Famously, local Macanese food is a fusion of gastronomic influences from all along the old Portuguese trading routes. And one of the stops along those routes was the city of Goa in India.
“There are a few inspirational factors that led us to open Goa Nights,” notes Gwen Sethi, one of the owners of this cozy Indian restaurant in Taipa Village. “But it mostly stems from the idea of drawing a historical connection between Macau and Goa, both having been Portuguese colonies.”
Gwen and her husband Gagan Sethi opened Goa Nights in 2018, and it has since become a hugely popular spot for diners looking for a more modern take on Indian cuisine, as well as some refreshing cocktails.
“Goa is known for being a more laidback coastal area. The beaches are lined with shacks where you can easily find good food and equally affordable alcohol,” Gwen continues. “So we wanted to start something around those lines, something hip with a modern approach to Indian cuisine. It’s a little different from its sister restaurant Indian Spice that we started about ten years ago, that serves more traditional Indian food.”
Gagan adds: “We feel that serving modern Indian cuisine has its advantages. It’s more approachable and less intimidating especially to first timers who have never tried Indian food before.”
The menu includes a few items that you might not normally expect to find in an Indian restaurant like the Goa Nights Nachos for example.
“Our current menu is a modern representation of Indian, Goan and fusion dishes. We mainly serve Indian food, but with a modern twist to it,” says Gwen. “One of our signature bar snacks is our Goa Nights Nachos, which is a fusion dish that has worked quite well for us. Who knew tortilla chips would go very well with Indian flavours?!”
Tapping into some common Portuguese heritage, the beef tenderloin is inspired by flavours from the island of Madeira and infused with Indian spices. And in a nod to their home in Macau, the “Pork Vindaloo Bao” is a favourite because it is essentially a pulled pork variation served on a Chinese bao or bread.
Other favourites on menu, which was designed by the third partner in the business, Gagan’s sister Shilpa Sethi, and styled by Chef Andre Sa Vierra Correia, include Chicken Tikka Sliders, which offer a unique twist on chicken tikka masala, traditional Goan “Pork Sorpotel”, and a colourful Dip Platter that consists of three different dips served with delicious Afghani naan.
As well as great food, Goa Nights is increasingly becoming known as a place to enjoy some creative cocktails too.
“Gagan really wanted to start a craft cocktail bar and that fit really well with how we view Goa as a chill party place,” notes Gwen. “We’ve been very happy with the positive reactions we’ve gotten from our guests. Our cocktails – Lisbon, Happy Street and Cape Verde – are all pretty popular. And last year we were awarded “Bar of the Year in Macau” by The Bar Awards in Hong Kong, so needless to say, we are very pleased and thankful for this, and especially for all the support we have gotten.”
Upon entering the intimate bar space on the ground floor, visitors are greeted by huge mural of an Indian Sadhu smoking a chillum, painstakingly created by Gwen by herself. Hand-crafted plates and custom-designed furniture made from reclaimed wood and collected by Gagan from a remote area in Indonesia add to the very eclectic ambiance of the restaurant. And sitting at table on the small balcony overlooking the picturesque surrounds of Old Taipa Village, also adds to the whole dining experience.
“Old Taipa Village has a lot of character and historic charm, with quaint buildings reminiscent of Portuguese architecture. We are glad to be where we are. The location could not be any better,” offers Gagan.
Gagan and his sister Shilpa have over 20 years experience in the F&B industry, so it’s perhaps not surprising that this family team have managed to create such a successful concept here in Macau.
“Both my sister and I have a global experience from being in India, New York, and formerly Dubai and now Macau,” says Gagan. “Together with our consulting chef and dear friend Chef Andre Sa Vierra Correia, this knowledge has helped curate the entire concept and menu for Goa Nights.”
2020 has of course brought some challenges for the business, but their current set lunch deals from Tuesday to Friday, and Happy Hours from 10pm till late on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, continue to make Goa Nights a real dining hot spot in Old Taipa Village.
Goa Nights
Address：R. Correia da Silva, 118, Macao
Tel: +853 2856 7819
Opening：12:00 – 14:30 / 18:00 – 23:30
close Mondays
//goanights.com
Facebook goanightsmacau
instagram goanights
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