Tucked into Vagator’s lush tropical edge and gazing out at the Arabian Sea, Como Agua has always been one of Goa’s most striking venues. But this season, it has transformed from a beloved pizzeria and Negroni bar into a full-bodied culinary destination one that’s as committed to craft as it is to creativity. Ratna Vuppala gives a lowdown of this place. A Menu Built on Freshness — and You Can Taste It The refreshed menu, led by Chef Amit Kumar, is anchored by a simple, rare promise: no processed ingredients. Everything from the citrus infusions in the cocktails to the buttermilk in the fried chicken is made fresh, in-house, and handled with intention. My meal began with the Citrus Avocado Toast, an unassuming dish elevated by its creaminess and surprising brightness. The avocado was lush without being heavy, with citrus cutting through in all the right ways. The Fried Chicken Tenders were a standout juicy, crisp, and coated in a house-made buttermilk batter. The sweet chilli dip on the side delivered the perfect hint of warmth without overpowering the chicken’s tenderness. Then came the star of their new commitments: the Burrata with Garlic Chimichurri, served with warm focaccia. Light, fresh, fragrant and unmistakably high-quality. Their fresh mozzarella and burrata are made in-house using A2 milk, giving the cheese a rich yet clean flavour that sets it apart from anything you’ll usually find in Goa. Pasta That Surprises, Pizza That Comforts For mains, the Fettuccine was easily one of the best I’ve had in recent memory silky, perfectly cooked, and subtly indulgent without being overwhelming. The Spaghetti Aglio Olio was simple, bold, and executed with confidence: exactly how Italian classics should be. Of course, Como Agua’s heritage lies in its pizza and their Neapolitan-style pies, slow-fermented for 48 hours, continue to

If you’re looking for a beachside spot in Morjim that mixes sundowner energy with inventive cocktails, Farzi Beach Goa is worth a stop. Part of Zorawar Kalra’s ever-growing stable of Farzified concepts, this laid-back restaurant at Mayfair on the Sea brings Farzi’s trademark playfulness to a breezy coastal setting, complete with live music and a front-row view of the Arabian Sea. Sip: Creative Cocktails by the Shore The bar menu is where Farzi Beach really sparkles. The KitKat Picante featuring tequila, fresh watermelon, Tabasco, and lime is an instant mood-setter, balancing sweet heat with tropical freshness. Picante lovers can also try the Wasabi Fistron, a sharp kick of wasabi, mint, and cucumber, or the Habanero Picante for a deeper spice hit. From the Farzi style creations, the Kokum Collins (Goan kokum puree, gin, citrus) is tangy and refreshing, while the Chuski Margarita riffs on the classic with an aam panna chuski perched in the glass. With an extensive cocktail list covering everything from fruity spritzes to smoky infusions, there’s something for every palate and every Instagram story. Bite: Fusion Plates & Familiar Comforts Farzi Beach’s food menu is extensive, featuring a diverse range of Indian, Asian, European, and Middle Eastern flavours. Tapas like Dahi Puchka Shots and Hibiscus Pani Puri are playful and photogenic the latter comes with a rose-rimmed edge and the option of spiking it with vodka. The Asparagus & Edamame Dim Sum is soft and fresh, while the Dal Chawal Arancini cleverly fuses homestyle comfort with Italian crispness. For non-vegetarians, the Chicken Changrezi Quesadilla stands out with its juicy filling and a smoky red-pepper sauce. Pizzas are crowd-pleasers too: the Tropical Temptation is all about sunshine flavours, and the Jasper Chicken Pizza piles pulled chicken, red paprika, and spring onion over a thin crust. If you’re looking

From luxury ice cream to buzzy rooftop clubs, India’s dining scene is brimming with exciting new openings. Here’s a look at the freshest launches across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Mumbai. Nandhini Opens Grand New Outlet on St. Mark’s RoadWhere: Bangalore Bengaluru’s iconic Andhra dining destination, Nandhini, has unveiled its latest and most ambitious outlet yet on St. Marks Road, opening September 10th. Spanning 6,000 sq. ft. with a 250-seat capacity, this marks one of the brand’s most significant projects to date. Designed by Reshma Raju & Nishant Raju of Abstract Design Studio, the space blends tradition with contemporary flair, inspired by Bengaluru’s T2 Airport and its “Garden City” identity. The outlet offers thoughtful experiences, such as the Biryani Bell ritual and Polaroid giveaways, alongside two private dining rooms for intimate gatherings. Guests can enjoy Nandhini classics, including Andhra Meals, Chilli Chicken, and Nellore Biryani, as well as exclusive new dishes such as Gunpowder Popcorn, Paneer Ghee Roast Biryani, Appam with Mutton Chops, and more. A refreshed bar menu featuring beer on tap and signature cocktails complements the fiery Andhra flavours. With 18 outlets in Bengaluru, Nandhini now sets its sights on national and international expansion, bringing Andhra cuisine to the global stage. SALT Restaurant All Set To Launch Its Second Outlet Where: Hyderabad Adding to the city’s evolving dining scene, SALT is set to open its second outlet in Hyderabad, offering a fine-dining experience that celebrates Indian cuisine with a modern twist. Already loved in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Pune, SALT lives up to its tagline “Indian Food Made Interesting” with Chef Balachander leading the charge. The menu spans across India, from Galouti Kebabs and Butter Chicken Lollipops to Alleppey Fish Curry and Masaledar Prawn Biryani, complemented by inventive mocktails like Kala Khatta and Turmeric Maple Hot Toddy. The new space

Diwali is a festival of lights, laughter, and above all flavours that bring families and friends together. From age-old mithais to inventive fusion bites, the festive table is as much a celebration as the fireworks in the sky. This year, we bring you chefs who open their recipe books and hearts, sharing dishes that add sparkle to your celebrations. Whether you’re planning an elaborate spread or looking for quick festive fixes, these recipes promise to make your Diwali truly memorable. CHEF MALVIKA HADA KUMAR About Malvika: Malvika Hada Kumar is a recipe developer and food content manager with over eight years of experience in curating engaging culinary content. What began as a passion for cooking soon turned into The Spicy Story her platform dedicated to simple, creative, and approachable recipes. In just two years, she has built a vibrant community of over 1 million followers, inspiring food lovers with flavours, traditions, and stories from her kitchen. About recipe – Mathe Wale Aloo A rustic Rajasthani-style potato curry simmered in buttermilk, infusing it with an earthy aroma and a comforting taste. What makes it truly special for Diwali is its simplicity! After all the decadent sweets and heavy festive dishes, this simple curry with garma garam pooris feels like home on a plate. Mathe Wale Aloo Recipe 👇🏻 Ingredients – 2 tbsp oil 1 tsp cumin seeds 1/2 tsp mustard seeds 1/4 tsp hing 1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped 2 green chillies, finely chopped 2 tbsp besan 1 tsp red chilli powder 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 2 tsp coriander powder 1/2 cup water 2-3 boiled potatoes, slightly mashed 1-1/2 cups buttermilk Salt, to taste 1 tsp dry mint 1/2 tsp garam masala powder 1 tbsp coriander, finely chopped Instructions: Heat oil. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, hing, and cook for a