The Goan capital has seldom meant a fine dining experience for me. In my many visits there, I was lucky enough to eat at all popular and alternative restaurants for the best food. However, this time when a friend of mine took me to a new place for dinner, refusing didn’t seem like an option.
Centrally located, this restaurant has impressive décor with a bar and low-seated couches alike. Whether you want to lounge or stop by for a quick drink, this works as an ideal place for both. Owned by Sabreen and Prahlad Sukhtankar, I was introduced to Sabreen in my evening visit there.
I could not indulge in the extensive and very attractive wine list since it was a dry day (yes, so was my luck!) I have been told the sangria here is very good and I have pledged to try it in my next visit to the city. Though, I can vouch for what I ate.
Claiming to be ‘globally inspired’, I started my meal with a portion of crispy vellyo (silver fish) at BSB (as it is abbreviated) where garlic chilli aioli dip was delicious. The fish was perfectly fried and not overdone. Moving on to the main course, the Asian style chicken rice bowl had caught my eye and I enjoyed it to the last bite. Craving rice that evening, the portion size was not too much nor too less. I was also happy with the perfect amount of chicken strips on my plate.
The highlight of the evening, however, was the dessert. The chocolate lava cake was a bite of heaven! The molten gooey chocolate inside was well concealed by the soft yet firm cake, powdered by moderately sweet caster sugar. The strawberry coulis on the side added a perfectly contrasting taste.
The food at BSB is different and quite honestly, was a refreshing change for me. My appetite has been quite oversaturated by the Goan fish curry and other delicacies from the state and the continental-oriental mix of food here totally worked for me. I thought the service could have been more attentive but in Goa, these things usually take their own time. I had missed my glass of sangria that evening but the dessert made up for the loss.
What I ate: Crispy vellyo, Asian style chicken rice bowl, chocolate lava cake and fresh lime water. Approximately Rs. 1400 for two.
What I thought: Panjim could do with more than one of such exclusive, casual fine dining experiences. It’s truly a blessing!
Will I go back: Yes, for my glass of sangria.
Getting there: Swami Vivekanand Road, Next to ICICI Bank, Panjim, Goa.
Hours: 12 PM to 1 AM.
Will you visit BSB in your next Goan holiday?
Amrita Das
I have been a travel and culture independent journalist. My bylines have appeared in many publications worldwide including National Geographic Traveller India, Lonely Planet Magazine India, The Indian Express and World Travel Magazine. A fellow of Media Ambassadors India-Germany 2019 program by Robert Bosch Stiftung and Centre for Media Competence, University of Tübingen. Currently, I am the photo editor for RoundGlass Sustain, a wildlife and conservation e-publication. I live in India.
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I do not read post most of the time but yes, I watch photos and last two photos I have to say: Wah.. mouth-watering. Fish I don’t eat, sorry.
There’s lots to eat and drink barring fish. Hope you’ll visit when you do visit Panjim.
Great article and photos.
I’ve never noticed this restaurant, however I know the location by the bank so will definitely have to try it!
Thanks for the tip.
Sure, Melanie. Let me know how was the experience :)
Really nice find! Jotted it down for my next visit. I personally have never seen fried silver fish served this way. Looks interesting! You say they were not overcooked?
BTW, just published a list of 5 Best Restaurants in Goa on our blg. You will find it interesting: http://blog.mygola.com/2015/03/top-5-romantic-goa-restaurants-for-that-perfect-dinner/
They were not overcooked at all. Well deep fried. You must try BSB soon. And I cannot wait to re-visit :)