Goan Delight
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Lipsmacking Goan food at Viva O Viva, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
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Goa is a place which acts as a synonym for freedom, for holidays, for fun and relaxation. A place which welcomes people from all around the world, all year round. It has mixed heritage which combines influences from its Portugal rule, Indian roots & the rest of the world! The food here would be one of the best examples to explain & reflect the above. It is probably one of those only cuisines which has such contrasting influences.
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Since it is located in the Konkan costal region of western India, the presence of seafood, spices & flavours is strong and intense. Kokum, another highlight of the cuisine is widely used and is pretty popular as well. It is said that Goan food is incomplete without fish curry and rice, the locals echo the same sentiments. Along with spices and chili and various other flavours coconut and coconut oil are also extensively used. Some of the popular dishes include Kingfish (vison/visvan), Pomfret, Shark, Tuna, Mackerel and amongst shell fish they would be Prawns, Crabs, Lobster, Squid, and Mussels. It is said that the Portuguese are the ones who introduced potatoes, tomatoes, pineapples, guavas and cashews. Popularly said that the peri-peri chili is one of their most popular contributions culinary wise and is still widely used. Certain drinks which are popular are White Lady (which is served as a part of the full meal, just before a couple get married as a Christian Goan tradition), Exotic blue, Taverna.
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Their cuisine consists of a vast variety of non-vegetarian food as mentioned above and the same could be found at the state bhavan restaurant Viva O Viva in Delhi. With decent enough pricing this restaurant can be a go to place for all sea food lovers. Some of the popular and must try dishes at this restaurant are Prawn Peri Peri and Fish curry; both the dishes mentioned here were spicy and had great texture. For deserts a must recommendation is Dodol/Dolol, which is a jaggery and coconut based dish.
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Price: - Rs1000 for two people (approximately, taxes excluded)
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Restaurant Name: - Viva O Viva
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Located: - 14, Goa Niwas, Bir Tikendrajit Marg, Behind Akbar Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
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Nearest Metro Station: - Race Course
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Contributed by: - Aditi Arora
