The heat is on, and for those visiting during this time of the year, Goa is enjoyed best at night, after dusk or just as the sun begins to set, which means being on the beach in the evening.
With most shacks closed or closing as footfalls are low, a walk on the beach, a therapeutic swim in the warm waters or just lazing on the shore, watching life go by, can leave one with beautiful memories of a pleasant holiday.
Nightlife in Goa is on a high octave in the north, and one of the best places to visit is Goya, it being the only nightclub that is sound proof, and hence respects the law. Breaking the law of the land during your holiday is definitely not a good option.
North Goa is actually studded with units offering activities that start at 10 pm, and go on till early morning; but all are open air and hence, carry the risk of being shut when the mood is peaking and that will leave one with unpleasant feelings.
May is also the time of the year when the local brew urrak is served at most joints, as a cocktail or even as a style drink with a chilli pegged to it. No alcohol is added to the urrak. It is the juice of the cashew fruit that is half distilled. If distilled a second time, you get what is well-known as caju feni, that gives you a kick faster than the former.
As it is not fully distilled, urrak takes time to give a high, and most locals believe — and it appears to be true — the high gets accelerated when the drinker is buffeted by breeze. So, don’t drink and drive!
For those who want to avoid the glare of the dance floor or loud trance music, eating out is a good option in the evening, with a few places still open and offering good Goan meals.
Goan meals taste best when they are prepared by local hands, and finding such places is not easy with most kitchens filled with people from the north, rustling up a concoction that will appear local, but the result is barely close to the true Goan taste.
For those who want to avoid the glare of the dance floor or loud trance music, eating out is a good option in the evening, with a few places still open and offering good Goan meals.
Nevertheless, here is a suggestion that will give you a taste of Goa, and for that, head to South Goa. Lino’s in Wadi, Benaulim, stands as the best bet with the kitchen directed by Lino himself, who hails from Chandor, a village known for its supply of the best chefs.
When at Lino’s, a must-try is Clams Pulau or Tisreo Pulau — a dish not served in most restaurants, but a favourite in many Goan homes. If you have tried fish-curry-rice, you’ll love Lino’s Tisreo Pulau.
Pork is another dish that's well done at Lino’s. Actually, ask to speak with Lino, and what he orders for you will make you want to visit again because the offerings are aplenty.
Lino’s is close to the beach and is cradled between fields, and so, the place is cool, and guests are served till around midnight. Two local musicians play soft music and once they are done, the music switches to low retro with the emphasis being on conversations and well-cooked meals.
There are quite a few restaurants open in the north and south of Goa, with most serving hygienically prepared food, although the taste varies. In summer, the hinterland is a good option when caution is kept in the forefront.