Goa Portuguesa (Matunga West)

The Whiff of the Sea

Goa Portuguesa, one of the three restaurants run by the Awchats in Mahim, remains a crowd favourite thanks to everything possible that a restaurant can offer. You are greeted by Dr Suhas Awchat himself, presented his card and told that you need not pay in case you do not like the food (with the assurance that such a thing has never happened till date). Settle down to a Surmai Mandovi (shallow-fried fish marinated in ginger / garlic and curd, with a melt-in-the-mouth texture and a tangy sea-fresh taste) or a Caldo Verde soup (a unique combination of potato puree and spinach with milk and garlic that is as smooth as it gets but makes you feel a little heavy subsequently). For the main course, the obvious recommendation is the Goan basmati rice with any of the Goan curries. Unfortunately for vegetarians though, the vegetable Goan curry appears a little bland, with the spice not quite melding with the vegetables. The same accusation, however, falls flat if you try out the Chicken Xacutti or the Pomfret Goan Curry - this is where the traditional kokum-based gravy really complements the soft meat and long rice. There is, of course, more to Goa Portuguesa than just the food. For starters, there is no end to the number of ways you can obtain discounts upto 50% (cards, corporate memberships and the like) or even a free meal (on possession of 20 visiting cards of Dr Awchat). But what takes the cake is the live music, with the singer approaching each table in turn and asking the patrons for songs of their choice which he subsequently croons as you enjoy your meal. Goa Portuguesa is clearly more than just a restaurant - it is an experience.

Ambience                ★★★★★
Service                    ★★★★★
Presentation            ★★★★
Taste                      ★★★★★


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