This August, Deck 88 at The Astor Goa, an all-suite, design-forward boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Candolim, is all set to take you down India’s western coast. From 13th to 24th August 2025, Deck 88, the hotel’s alfresco restaurant, will host “The Chilli Trails of Konkan” – a special pop-up curated by Chef Divyanshi of The Astor Goa in collaboration with celebrated culinary artist Chef Anjali Walavalkar. This limited-edition menu is an ode to the Malvani and Goan Saraswat kitchens that define the Konkan strip.
Brought to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century after Vasco da Gama’s arrival, chillies quickly took root along the Western coast, thriving in village microclimates and adding depth to the local cuisine. Today, they remain an integral part of the most beloved Goan and Malvan dishes, becoming a symbol of regional pride and tradition. The special menu at Deck 88 will pay homage to three iconic regional chillies:
- Medium hot Canacona Chilli from South Goa
- The lesser-known variety of Mapusa Chilli from North Goa
- Gavti (Gauthi) Chilli, an indigenous village-grown staple of Malvani and Goan homes
Each dish, then, is a revelation of the fiery yet balanced soul of Malvani and Goan Saraswat cooking, with these three chillies adding not just heat but harmony. The chilli trail runs through the bar, too, with Cocktails like Joe’s Tamarind Tantrum – where Mapusa chilli meets tamarind, coriander, jaggery and tequila for a tangy, bold swirl. Or, sip on the Shazy Thecha Tonic – gin with green thecha, red chilli, lime juice and Sprite. There’s also Erric’s Konkam Colada, crafted with white rum, pineapple juice, coconut foam and a secret Goan blend of spices.
And then, there’s the Chutney Platter – a blend of rich flavours. Some of them include the tangy-sweet Inji Puli from Kerala, which marries ginger, tamarind and chilli. Karivepalli Karam brings the earthy bite of curry leaves and green chilli, alongside the authentic punch of Gavti chilis. Prawn Balchao is the classic Goan prawn pickle with vinegar and red chilli. All this comes with the perfect crunch of Bhakri lavash, charcoal-potato papad and Tarvoti papad. Meanwhile, for the main act, indulge in the Coastal Thalis that celebrate the region’s culinary soul – the “Shravan Special” Saraswat Thali, the Malwani Thali or the Kombdi Thali. Each thali comes with a sweet surprise alongside the beloved, authentic Ukadiche Modak.
Through an intimate setting, the pop-up will tell layered stories of Portuguese maritime influence and the journey of chillies along the Konkan coast. It invites diners to immerse themselves in the distinct worlds of Malvani and Goan Saraswat cuisines – two traditions often mistaken for one another – and to taste the nuances in their ingredients, chilli varieties, and cooking techniques.
For Chef Divyanshi, who comes from a Malvani heritage, and Chef Anjali, who has Goan roots, these chillies are more than just spice. They are flavours from their childhood kitchens, preserved with care. Choosing them for this menu is both an homage to their families’ spice boxes and a promise to keep these varieties alive before hybrid commercial chillies take their place.
Chef Divyanshi Patel, Culinary Director at The Astor Goa, said, “Deck 88 has always celebrated India’s seafood heritage, and the Chilli Trails of Konkan is an extension of that. As a chef, it is my responsibility to present regional cuisines in their truest form. Chef Anjali and I chose these three chillies because they are the true building blocks of flavour in Goan Saraswat and Malvani kitchens. Each carries its own regional identity and a story worth telling. Through this exploration, we aim to break the myth of “one flavour fits all” for the western coast of India and give our seafood-lover guests a chance to experience the true diversity of our shores.”
Chef Anjali Walavalkar added, “This menu celebrates recipes and spice blends that rarely leave home kitchens. In fact, through this collaboration, I have brought some of my most treasured Saraswat kitchen recipes alongside spice blends passed down through my family to the tables of Deck 88. With this limited-edition menu, we want guests to leave with the warmth of homely flavours that linger in memory. Each bite should feel like these traditions are worth preserving and keeping relevant.”
At a time when diners crave authentic, rooted food experiences, Deck 88 at The Astor Goa delivers with thoughtfulness and integrity. As a coast-to-coast restaurant, it celebrates the cuisines of India’s shores with authenticity and respect. With The Chilli Trails of Konkan pop-up, the team is not only preserving culinary traditions at risk of fading, archiving and honouring recipes, spice blends, and techniques before they’re lost to time, but also bringing them to a wider audience.
Legal Disclaimer: The Editor provides this news content "as is," without any warranty of any kind. We disclaim all responsibility and liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. For any complaints or copyright concerns regarding this article, please contact the author mentioned above.
