Insiders' Hangout

Tel:

Meal for two (without alcohol):

ou could probably make a TV soap opera on Cavala, and its cast of characters. Like the high-flying journalist who chucked up his career to move to Goa and write. Or the quiet, smiling guy at the bar who gets spectacularly drunk, probably because of his dark secret. Or the middle-aged lady in the corner who used to be Guess-Who’s girlfriend. Or, indeed, our hosts, Leela and Abhijit, who retired early to become full-time beach-combers. They’re some of the Cavala regulars, who are so much part of the joint that they often chip in to serve behind the bar, or join in the band—as the need arises.

This is the place for Goa’s insiders. There’s live music, sing-along sessions, dancing, loud conversation, and everybody knows everybody else. We dined on prawns cooked in yoghurt and masala—a house speciality—followed by a garlicky beef chilli fry and excellent Goan fish masala. And then, coconut cake with Malibu sauce. Yes, the food’s good, but that’s not the point; the point is the infectious party spirit about the place. We noticed there’s even a separate menu after 2 am. And that probably says it all.