Best of North Goa Restaurants

  Goa is not only a place for tourists, vagabonds but also heaven for gastronomes. Personally, whenever I have visited Goa it was either to learn their culture, in search of off-beat places and of course to make new friends! This time I wanted to celebrate the coming of New Year. I stopped myself to work and carry my laptop; however by force of habit I ended by doing a bit along with an awesome travel.   Location of my stay was Calangute, North Goa. As it is famous for having the busiest streets of Goa, I was looking for some quiet place to have food and enjoy the golden moments by the beach. Trust me; North Goa has few gems in the midst of those chaotic lanes that will provide the serenity and peace you are looking for. Not only these, they can serve you the best food without making a hole in your pocket. So let’s check them out!  

• Pousada, By the Beach: A beautiful place by the sea-shore where you can sit for hours, praise the high tides and the greenery. In the midst of the busiest and chaotic lanes of Candolim, this place came as a pleasant surprise. Inspired by the Portuguese design, the simple décor of the restaurant amazes the visitors. The wooden dining tables placed on the sand facing the seashore. One can take the private patios to enjoy the moment for a long time.

The Restaurant   The entrance   The Property   Met the evergreen beauty, Neena Gupta in Pousada  

This place not only pleases me with the location and its calmness but also with their hygienic food. Since it was sunny outside, I preferred to order fresh juice. Watermelon and Orange juice was served which was fresh and successful to quench my thirst. Coming to Goa and not having seafood will be a sin. Hence, I ordered Fish in Banana leaf and Fish Balchao.

Fish Balchao: Fish cooked in a Balchao sauce sprinkled with dry shrimp powder and local vinegar   Fish in Banana Leaf: Fish cooked in Onion, Tomato and Crushed Pepper Masala   I liked Fish Balchao more than Fish in Banana Leaf. The fish was smeared with Balchao sauce served with mixed salad and a bit of fried rice. If you do not like smoky flavor, then this dish is a complete “NO”. This place will be open only till 7 P.M. So, enjoy as much as you can till it closes.  

• Soro, the village Pub: This new place is located in the quiet village of Assagaon. It resembles with a typical hut in a village and hence the name. Decorated with rice bulbs and beer drums near the entrance simply attract the visitors to their little den. It’s a perfect place to hang out with your friends and close ones. It is known for its awesome live music. Grab a bottle of beer and enjoy the evening!

Soro- The Entrance     Chicken Strips Marinated with Asian Spices and Deep Fried   Grab a Beer and go for a pool game.  

• Lila Café: Extremely lucky to find this place in North Goa as I mentioned I was in search of quiet place with good food, Lila came to my help. The place denotes peace with all its white decors and I felt ecstatic to be there early morning for a kick-ass breakfast. They served me the best breakfast I ever tasted in Goa. The smooth breeze was an addition to the entire scene. The service was good and fast, they were cooperative and recommends too.

The Cafe   Bacon Omelette   Mini Slices of croissants   Cheese Chilli Omelette   ArtJuna: Another result of my hunt for a quiet with awesome food was Artjuna. Located near Anjuna Flea Market, it is a place for the art lovers. A Ganesh idol welcomes you giving you positive vibes followed by a boutique. The place serves healthy breakfast especially with home-made ingredients. Food was authentic and beyond my expectation. Lord Ganesha welcomes you   The fresh juices   Vegetable Soup served with chickpeas, quinoa and homemade sauce    

Shakshuka: A dish of eggs, poached in a fresh, thick sauce of tomatoes. Spiced with paprika, cumin, garlic, and black pepper. Served in a pan and accompanied with warm bread.

   

Falafel Plate: The Falafel balls are made from a mix of chickpeas, onion and mixed herbs,flavoured with cumin, chilly and cardamom. Served with a small Arabic salad, Tahini and home-made spicy green chutney and warm pita bread.

  My own Falafel wrap   Kenny’s-The Breakfast Place: Run by a couple who are highly energetic and super cool. It’s an amazing place to have a healthy breakfast.  They will listen to your needs and provide according to your needs. A must visit if you are in Calangute, Goa.   Small Breakfast: Egg poach, sunnyside up (preferred), Bacon, Sausage and Mushrooms.   Love to hear your experiences. Share yours under the comments section below.