Goa Food Guide at a glance

This is my Goan Food Guide -

http://tanyasarticles.blogspot.com/2009/11/goa-food-guide-at-glance.html

Those of you who are planning to visit Goa, this may help. Happy eating! :)

Travel> Candolim Beach, Goa

Image1: Fort Aguada

Image2: View from top

Image3: Bon voyage
Images by: Tanya Munshi

Text by: Tanya Munshi

My first trip to Goa, and the most frequented beach was Candolim. We stayed at a hotel in Candolim and I personally found it very convenient to hang around there. Most of the restaurants, cafes, bakeries, ATMs and shops are available there.

Candolim Beach is very crowded during the day and evening, so an early morning or early evening visit is ideal. An early morning/ evening dip was fantastic at Candolim. Snacks and chilled beer with a novel is a great way to spend lazy afternoons. What I best liked about the place; was of course our frequent trips to Britto’s and Lloyd’s.

You can visit the Fort Aguada, a 17th century Portugese port on the south of Candolim beach. I think we visited this place on a Sunday and it was thronging with tourists. The view of the sea from this fort is breathtaking, so don’t forget to carry your camera. I guess, a trip to Goa would be incomplete, if you miss Candolim.

How to get there:
Air: Most airlines operate in and out of Goa.

1

Airport: The Dabolim Airport is about 45 kms.

2

Rail: There are two options for railway stations – first, Tivim railway station in north Goa 29kms and the other is old Goa railway station in south Goa 26kms from Candolim Beach.

3

Road: You can hire scooters/ bikes/ cars at Candolim. You can also hire private taxis from tour operators as well.

4

Hotels
There are plenty of hotels, both budget and luxury available in Goa. Prior booking through your travel agent is highly advisable.
List of hotels at Candolim: http://www.webtourist.net/india/candolim/

Travel & Food> Goa Restaurant Guide> Calamari Beach Shack

Image: Quench your thirst!

Image copyright: Tanya Munshi

Calamari Beach Shack
You may not find this restaurant with ease. Its one of those tiny lanes in between the houses that will take you to a barren beach spot; and there is Calamari a popular beach shack for international tourists.

At first, we being the only Indians at the restaurant, weren’t too happily welcomed by the staff.
But determined to have a good time in Goa, my husband and I ordered a couple of drinks and over butter garlic mushrooms and squids we read our books. Soon we both ordered another round of drinks which went well with steaks and pies. The food was great! The staff gradually opened up and the smile appeared across their faces. A meal for two would cost you between Rs. 800 to Rs. 900.

The ambience is that of a simple beach shack with wooden flooring and World Space music playing lovely country music. Since that part of the beach is not frequented by local tourists, it is a hot spot for all international tourists for sun bathing and relaxing without being intruded upon.
Calamari has been rated as one of the top five beach shacks across the world by the Observer Food Monthly.

Location: Its in one of the bylanes on the road to Candolim. If you like to explore, then ride into the little bylanes in between the curio shops and I am sure you will find it!

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