Goa Garnishes

Juju

House No. 29/1, Gandaulim, Colva, Goa 403708

Mob: 0 89566 91430

Meal for 2: Approximately Rs 2800 + taxes, with alcohol

Colva – the land of pristine beaches and the slow life which many have fondly come to embrace – brings its latest gastronomic offering, Juju. Modern, chic and contemporary, South Goa gets its first Indian restaurant with a twist. Enter the sprawling well-thought of expanse, carefully curated with 80 covers and a commanding bar that greets you. The earthy tones and spaced-out interiors offer a sense of engulfment, putting one at ease almost instantly.

The dynamic duo of Brandon at the front & Chef Abhijit Khandual behind the range is eclectic, deftly plating your evening with every course. The ethos of the bar programme lies with spices from regions of India that are meticulously used in their signature selections. Santalum is a one such cocktail derived from sandalwood being the second most expensive wood in the world. This nightcap is an infusion of aged rum, Amaro, sandalwood tincture, and aromatic bitters smoked with sandalwood chips making it a complex yet straightforward offering. The bartender aims to please.

Alongside, the Truffle Mushroom Galoutis are a herbivore's delight. The melt-in-the-mouth mushroom kebab with cilantro and aioli is delicate. Tofu samosas with watana stuffing served with fig onion jam is a revelation. Crunchy and light, one would almost think its air-fried. Special thought goes into the menu, being well-balanced in its offerings catering to one and all. For the pescatarian, the Stuffed Crab in a Kerala Pepper Spice allows one to playfully absorb the flavours of fresh catch with hints of tephal foam and is served with piping hot mini appams. They are fluff and moist beckoning you for seconds, long after the crabs make their way into your belly. Each dish is inspired keeping in mind a multitude of cuisines from across the country with a playful twist of technique in marrying international flavours with local ingredients.

As the night winds down, the Crème Brûlée with Apple Jalebi brings glee for the sweet aficionados. Crunchy apple is coated in orange all-purpose flour and syrup with hues that resonate the dominant colour scheme of the establishment, making it a pre-meditated signature dish. A guaranteed second visit would beckon to try more innovative offerings.