O Coqueiro, Porvorim, Goa

O Coqueiro achieved national recognition when Charles Sobhraj just could not resist the Chicken Cafreal served up by its award winning chef and laid himself open to being arrested. What the papers forgot to mention was that the rest of the food was as good and it was just Mr. Sobhraj's partiality towards the Chicken Cafres. O Coquiero is definitely one of the most famous restaurants in Goa and also one of the very best.

O Coqueiro is a must do in Goa. Not only for the food but also for the decor and the ambience. O Coqueiro is a restaurant housed in a large stately Portuguese bungalow, tall ceilings, tastefully done up interiors give quite a grand, yet homely setting while the delicious dishes just keep piling up on the table.

We ordered Cheese Mushrooms and Beef Chilli Fry for starters when we were there. The Beef Chilli Fry was very tasty but what really caught my attention was the Cheese Mushrooms. The Cheese Mushrooms I think was as close as the vegetarians will ever get to Chicken-a-la-Kiev. The mix of cheese and butter burst once the fork is pierced through the fried crust around the mushroom, the aroma and the taste were all outstanding.

For mains we ordered a serving of Goan Prawn Curry rice and Pork Vindaloo. The Pork Vindaloo was slightly disappointing but the Goan Prawn Curry rice was very nice and easily one of the best that I have ever tasted. It was light and not very tasty, incredibly good to the palate.
A meal for two of O Coqueiro without drinks will cost you approximately Rs 900/-

How to get there: O Coqueiro is also in North Goa on the way to Panjim or the Airport from Mapusa. It is in a place called Porvorim just off the main highway.