Sapna’s Foodie Guide To Goa
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Sapna’s Foodie Guide To Goa

SL’s fashion and beauty editor Sapna Rao is a regular visitor to Goa and during her most recent trip, she hit up some of the best foodie spots the coastal region has to offer. From beach bars to fine dining restaurants, these were the highlights...
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@SlowTideGoa

FOR WATERSIDE VIEWS:

Bawri Goa, Assagoa

My dad had heard great things about Bawri’s Mumbai location, so we made sure to check out the Goan outpost. The food was some of the best of the trip – the chicken biryani was next level – but what really set this place apart was the setting. With seating that floats on a koi pond, it’s one of the most unique and atmospheric dining experiences in the region. The interiors are so chic and the whole experience was very special. 

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FOR DAY-TO-NIGHT VIBES

Slow Tide, Anjuna

Slow Tide is exactly what you want from a beachside spot – chilled out, with great seafood and even better views. We visited during the day, but I’ve heard it transforms in the evening with live music, dance performances and DJs creating a buzzy late-night scene. Whether you go for lunch or cocktails at sunset, you’re guaranteed good vibes.

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@BawriIndia

FOR LONG LUNCHES:

The Second House, Saligao

If Soho House had a Goan outpost, it would look something like this. A relaxed all-day spot perfect for a long, lazy lunch, The Second House serves generous portions – so much so that we over-ordered. On a menu full of international influences, the pasta dishes were the standout. The cocktails were a highlight too. I had a delicious drink that blended two of my all-time favourites: a paloma and picante. Affordable, laidback and the ideal place to spend a long afternoon. 

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FOR TRADITIONAL GOAN DISHES:

Avos Kitchen, Assagao

Despite what I assumed from its name, Avos Kitchen isn’t about avocados. It’s about authentic, home-style Goan food. A failsafe for brunch or lunch, the masala prawns were full of flavour, the veggie thali hit the spot, and the fresh dishes were some of the best I had on the trip. Bonus points for the caramel custard, which was the perfect way to cool down after all the spice.

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The Tanjore Tiffin Room

FOR THALI DINING:

The Tanjore Tiffin Room, Anjuna

This is the place to go for a proper thali experience. I recommend visiting in the evening to soak up the atmosphere and ordering a mix of dishes to share. The Madras king prawns were exceptional, as were the buttery, flaky parathas. It’s traditional Tamilian cooking at its best.

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FOR BRUNCH:

Como Agua, Anjuna

Set between the sea and the forest, Como Agua delivers on scenery, live music and great craft cocktails. If you’re after brunch with a view, this is the place to be. After a week of dosas, as ashamed as I am to say it, I’ll admit I was craving avocado on toast. The one I had here was exactly what I needed.

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Second House

Avos Kitchen

FOR COCKTAILS:

Outpost, Panaji

This post-dinner drinks spot delivered exactly what we wanted – good cocktails and good vibes. If you’re looking for somewhere to carry on after dinner, this is a solid bet. The interiors are really cool, and there’s usually some kind of live music to enjoy. 

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FOR EAST ASIAN DISHES:

Grumps, Sangolda

For East Asian-inspired sharing plates, Grumps in the small village of Sangolda is the one. The spice levels were spot on and the freshness of the ingredients really stood out. We had salmon tartare, Sichuan chicken, crying tiger beef and sticky pork, all accompanied by steamed rice. I finished my meal with a very good chocolate mousse. The cocktails were also excellent – and reasonably priced. Plus, the team was so lovely and attentive. 

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FOR LATE - NIGHT DRINKS:

LouLou, Assagao

For those who take their cocktails seriously, LouLou is a must. With its dark, moody interiors, you can sit at the bar or perch by the piano to try the cocktails – all served in beautiful glassware. I was so impressed by the attention to detail. Whether you want a classic drink or something experimental and spicy, this spot delivers.

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FOR A CASUAL STOP:

Kefi, Anjuna

We only stopped here for a quick drink and snack, but Kefi’s easy, laid-back atmosphere made a lasting impression. The café and bistro serve Lebanese-inspired plates among other crowd-pleasing dishes, as well as desserts and smoothies. I spotted a seriously good-looking burger making the rounds, which I’ve mentally bookmarked for my next trip.

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FOR ITALIAN DISHES:

Praca Prazeres, Panaji

This was a bit of a trek from where we were staying in Fort Aguada, but it was absolutely worth the trip. In Panaji, the capital of Goa, it offered a welcome change from all the local and Tamil food we’d been eating – think rich, comforting Italian dishes instead. I had the gnocchi but also tried some of my boyfriend’s beef tenderloin with chimichurri, which was served with mash. I also tried some of the mushroom risotto my dad ordered, which was delicious. A failsafe option if you’re missing home.

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Mahima Agarwal/ Unsplash

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