Viva Goa

Goa is India's hedonistic haven of pleasures, and culinary pursuits in this remarkable coastal state inevitably lead to a number of delicious offerings. Viva Goa is a cheery restaurant near Crystal Palace, with a bright decor and a faintly nostalgic appeal which, combined  with the retro elements, deliberate or otherwise, emerges to create a wholly appealing atmosphere.

At Viva Goa, the emphasis is largely on Goan dishes, although favourites such as chicken tikka and other tandoori dishes will mollify traditionalists. However, you could start a meal there with stir fried mussels in tangy Goan spices, and move on to calamari ambot-tik, baby squid cooked in a hot and sour sauce. Do try not to miss the sannas, steamed rice dumplings that are excellent for soaking up all those sauces. The wine list is simple and concise and features quite a few spirits, lagers and other liqueurs.