’ve been passed down from one person to another and carried from one space to the next.
We are a web of all that we’ve learnt and adapted along the way. The way that you hold your chopsticks was not always yours, it was taught to you by your mother whose fingers look exactly like yours.
Your favourite drink was probably introduced to you by someone you don’t talk to anymore, but the fact that you remember them so very fondly every time you take that first sip sure leaves a lasting impression.
Sure, sharing is caring and caring is sharing – right from your favourite recipes to quick hacks, and most importantly, your favourite places to eat.
Today’s edition of local recommendations is all set to take you to 7 places that have crept their way into the local Goan hearts, and that they suggest you should try and test for yourself the next time you are clueless about what to eat in Goa.
Catering to the first, and most important, meal of the day, Abigail Nunes from Old Goa suggests saying hello to sunshine at Hello Sunshine, an all-day breakfast and brunch restaurant in Anjuna.
“My personal favourite is ‘The Habibi’ breakfast,” she smiles.
ABIGAIL RECOMMENDS
1. Hello Sunshine, Anjuna
As for chirpy Rhea D’souza from Panjim, “If you ask me, the Ramen at Saké in Assagao complements this cold monsoon weather perfectly. They’ve got options in pork, chicken and seafood as well. Aside from that, even the sushi and dim sums are really good. For dessert, try out the Nama Chocolate or Kaya Toast, which are to-die-for!
And for her second recommendation, Rhea hopes that you will head to Calangute and step into Meiphung North Eastern Kitchen to feast on the Pork Stir Fry, Beef Salad and Momo.
RHEA RECOMMENDS
2. Saké, Assagao
3. Meiphung North Eastern Kitchen, Calangute
For a budgeted Goan meal, Sherwyn Couto recommends ordering in from Tiffin Factory, a cloud kitchen in St Inez.
"I really like their box meals like the Goan Pulao with Balchão and the Cafreal Chicken box. However, if you want a quick snack, I’d recommend their quick bites like the Cheesy Chicken Goan Pão which is also a really good option,” says the local from the village of Pomburpa.
SHERWYN RECOMMENDS
4. Tiffin Factory, St Inez
“Panko King Fried Prawns with Goan Xacuti Dip, Dark Chocolate Chilli Chorizo Bruschetta and Chicken Cafreal Naanza,” notes Karen Pinto, who does not mind travelling from her home in Panjim to Reis Magos to enjoy a meal by the sea at Carlito’s by the Sea in Reis Magos.
KAREN RECOMMENDS
5. Carlito’s By The Sea, Reis Magos
Good food and rooftop views, “At Raki, I loved the Feta & Okra Gozleme, Chicken and Lamb. For dessert, the Baklava was heavenly, and at Black Sheep Bistro, I loved the Ghee Roast Pork Ribs and Prawns in Pink. It's really difficult to say which one was the best,” ponders Eshaan De Souza, a resident of Mapusa.
ESHAAN RECOMMENDS
6. Raki, Cresent Hotel, Miramar
7. Black Sheep Bistro, Campal
Seeing is believing. Or in this case, tasting. So, the next time you find yourself struggling to decide where to eat, Rhea, Sherwyn, Karen, Abigail and Eshaan have got you covered!