JOIN USIt is an unwritten rule in the lives of the urban millennial to keep making Goa plans religiously and cancel them at the last minute. But here's some news to cheer you up - there's a mini Goa in Bengaluru now and it's as vibrant as the real place.
Enter Lady Baga on Lavelle Road. Fairy lights, lively music, cane chairs on a sandy floor, hammocks, flowery shirts - the place truly evokes the hippie culture of Goa with its decor.
The food comes across as a mix of various cuisines and the menu leaves you spoilt for choice. Though the place wants to transport you to one of the Goan shacks, the dishes can't be called as completely authentic. However, the presentation and quick service are plus points.
Burgers, sandwiches, quick bites, salads, Indian snacks, 'thalis', pasta, rice - the menu is quite varied and extensive. If you are hit by hunger pangs in the morning itself, try one of their breakfast options like spicy, scrambled tofu, vegetable toast, sauteed mushrooms with baked beans and grilled tomatoes and more. Sandwiches and burgers come next on the list with plenty of choices for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
In salads, the 'Kale and Quinoa Salad' is a crunchy and fresh salad with distinct flavours. The bursts of sweetness provided by the homemade granola mix refreshes your palate. The 'Caeser Salad' is another great try because of the fresh lettuce, though the dressing could be a bit lighter.
In the 'small plates' section, the 'Rissois Verde', a D-shaped baby crepe stuffed with a spicy cilantro, cheese, carrot and corn filling, gets full marks for sheer taste. The sesame adds a nice touch and the dip complements the dish perfectly. The 'Aranchini', tomato risotto cakes centered with cheese and basil, too is a good choice.
For non-vegetarians, there is 'Dancing Chicken', chicken crumbed and tossed in Vindaloo sauce, 'Father Lorenzo Chorizo', Goan sausages which resemble a simple fry, and 'Prawn Loncha', flavourful prawns tossed with coconut and green chillies though the coconut oil is a bit overpowering.
In main course, vegetarians can choose between 'Paneer and 3 Beans Sambar' and 'Aubergine and Green Bean Ambotik'. The first one hardly resembles a 'Sambar' and has just been called thus for the quirk effect. The 'Aubergine and Green Bean Ambotik' is a good choice with the soft brinjals and right amount of masalas that don't overpower your tastebuds. It is served along with long stemmed rice. The 'Goan Fish Curry' is a decent option for non-vegetarians.
Whatever you do, leave space for desserts. Each one of these is a well balanced delight and will leave you asking for more. The 'Bebinca' is as authentic as it gets while the 'Serradura' is sure to satisfy even the most hardened of sweet lovers. The 'Valrhona Dark Chocolate Fondant' oozes delight with a hidden surprise in the form of a cashew crumble.
Lady Baga is located on the first and second floor, opposite Harley Davidson Showroom on Lavelle Road.