India is a country that offers diversity in almost everything and I feel that after language, food is one of the most important elements that showcase this diversity in cultures. For me a regional cuisine thali is a perfect platform to bring that diversity on a plate, most of the times we see a thali that represents the best of that particular region, sometimes thalis are extravagant and showcase two or more regions together. One such conceptual thali is the Maharaja Thali at Rasoda.
Being from a Punjabi family who has lived for most years in Delhi, we always celebrated Lohri with a lot of pomp and show. The bonfire, dhol and some particular food dishes have always been significant to the festival. Now living in Goa, we didn’t know what to expect, whether anyone celebrates the festival or not was a big question.
I am a sucker for places that offer mesmerising views and especially of the SUN, SAND and SEA. Just recently I discovered one more such place that offers both great views and great food. Its called the Beach House, situated atop the Vagator Cliff, the approach road is slightly rough and you may feel as if there can’t be anything further down the road, but hang on a little more and you will see this amazing place.
Prime Rose, Sangolda, was one of the first restro-bar that I visited in Goa when I finally moved in from Delhi. It has been a friend’s favourite joint to hang out for late-night drinks and I remember visiting this place with him directly after landing at the airport, making it our first night as residents of Goa. Since it was late, we didn’t have much of a choice and what I remember this place was basically for drinks and some finger food. Strangely after that, I did not get a chance to visit Prime Rose until recently.
My same friend had been pushing me to visit this place, and this time around not for drinks but for food and food is something I never associated Prime Rose with. But since my friend compelled and told me about their upping the food quotient, I went ahead for a dinner with family to Prime Rose.
And to say the least, I was pleasantly surprised, not only the food was really delicious, but also the presentation of food has improved 1000 times. It’s no longer just a bar and finger food place, it’s a restaurant that is in line with any of the food-focused restaurants in Goa. And I saw the change, this time around the place was buzzing with foodies who appreciate good food and drinks and not just a hangout zone for late-night drinkers.
Since Prime Rose has primarily been rated as a bar, their cocktails are definitely a strong point and their in-house bartender has enough to offer and keep you in high spirits. Ask for the bartender’s special take on LIT and I am sure you will ask for more, but a word of caution there, don’t go overboard with this one.
Coming to food, the place has a good variety on the menu and there is something to suit every taste bud. Focusing on comfort food, Prime Rose surely has added its own touch to regular dishes and even the presentation of food is commendable.
The Chicken Overdose, for instance, was a perfect starter where the regular fried chicken was given some personal twist by the chef and presented with an amazing dip to go along. It became an instant hit with everyone in the family.
A simple dish like Loaded Chicken Nachos was also something that left our taste buds lingering.
Chicken Nachos
Pineapple Polenta with Shrimps was simply one of the best dishes of the evening, I loved the subtle flavours of the prawns balanced with the sweet and sour pineapple.
Pineapple Polenta with Shrimps
Spicy Pesto Grilled Chicken should definitely be given a try. Marinated with green apple and basil, this grilled chicken with its juicy flavours is a perfect match to anything you pick up from the bar, even if it means a simple juice.
Beef Tenderloin served with an orange vodka sauce, polenta and a serving of rice is something that you will not forget for a long time. The combination of stir-fried beef and orange sauce was just amazing.
You can also go in for Pizzas and Burgers, the Grilled Chicken Pizza and BBQ Beef Burger make for a perfect kind of main course to satiate a big hunger or easily shared between 2 people as the portion size is quite good.
So this time around, visit Prime Rose purely for its food and consider good drinks as a default and I am sure you will love this new avatar of the place.
My edited version of this review was also published in the Herald Cafe
Spice Goa is one of the names that pops up the moment someone mentions Goan food and more especially the famous Fish Thali, but trust me when I say there is much more to Spice Goa than just the scrumptious Goan food.
Finding authentic North Indian food in Goa is definitely a task, even though many restaurants claim that they make good North Indian food, but finding genuine flavours isn’t easy.
Uncle Tilly’s in Porvorim is just the kind of neighbourhood pizza and sandwich place one can wish for. It’s a small, cosy, vibrant, pocket-friendly place that serves great food.
The first thing you will notice about Toro Toro is its caravan bar that is visible even without entering the place and that alone is enough to make you curious about this tropical little cafe bar.
Monsoons in Goa are something that you can only feel and experience, words can never justify the beauty of it or even the not so beautiful part for those who don’t like rains. Both ways, it has to be literally experienced to know what Goa monsoons really are.
Goa is truly heaven on the face of this earth and I feel so blessed to call it home. In Goa, beauty typically lies in every nook and corner and you don’t have to really search for it. Click a picture wherever you stand, and it will turn out to be good and when it comes to restaurants, Goa has some of the most beautiful restaurants that our country can boast off. Even though the list can be endless, I am sharing the top 10 restaurants that I feel fall in the most beautiful category and are truly Instagram worthy.
