Hotel Venite Goa

Cuisine Recommended: Goan

Shudh Shakahari Meter: 3.5/5

Cost of Meal for two: Rs. 1000

"While in Goa, do as the Goans do...! :)" with this thought in mind I further started checking out the joints that serve good local cusine... Our Hotel Manager recommended a place called Hotel Venite in Panjim, naturally more known for its Non Veg- Sea food variety than Veg food... But Goa is a place where you don't really get great variety in Vegetarian food, hence it becomes even more important to write about what to eat as a Vegetarian while in Goa. So Shudh Shakahari in me accepted this challenge to try local joints to recommend vegetarian food options. 

A quaint little place welcomed us, with its hanging balconies on the front facade. At first sight I loved the portuguese influence that I could see in the building. Speaking to Alex my friendly server later, I learnt that the building is over 200 years old and the restaurant in itself was 60 years old. It has history in its every wall. 

Walking up the wall and the rope decor hanging on it, caught my attention. I was piqued and was looking forward to see how the balconies would look from within!

Me at the balcony window

On Alex's recommendation I went ahead with Mushroom Xacuti, a local coconut based curry dish with lots of vegetables including mushroom, served with rice. 

I also ordered a fresh mixed fruit juice to go with it. 

To my utter delight the food tasted lovely and was highly appreciated by my taste buds. Juice was extremely refreshing with the right amount of papaya, pineapple and watermelon. 

Shudh Shakahari gives this place a thumbs up. While there also do check out their graffiti wall which has a history of its own. 

Goan Special at Mum's Kitchen

Cuisine Recommended: Goan

Shudh Shakahari Meter: 3.5/5
Cost of Meal for two: Rs. 1200

When I was out vacationing with like-minded friends there were ample opportunity for trying new kinds of food. So we decided that when in Goa we should do as the Goans do... Eat the Goan Cusine! Live the Goan life a little! :) 

Highly recommended on our list was Mum's Kitchen. The beautiful flowers of Madhumati or Rangoon Creepers at the entrance smelt heavenly and welcomed us to a beautiful experience ahead!

The ambience of the place is beautiful. It has a Modern feel with a touch of tradition. There were fine touches of colour, on the table that were pleasing to the eye. It had a feel that went well with the Goa environment! 

I had a very refreshing watermelon juice as soon as I entered that tasted as good as it looked. 

We ordered for Veg Khatkhatem. It was spicy and sour and such a treat to our mouth. Vegetables cooked in coconut based-khatta curry with lots of spices. High on my recommendation list. 

For dessert we had the local speciality Bebinca with icecream. Another item in the menu I thoroughly enjoyed. 

One of the walls in the restaurant proudly displays the Times Food Awards Mom's Kitchen has won over the years. And so well deserved. Shudh Shakahari gives Mom's Kitchen a thumbs up! :)

Britos- Goa

Cuisine Recommended: Chinese

Shudh Shakahari Meter: 3/5

Cost of Meal for two: Rs. 1000

This is my third visit to Goa... But Brittos is one place I have heard so much about but never eaten at before. A cozy shack with candle lights on the center of the tables, Brittos is a sight that you will love immediately for its casual laid back feel. There are tables both inside in the covered area and outside on the beach. 

The temperature in Goa, made me chose to sit inside. The restaurant was completely packed even for an offseason. I immediately noticed the interesting play of shadow on the ceiling caused by the cane baskets cleverly being used in place of lamp shades. 

Choice of Vegetarian food is minimal as is usual in Goa. Like most famous Goa restaurants and shacks, Brittos also serves a varied range of sea food options but not much for vegetarians. I chose the safe option of Manchurian and Noodles and was happy with the way it tasted. 

But what I have to especially mention is the Virgin Pina colada that was absolutely divine to taste. It had an awesome-right blend of pineapple juice and coconut milk. Totally out of the world! I had to get myself a second glass just to make sure it was not a fluke the first time around and that the bartender/chef actually knew what he was doing! :P Thumbs Up!!! I highly recommend this drink to all especially teetotalers. You have to, have to, absolutely have to taste this drink when next there! :)