Highway On My Podcast Ep 24: Pilgrimage to Britto’s, and the quest for Cafreal in Goa

Has the coronavirus pandemic disrupted your plan to take that long trip? Is the ongoing lockdown making you crave going off-road? Fret not. If you can’t go to the highway, Rocky, Mayur, Prashant, and Abhinandan — the team behind shows like Highway On My Plate, Vital Stats of India, Jai Hind, and Rocky and Mayur's Food Xpress — will bring the highway to you!

So, here goes the newest offering from Newslaundry: Highway On My Podcast. The creators of the much loved TV travel show revisit their travels across India, sharing stories, anecdotes, trivia, and — for when the roads are open and inviting again — recommendations on food, culture, people, and much more.

In this episode, Rocky, Mayur, Abhinandan and Prashant head to India’s national holiday destination and now Mayur’s place of permanent residence — Goa. During their trip across the coastal state, they discuss food, alcohol, and Goan culture and how it has evolved over the years from when the group first visited the state years ago.

Starting off, Mayur is urged to lead the troop which he does with nuggets of Goa’s history. Rocky reminisces about their first visit to the state for a shoot, when they spent a considerable amount of time looking for Cafreal, a spicy preparation that came to Goa through its foreign inhabitants.

Prashant’s memories of their first shoot leads him to their interaction with Commander Dhonde, who circumnavigated the globe solo by boat, before a much-famed troop of women and Abhilash Tomy achieved the feat. Prashant describes the opportunity of sailing with the commander in the same boat used for the adventure, and a scrumptious meal they had on board in the middle of nowhere.

The team lists famous, and not-so-famous, food joints in Goa that are unmissable, including Cafe Bhonsle, which Rocky raves about. Calamari is a restaurant that’s one of Abhinandan’s favourites for its potato jackets and vibe. Rocky says Calamari pioneered the “shack with a shower” concept, and explains how its burgers, cocktail and live music (and shower) make it legendary. Abhinandan then talks about the experience of shooting on a casino ship, and their pilgrimage to Britto’s.

But what would define Goa’s food culture? Rocky and Mayur bring up Dhananjay Fish Curry, a nondescript shack that serves simple fish curry and rice along with a few other dishes. The team explains what makes it special and why the restaurant is worth a visit alongside the many fancy places that now make Goa attractive.

The conversation also covers what kind of drunk each of them are, Abhinandan’s severe seafood allergy, Mum’s Kitchen, the socio-cultural mix that makes Goan cuisine so special, and breakfast at Leela Cafe.

All this and more, only on Highway On My Podcast.

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