A Taste of Indian-Portuguese Flavors

Chicago newcomer Bar Goa introduces unique tropical concept blending rich, global ingredients and vibrant atmosphere.

What a thrill it was to have Manish Mallick join us during a recent episode of the LIVE! Culinary Series. The owner of progressive Indian eatery ROOH and a host of award-winning destinations across the country and in India, Mallick opened Bar Goa in Chicago’s River North neighborhood last fall with his wife, Rina.

The new gastropub concept, says Mallick, showcases the rich and vibrant Indian-Portuguese cuisine you’ll find in Goa, a state in western India with coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. Goa is also known as a hot-spot tourist destination because of its beaches, nightclubs, and restaurants.

It’s a place Mallick frequented growing up, so he knows it well. His interpretation with Bar Goa is vibrantly decorated throughout the space (he gives us a quick, virtual tour during the episode), with food and drinks to complement.

“We wanted to focus and showcase that part of India,” explains Mallick. “Traditionally, the focus is always on a traditional Indian restaurant that’s low key and chilled out with recipes that represent different states of India.

“But now it’s such a huge country with more than 180 official dialects and so many cultural influences. Goa was something different we wanted to introduce to the Chicago culinary scene.”

Everything is made from scratch, and some of the highlights of the menu include green pea hummus, butter chicken croquettes, and pork vindaloo sliders. And at a satellite location in the Time Out Market in the West Loop, there are shrimp po’boys enhanced by Indian seasonings. Deejays spinning house, Bollywood, and contemporary music as well and local comedians round out the experience at Bar Goa.

Also during the episode, co-host and resident mixologist Lynn House introduced two new beverages in the spirit of the conversation. She’s continuing to put her spin on Dry January, called “Juicy January.”

The highlight was “A Walk in Mumbai,” a spirit-free version of the classic Manhattan using non-alcoholic cardamom bitters and booze-free wine.

Watch the episode in its entirety right here.