If you’re a fan of exceptional dining experiences, you’ve got to hear about my recent visit to Miri x Jhol at the luxurious St. Regis Goa. This isn’t just another restaurant—it’s where the celebrated Chef Hari Nayak has brought his acclaimed Jhol experience all the way from Bangkok to our sunny shores. With a passion for coastal flavors rooted deeply in his Udupi upbringing, Chef Hari has created something truly special here, blending the rich culinary traditions of India’s coasts with a modern, innovative twist.
As soon as we arrived, the evening began with a touch of St. Regis elegance—the Champagne Sabering Ceremony. Watching the bottle of champagne being expertly opened and poured into a cascading tower of glasses was nothing short of mesmerizing, setting the tone for the luxurious dining experience ahead. The hospitality was top-notch, making us feel like we were the only guests in the room.
Now, onto the meal, which was nothing short of spectacular. Priced at ₹5499 per person plus taxes, the dining experience called A Tale of Two Coasts was an indulgence worth every penny. Each course was a journey through the coastal flavors of India, crafted with the finesse and creativity that Chef Hari Nayak is known for.
The meal began with what they call the Prelude. We started with Pani Puri—a delightful twist on the classic Indian street food, elevated with cured prawns and spiced mango-tulsi water. It was followed by Calicut Crab Toast, where the crab was perfectly spiced and paired with a creamy coconut pachadi, making it an absolute treat. The Quail Egg Devil was a bite-sized surprise, topped with caviar and kasundi onion jam, it was rich and indulgent, setting a high bar for the courses that followed.
Next up was Avocado Bhel—a playful reimagining of the street favorite, with puffed black rice adding that satisfying crunch and tamarind sorbet bringing in the tangy-sweet balance. Light and refreshing, it was a perfect palate teaser for the more substantial dishes to come.
The Berhampur Fried Chicken (BFC) arrived with a side of apple fennel slaw and a hot sauce that had just the right amount of kick. The chicken was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and paired perfectly with the refreshing slaw. If you’re a fan of fried chicken, this dish will have you hooked. My son, preferring the vegetarian, chose the Cuttack Dahi Bara Alu Dum, and after much convincing, I tried it too. Those soft, buttermilk-soaked dumplings with spicy potatoes were nothing short of comforting—like a warm hug in a bowl, so good that I had to order a portion for myself too.
For the seafood course, the Patrani Macchi was a standout. The fish, tender and perfectly cooked, was wrapped in a banana leaf, locking in all those aromatic flavors. The raita on the side was cool and creamy, providing a lovely contrast to the warm spices.
A quick palate cleanser came next in the form of a Kala Khatta Sorbet, which was a nostalgic throwback to the flavors of Indian summer. Tangy, sweet, and incredibly refreshing, it prepared us for the main course.
The main course, aptly named The Feast, offered a choice between the Coorgi Pandi Curry and Chettinad Lamb Chop. I actually tried both. The Pandi Curry, a rich, flavorful pork belly dish that was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It came with a fresh Gotu Kola Kosambari and Pathri, making it one of my most favourite dishes of the evening. The chettinad lamb too was delicious, the lamb literally cut through with a gentle stroke of knife speaking about its quality and tenderness.
And we couldn’t miss the Alleppey Meen Curry, which was served with kappa and cashew ghee rice. The fish curry was tangy, spicy, and absolutely authentic, reminding me of the backwaters of Kerala.
Just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, dessert arrived. The Tender Coconut Payasam was light and refreshing, with hints of mango, berry, and a delicate sesame crisp for texture. And the final touch? A selection of Petit Fours, including Misti Doi Cone and Chocolate Mysore Pak, which were the perfect bite-sized indulgences to end the meal on a high note.
The entire evening at Miri x Jhol was more than just a meal—it was an experience that brought together Chef Hari Nayak’s culinary genius, the luxurious setting of St. Regis, and the vibrant, diverse flavors of India’s coasts. If you’re in Goa and looking to indulge in a dining experience that’s as memorable as it is delicious, Miri x Jhol should be at the top of your list. Trust me, this is one experience you won’t want to miss.
