this review is long overdue, coming after multiple visits and lord only knows how many hours spent redefining gluttony. comida caseira is a homestyle restaurant, run by an incredibly warm family serving goan-portuguese dishes from recipes handed down the family. the ambience is cozy and relaxed, order a drink and you’re not going to want to get up.
now to the meat of the matter: food and booze.
a prettygoodselection of beers, including draught beers from susegado, the dorado and trigo, both well stored and properly poured. if you’re in a mood to relax and chill out, the g&t’s are a no brainer, with stranger and sons gin and svami’s tonic water. (hint, ask for the cucumber.) or if you want a cocktail, i’ve found myself leaning more towards the bartender’s choice. recently i had a coconut-grapefruit margarita that went down way too smooth and fast. fruity, balanced and a silky mouthfeel, agoodway to get a buzz during the day.
heads up: food is going to take a while because they make everything from scratch, to order. so order fast, sip a drink and salivate. it’s definitely worth the wait. and did i mention munch on chips and a tasty garlic-yogurt dip while you wait?
i’ve eaten there too often to cover all the dishes i’ve tasted, so here’s a few and more later on. for appetizers a must try are the porca bombs: golgappas stuffed with tender pulled pork. tangy, mildly spicy and incredibly flavorful.
the beef and chicken rissois are freshly made, golden fried pockets with a piping hot filling. definitely order if you’re having a beer. and of course, the beer battered prawns. not something i tend to order, usually being clichéd and a boring dish, but in this case, these prawns are a revelation. the batter is light, fluffy and moist, with quite a bit of beer in there.
for the mains, if you’re in a group and want to try a variety, the goa on a plate is a must have. chicken cafreal with fresh cafreal masala was vibrant, succulent and tangy vindaloo and a chorizo fry that you’re gonna wanna scoop up with the goan poi on the side, served along with fresh cooked local rice.
the rum braised pork chops are as described, fork tender and dripping with rum. soak up the sauce with the bread and order your own, because you won’t want to share.
the prawn curry is rich, creamy, tangy and loaded with fresh coconut milk, definitely not the usual goan prawn curry you’ll find at most local restaurants. ditch the spoon and eat with your hands, it’s the only way.
for dessert, my favourite by far is the caramel custard. perfectly balanced, silky and melts in your mouth. reminded me of my mom’s the first time i had it and every time i’ve taken a friend to try it, it’s like the scene in ratatouille where the critic first tastes the ratatouille. even if you’re full, go for it. it fits into that extra dessert compartment everyone has in their stomachs.
a special mention: the loaded butter chicken and the sol kadhi. not on the menu, but often there on the specials menu or if you ask ahead. the butter chicken is loaded with tomatoes, butter and fragrant kasturi methi, served with khasta roti loaded with ghee. needed a nap after i ate this.
the sol kadhi is from a family recipe and is again made with fresh coconut milk and the perfect accompaniment to the prawns and the fish. only reason i had only two glasses last time was because they ran out.
prices can seem a bit high but the portions are actually pretty big. then again, you’ll want to order a lot of things.
if you’re around the area, it’s well worth the trip.