Not long ago, when it came to food, Goa threw up endless choices for non-vegetarian tourists but very few for vegetarian travellers.
Goa is a popular food paradise, known for its non-vegetarian cuisine - crispy fish fry, flavourful fish curry, piquant chicken cafreal and so many more - but when vegetarian guests go around hunting for places to dine at, they come to naught.
But here's some solace for them; vegetarians now travelling to Goa will find it so much easier, considering there are a number of veg outlets across the state and one such place is Zraa Hattke, that is also a place for non-vegetarians who may want to try something different in the veg section.
Like its unique name, the food at this joint, in Cansaulim, is exclusive, and could even be considered as a paradise for North Indian cuisine.
So, we sat down for a chat with the Jain family, which runs the place, to know more about the restaurant and its menu.
The restaurant is a brainchild of cousins Pooja and Milli, who got together to give shape to Zraa Hattke. It was the restaurant which made them shift base to Goa from Delhi.
Explaining the name, Pooja says, “The restaurant’s name encapsulates our culinary philosophy – to provide an experience that lingers not just in the memory but in taste buds as well.” She adds, “Just as the name resonates a hint of nostalgia, our dishes evoke cherished flavours of the yesteryears with a unique twist.”
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Wide range of vegetarian delights
Since the restaurant is about North Indian cuisine, you expect the usual vegetarian spread. But, you're in for a surprise. At this restaurant, the dishes are with a twist, making them palate-twisters, and so, a must-try for all - the vegetarians, and also non-vegetarians.
One such item on the menu is the cigar rolls, spring rolls of sorts, but with three variants of cheese, with spinach and spices. This dish is loved by kids and adults, a perfect tea snack and goes well with a drink too. Yes, this vegetarian restaurant serves alcohol.
Other starters on the menu are mushroom duplex and vada pav popsicles, each of them stand out in flavour and cooking style just like their name. For the main course, you can look forward to Amritsari chole, soya masala, vegetable jal farezi, among others.
The menu has been put together by Milli and Pooja. Asked what went into the curation of the menu, the duo chorused: “It’s a combination of both our talents and expertise combined. The recipes are derived from Vaatsalya, which means mother’s love. It's Milli's venture in Delhi which provides dehydrated home-food for students and travellers to ensure they do not miss home-cooked food.” And this is the secret of their fine curation of menu, whose every dish packs the taste of home in it.
‘Zraa Hattke’ style in Goa
The restaurant’s décor and interiors are warm and welcoming, with mustard-yellow walls and subdued lighting, creating a cosy ambience. The tastefully done up interior and the Bollywood-dialogue wall add oodles of zest to the culinary experience. All thanks to the Jain siblings - Nandini, Akshita and Sunny - who did not mind taking helpful inputs from the family. No wonder, the place gives a homey feel.
The Zraa Hattke team does a good job of convincing sceptics to give vegetarian food a try, give them a chance to serve and dispel the misconception of vegetarian food being bland or limited. They succeed in de-tagging its ‘ghaas phoos’ (grass-like) label. Once you've taken a bite at Zraa Hattke, curiosity will turn into delight. And, you'll be planning your next visit to the place.
WHERE: 145/A/1, Mursi, Cuelim, Cansavlim
WHEN: Everyday
TIMING: 10:30 am- 11pm
CONTACT: +91 77759 00039
