SLOW TIDE, GOA
From Features Desk
Some places don’t just serve food, they embody
the spirit of where they stand. Perched on the
edge of Anjuna Beach, Slow Tide is one such
space. True to its name, it encourages guests to
pause, let go of hurry, and soak in Goa’s easy
rhythm where waves set the tempo and every
meal feels like a celebration.
Rooted in Anjuna’s Legacy Slow Tide isn’t just another beach shack, it’s a revival of history. The site once housed the iconic San Francisco shack of the 1960s, where hippies, travellers, and locals gathered at sunrise and sunset to swap stories, play music, and embrace freedom. Today, Slow Tide carries that legacy forward. Founded by Neil Dsouza during the pandemic and designed by award-winning Sri Lankan architect Palinda Kannangara, it blends rustic local elements: laterite, wood, and bamboo, with contemporary and open-plan aesthetics. The result is a breezy, bohemian space where woven lamps, tropical plants and ocean views meet curated playlists and the natural soundtrack of crashing waves.
A Culinary Journey Along the West Coast
At the heart of Slow Tide is its culinary
philosophy, helmed by Chef Abhishek
Deshmane. The menu draws from India’s western
coast: Goa, Bombay, Mangalore, and beyond,
deeply shaped by Portuguese influences.
Expect
bold flavours and regional classics reimagined:
Mangalorean Mit Mirsang Fish Cakes, Toddy
Shop Pork Toasties, Karwari Mussels, and the
hearty Military Canteen Mutton Curry. Seasonal
menus highlight age-old delicacies like Aloni
Bhaat in winter, or Kalchi Kodi Seafood Conjee
during the monsoons.
For those leaning towards something lighter,
wood-fired pizzas, prawn tacos, tuna poke bowls,
avocado toast, and roasted veggie platters bring
global comfort with Goan freshness. Sweet
endings arrive in the form of tropical fruit
cheesecakes, or artisanal ice creams, all crafted
with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients.
Cocktails with a Story
The bar at Slow Tide is more than a place to sip, it’s a storytelling stage. Cocktails are named after Goa’s legendary characters and traditions: Acid Erik, Sailor Fred, and Goa Gill, among them, each with an anecdote attached.
The bar at Slow Tide is more than a place to sip, it’s a storytelling stage. Cocktails are named after Goa’s legendary characters and traditions: Acid Erik, Sailor Fred, and Goa Gill, among them, each with an anecdote attached.
Tropical signatures like the spicy mango
margarita, or coconut-rum cooler feel almost
tailor-made for an Anjuna sunset, while smoothies
and plant-based blends acknowledge Goa’s
wellness-forward hippie past.
A Community Hub
What truly sets Slow Tide apart is its role as a cultural gathering place. Beyond food and drink, the restaurant embraces art, literature, and music. Guests might chance upon live acoustic sessions, DJ sets with eclectic beats, or pop-up art showcases. Book launches and local artist exhibits are frequent, staying true to Anjuna’s free-spirited
What truly sets Slow Tide apart is its role as a cultural gathering place. Beyond food and drink, the restaurant embraces art, literature, and music. Guests might chance upon live acoustic sessions, DJ sets with eclectic beats, or pop-up art showcases. Book launches and local artist exhibits are frequent, staying true to Anjuna’s free-spirited
commune roots. Whether you’re a solo traveller
striking up conversations at the bar, a group of
friends sharing a long meal, or a family soaking in
the breeze, the atmosphere is inclusive and
warm.
The Slow Tide Philosophy
Ultimately, Slow Tide is about more than a meal. It’s about slowing down, sharing plates, lingering over cocktails, and watching the tide roll in. In a town buzzing with cafes and parties, Slow Tide offers a softer, more soulful rhythm. A reminder that Goa isn’t meant to be rushed, but savoured, bite by bite, sip by sip, and moment by moment.
Ultimately, Slow Tide is about more than a meal. It’s about slowing down, sharing plates, lingering over cocktails, and watching the tide roll in. In a town buzzing with cafes and parties, Slow Tide offers a softer, more soulful rhythm. A reminder that Goa isn’t meant to be rushed, but savoured, bite by bite, sip by sip, and moment by moment.
