New to South Goa: Unwind with a lovely Pan-Asian meal at Riverside, The St. Regis Goa

In Goa, the most relaxing and ubiquitous experience loved by visitors is dining on the beach. From simple shacks to luxurious restaurants, there are a variety of establishments to choose from. But Goa’s green terrain also offers other opportunities to enjoy delicious food with a beautiful water view. A new restaurant in South Goa has done exactly that by taking advantage of its unique location. Riverside, a cozy pan-Asian restaurant, has recently opened at the plush St. Regis Goa. As the name suggests, it is nestled along a river (Sal) and promises a memorable tranquil experience unlike any other in the region. We had lunch there and tasted several specialty dishes and drinks. Read our full review below:

_{Photo Courtesy: Riverside, St Regis Goa}

Since it was raining heavily, we headed inside and took our seats. The sleek white interior with beige accents exuded comfort and sophistication. We perused the food menu and found that there were crowd favourites as well as lesser-known dishes highlighting the flavours of different Asian regions.

_{Honey Chili Rencon. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni}

our meal began Honey Chili RenconThe crispy lotus root had a lovely combination of sweetness and spiciness, derived partly from the hot mirin. We’re happy to say that the level of crispiness, which isn’t always easy to master – was just right. The second vegetarian appetizer we tasted – Spicy Garlic Edamame – It turned out to be quite subtle by comparison, but still delicious. For many, a Pan-Asian meal would be incomplete without some dim sum and bao. Riverside makes sure you have these options. We especially liked the juicy Chicken Sui Mai Dim Sums and drunken Pork Baos,

_{Indonesian-style ikan bakar. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni}

If you love seafood, don’t miss the chance to taste Riverside’s fish steak full of Indonesian flavor. Indonesian-style ikan bakar Came wrapped in banana leaves. With homemade sambal oelek, it melted in our mouths with a pleasant aroma. This is something we would happily come back for. If you love eating chicken, opt for the trusted comfort Wok Tossed ChickenCayenne pepper and Sichuan pepper.

_{Wasabi Martini. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni}

Of the cocktails, we highly recommend After 8A bright, refreshing combination of gin and grapefruit, this drink is perfect for a picturesque sunset by the river. We were also mesmerized by the sensations of Wasabi Martini. This mixture of mashed cucumber with syrup was sweet and smooth, which later gave way to the spicy aroma of wasabi. If you are looking for a good mocktail, go for this one. Hibiscus Berry Bliss – a bubbly blend of hibiscus tea, berry puree, agave syrup and soda.

_{Soba Noodles with Straw Mushrooms and Truffle Oil. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni}

In the main course category, the menu includes popular dishes like Kung Pao Chicken as well as unique classics like Yuzu Miso Glaze Black Cod. We particularly enjoyed this Mapo Tofu and Shiitake Mushrooms in Spicy Braised SauceThe silky soft tofu and mushrooms absorbed the spice of the sauce wonderfully. We mixed a few spoons of it with it. Signature Spicy Edamame Fried Rice with Chicken and EggThis jasmine rice recipe is so aromatic that it can be eaten alone, but some people might crave for gravy. If you are in the mood to eat noodles, make sure you taste it. Soba Noodles with Straw Mushrooms and Truffle OilIt should not be served with any other main dish. These noodles felt like the kind of simple indulgence you want on vacation after hours of swimming, a leisurely walk on the beach or a long nap. We devoured the strands with the enthusiasm of children.

Photo Courtesy: Riverside St. Regis Goa

The sweet ending to our meal was provided by a seasonal Mango and Coconut Milk PuddingFull of local flavours, it was cool and satisfying. If our stomachs weren’t too full, we would have been tempted to try the Pandan Creme Brulee or Wasabi Yuzu Sorbet. But we prefer to keep a few dishes to discover next time!

_{Photo Courtesy: Riverside, St Regis Goa}

Since we were here during the monsoons, the riverside outdoor patio was primarily closed for dining. Still, when we strolled outside after the meal, we were quite impressed with the place. We could easily imagine how relaxing it would be to eat and watch the quaint fishing trawlers bob on the water surrounded by greenery on both sides. This is the kind of calm, escapist South Goa experience that city dwellers like us often dream of. We have just returned and already can’t wait to go back!

Where: Riverside, The St. Regis Goa Resort Mobor, Cavelossim, Goa, 403731.
Operating time: Lunch – 12:00 to 3:30 PM; Dinner – 7:00 to 10:30 PM (Closed on Monday)