Alfama was a bohemian quarter in Lisbon, a place for lovers who wanted to enjoy a candle lit dinner on a cobbled street under the night sky soaking in Portuguese Fado music. Fado is a song of sorrow and is sung by a Fadista who is accompanied by guitarists known as Guitaristas. The Fado themes range from unrequited love to nostalgia for ones homeland to even the loss of a beloved. Alfama the restaurant situated in a cozy corner of Anju Timblo's Cidade de Goa through its design and concept pays homage to that era and helps bring out the romantic in each of us.

Apart from the all white period interiors which lend to the nostalgia, much deliberation has also gone into creating a culturally enriching gastronomic experience as is evident from the menu. It comprises a tantalizing ensemble of flavours from Portugal and its former colonies such as Goa, Brazil, Mozambique, Macau and even East Timor.

Alfama a Diabo is a seafood platter using kokum vinaigrette. Kokum is a digestive fruit used abundantly as a souring agent in Goan curries. A mixture of tastes make this dish rather interesting. The squid is prepared in a red chilli flavour, the mussels spiked in paprika and the prawns grilled in lemon and herbs.  Chourico Com Aguardente another 'aperitivo' is also a  speciality. Portuguese sausage marinated in vinegar and spices and sun dried to give it a smoky flavour, is flambéed right in front of you at the table.

Noite Cabecca is a soup with history. The Sephardic Jews of Portugal used to make it. Noite Cabecca means 'night vigil'. And this soup was made to ward off evil spirits when a new born baby entered the house. The soup is made of chicken, potatoes and onions.

There is plenty to choose from, Travessa de Camarrao (prawns in piri piri), Peixe Algarvio (fish in lime and basil), Bife A Goesa (steak in mint and coriander sauce) Frango Africana (chicken in cayenne peppers and coconut milk), Porco Com Ananas (pork fillet in a wine and pineapple sauce).

Veggies need not lose heart. The Portuguese once they came to Goa, did start to eat some greens. So through the Goan Hindu influence you have Tali De Saraswat and Roz Dal as well as Xacuti De Cogumelo- an amalgamation of mushrooms, Goan, shitake and porcini.

Cidade De Goa
Vainguinam Beach,
Goa.
Tel: (91) (832) 2454545
Email:[email protected]