The monsoons generally signal the end of the season and an end to all tourist activities on the beach in particular. However, a few shacks remain open during the rains, inviting one to try out some local cuisine during the monsoons.
Monsoons do not necessarily signal the end of the season for all good things. If you still want to indulge in a shack-restaurant experience, some popular ones do keep their doors open and shacks well tethered as well, during the rains. Some of these are the oldest in Goa and they owe their longevity to their home ground masalas and Goan recipes handed down from generations.
Let us check out five of the most visited ones
ZEEBOP
If you are in South Goa, the Zeebop or more popularly known as Zeebop By the Sea at Utorda beach invites you to dine with them throughout the year even during the monsoons. Located on the beach itself, Zeebop is a privilege to the best catch of the sea. Known as the best beach-style open-air shack restaurant, sandwiched between two 5-starred hotels, Zeebop is a favorite with both tourists and locals.
Famed for its amazing sea platters, this shack has opened another outlet in Mandrem, North Goa. This place is also open throughout the year. Their cuisine, unmatchable views of the sea and serene atmosphere have placed them on the top of the list of beach shacks.
Location: Utorda Beach, Salcete
Must try: Fish curries, prawn peri-peri, batter-fried calamari, and crispy crab stuffed poppadums
BRITTOS
One of the oldest restaurants commenced by chef Dominic Britto in 1961, Brittos stays true to its original concept of fresh and homestyle cooked food. Perched on the sands of the most happening beach in Goa, it attracts tourists and locals alike as well as a large number of international visitors. Although its main cuisine focuses on Goan, it also offers an extensive menu of varied cuisine of Indian, Chinese, continental, Italian and much more. The secret of their cuisine lies in the fact that the spices are fresh and hand ground by the owners’ wife. A shack for a memorable gourmand experience, this place is open throughout the year. Their seafood platter, along with some interesting cocktails and mocktails are some of the best picks off their menu.
Location: 7/35, Saunta Vaddo, Baga Beach, Baga.
Must Try: Stuffed mushroom, tandoori prawns, seafood platter, Pork Vindaloo, Calamari butter garlic, Goan sausage chilly fry
CURLIES
Another old timer, Curlies in Anjuna is popular with both locals and backpackers. A picturesque yet simple shack Curlies, with a beautiful view of the sea and sunset, is the perfect place for couples, friends and even those who prefer to travel solo. And more interestingly one can sample the best cuisines on a budget too. The best time to visit this place is around 4 pm to sit on the rooftop and sample their finger-licking-good cuisine. The shack is open through the years, but monsoons being the low season when unlike many others it is open, you get to enjoy the place in peace.
Location: Near Anjuna Flea Market, Monteiro Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa
Must Try: king prawns, masala red snapper, sea good, cocktails pizza pasta, roasted pork
FIESTA
Perched on the sand dunes overlooking the Arabian Sea this shack is set in a villa. An original Portuguese summer house built in 1932, it is enveloped in an exotic tropical garden. Named one of the best restaurants in Goa, the décor at Fiesta is a reflection of the vibrant colours of fashion caters to everyone from chic-beach side supper, fancy dining or a casual outing. With its European inspired cuisine and innovative cocktails, the restaurant offers Mediterranean fare with a variety of dishes.
Open through the year it is closed only in July.
Location: Fiesta Beach Resort, Baga, adjacent to Club Tito’s. (In house shack)
Closed only in July
Must Try: Grecian salads, carpaccio, pasta, steak and pizza
SOUZA LOBO
Three generations down the line, since it commenced in 1932, Souza Lobo shows no signs of slowing down. A visit to Goa cannot be complete without a sampling of Souza Lobo’s authentic sumptuous Goan dishes, with the freshest catch from the sea. The hand ground masalas under the supervision of the owner assure its authenticity. The place is an institution in itself and among the restaurants, it has the longest list of loyal customers, both locals, and tourists, so prepare to wait in line here. Although they are renowned for their Goan cuisine, they also serve up multi cuisines as well. They even have live music playing on certain days f the week. Open throughout the year, monsoons is the time one can enjoy an unhurried visit.
Location: Calangute beach, Calangute
Must Try: Masala crabs, masala rawa fried king fish, sea food platter, their lobsters, king fish tandoori
Image Source: Travelling Camera
