Souza Lobo on Calangute beach has to be undisputedly the best Goan restaurant in North Goa. Words cannot measure the service and the quality of food, well what can you do is the fact that on most nights you may have to wait in a queue before you get sitting space. Been written about in almost all the travel magazines must say that your stay in Goa is not complete unless you dine at Souza lobo. If you are lost for choice on the menu, well we would suggest the sea food platter, their lobsters are out of this world and another strong contender on my list of favourites would be the king fish Tandoori.
Even after three generations, Souza Lobo still stands rock solid. Run by Jude Lobo, who took over the reins at a tender age of 17, it has a menu featuring many of the preparations of Jude’s mother Maria Lobo. Always run as a family place, its proximity to the beach brings in an average of 350-500 covers per day during season. However it’s not mere location but also the preparation. Take Masala Fried Prawns. It’s not the regular red masala of a Vindaloo or Peri-Peri , but a home cooked variation of dry prawn powder sautéed with onions and masala. A sort of masala chilly fry which coats each prawn before cooking, thus combining the flavours of the dry prawns with the fresh ones.
The Oyster or Crab Xacutti (depending on the season ) – the thick, creamy, coarsely ground spices coat the oyster to perfection, seeping into the very fibre of its being. Now dip the Khatre Pao bread into it – if you have heard about Goa’s local baker called the poder well they have made this bread crisp on the outside, soft within. Guaranteed to make you soft and drooling after this combo. The Pomfret Raechado- the tongue- tickeling red masala wraps itself around the delicate flavour of the fish. A disastrous effect because it will have you salivating for more. The Sausages Pulao is mind-blowing and the baked crabs are a gourment’s delight. Years of traditional has not detracted from the taste of the food, although the staff is sorely pressed with sheer numbers. Souza Lobo believes in creating goodwill amongst its customers. The restaurant has its banner showcased in Delhi too. Taking the authentic flavour of Goa to the nation! What more can one ask for?
