The Maratha king Sambhaji marched towards Goa and the Portuguese planned to shift their headquarters (HQ) from Old Goa to Vasco. The HQ in Vasco now boasts of a quality pan-Asian restaurant. Ori, the clipped form of Oriental, is a classy restaurant – napkin rings, glass under plates, and a repertoire of Eastern delicacies from China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore and Japan. The menu has been planned well. For starters, you may have Calamari Crispy Fried, Tempura Prawns with Wasabi Mayo, Chicken Dim Sums, Chicken Satay. These are termed as ‘Small Plates’ and are intended “to tease the palate”. The smoked salmon sushi with a mix of wasabi and soy has a great taste. Also, try the salad from the Philippines – smoked fish and peppers tossed in Nam Pla with a hint of sugar. For the mains, you have Gong Bao from China (wok-fried chicken with dry chillies, soy sauce and chillies) with Jasmine-Flavoured Rice, or Gang Phed Gong (Thai red prawn curry) with Phad Thai noodles from Thailand, or maybe Nasi Goreng from Indonesia. It is important to choose the ‘combo’ right, given the variety. Need a spicier ‘mix’? Try the Flaming Red Wantons or the Cashew and Chilli Fried Rice with Szechwan Prawns – a firebrand of sorts. But the finale is a sweet surrender: the Chinese pancakes symbolized by a Minced Nut Wanton, Coin Mang from Thailand (Cointreau caramelized nuts), and Vodka Lychees, all served with ice cream. A stone’s throw from the airport, the restaurant has chefs promising a 45-minute departure from the time of order – an excellent suggestion if there is a delay or waiting for a flight. History states that there was no ‘flight’ involved where the two armies were concerned, but in terms of conquests, this is one place which will conquer your taste buds.
Place Categories: Food and Restaurants
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