OTHER LOCAL, Goa

While in Goa one should definitely try the typical Goanese cuisine. I did. I would not say that I really liked them, but they were definitely worth trying. I tried two chicken dishes, Chicken Xacuti (a very rich gravy chicken cooked with aromatic spices) and Chicken Cafrel (roasted chicken in garam masala). I kind of liked the latter, but both were really very spicy, and they seemed so even to my Indian tongue

Favorite Dish: Chicken Xacuti
Chicken Cafrel

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Baga beach is lined from one end to another with these beach bars. All are temporary, built new every season and taken down at the end (as you can see in photo 3), and all look very much the same. The main difference as far as we were concerned was the degree to which the staff hassled you to choose their bar, so we developed a policy of going to one where we weren’t waylaid as soon as we walked nearby bit were left to make up our minds in peace.

During the day the bars put out beach chairs so when you choose your chair you also choose your bar. You can order drinks and snacks where you sit, or go into the bar area itself for some welcome shade and a wider choice of refreshments. We had some nice grilled shrimp one day but mostly only drank here. As well as cold drinks during the day, we came several times for a beer at sunset – a very relaxing way to end the day or start your evening.

The bar we frequented most was “Travellers’ Rest”, towards the southern end of the beach by our hotel. The staff were very friendly and relatively laid-back, but towards the end of our stay they changed and started to ask us to pay money for hospital treatment for one of their number. We really weren’t sure whether this was genuine or a con, but we felt we were being used so we moved on and drank elsewhere for the last few days.

This was fairly quiet whilst we were there, but it is a good place to go if you have the late night munchies. The staff are fairly friendly. The food is okay. They start their late night menu at 11pm. Various Goan dishes are available.

Ma Thai is in Candolim, Goa on a very quiet road near the Whispering Palms hotel. It has a very nice open setting where people can sit outside in the gardens or under a open shelter.

On Tuesday evenings they have a special Karaoke night and on Friday evenings they have a band playing.

The best thing about Ma Thai are the friendly staff. All speak very good English and are willing to help in anyway that they can

Favorite Dish: My favourite starter is Deep Fried Prawns and Crispy fried Potatoes. In the Deep Fried Prawns you get 5 large prawns fried in breadcrumbs and served with a sweet and sour dip. The Crispy fried potatoes are similar to chips but with a butter garlic and celery sauce. Sounds horrible but is actually great!!!

My favourite Main dish is Chicken Green Curry. This is quite spicy but tastes just like you would get in Thailand. Also if you fancy something not quite as spicy you need to try the Fish in Lemon Grass Sauce.

My favourite desert is Fried Banana and Pancakes served with Ice cream.

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Do not forget to visit Oriental Restaurant, Hotel Mira, Calangute.
The Chef has a special touch with oriental and Thai cuisine.

The poolside restaurant offers nice ambience..

Favorite Dish: steaks, pasta (al Dente!)

For all those of you who thought that Goa was a land of hospitable people..you're right! But then every silver cloud has a dark lining.. Let me put it like this...
There is this small restaurant close to Calangute on the beginning of Baga Beach Road called "INFANTARIA".
If you are a Foreigner, chances are that you may get off easily.. but God help you if you are dark-skinned(read Indian/Asian).Then surely you will be greeted with a cold non-existant welcome when you enter. The first thing that strikes a new visitor on entering the restaurant is the utter indifference shown by the waiters.After you succeed in catching the waiter's eye,once you have settled down,consider yourself lucky in getting a menu card soon. The waiters all look like they have either just returned from a funeral or are going to one.
If anyone succeeds in getting the waiters to even display a ghost of a smile,I'm sure this feat will appear the next day in the local dailies.
It is exactly such an attitude that makes an Indian feel unwanted and ashamed in his own country.Probably the Portuguese hangover has not left the employees and owners of "INFANTARIA".When we asked another local about the reason for this attitude, we were told that they(the owners) are so busy raking in the moolah that they have no time for social niceties. All this at the expense of customers like you and me.
So. the bottom line is "BE WARNED. YOU ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK". If you are indifferent to such attitudes then hats off to you.

Got to say this is definitely the best restaurant in Agonda if not Goa! The food is just superb! They have a fantastic menu - everything from Indian, Mexican (recommend the chicken enchiladas - mmmmmmm!!) chinese and anything else that takes your fancy really. Never eaten meat in India before but their fillet steaks were just the best! Staff all very friendly and nothing too much trouble for them. Great chef too....popped into the kitchen a few times and always spotlessly clean. They have BBQ nights quite often too and the fish is always fresh. The chef (Moti) does a great Lobster special...try it....fantastic! Also the best iced coffees for miles around! Even better with a Honey Bee brandy!

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This is a great place to visit during your trip to Panjim. Usually one gets very tired and thirsty while in Panjim because if the humidity and crowd. Earnest's is a great place to relax and have a quiet drink in the eavenbings. The snacks they serve is just superb. The ambience is very nice and even the chairs are so comfortable. You just can't get up and leave!!!
If you can meet Earnest, the owner, have a conversation.. very nice man..

The balcony has few seats overlooking the park and the street. A nice place to watch the world go by.
I think this is a must visit place!!

Favorite Dish: snacks.. fish fingers, liver fry, Tongue Roast,Pork chops etc...