How many of you know that Goa was a part of Portugal until 1961? To get a true flavour of Portuguese Goa head to the state capital of Panjim. Apart from the Portuguese promenade, the churches and the ruins in Old Goa, you can savour the true taste of Portuguese colonial India in Venite reataurant. Set on a balcony overlooking 31 Janeiro Street, I had the crab and the Goan sausages.

My family hails from the Konkan coast and I grew up eating this blend of European and Indian food. When in Goa make sure you sample the region's true cuisines - my personal favourites are pork vindaloo, a dish flavoured with vin (red wine vinegar) and alho (garlic) and the xacuti.

Venite's is on 31 Janeiro Street, all the cabbies know it. It's in Panjim's Sao Tome neighbourhood. I don't have a phone number I'm afraid, but it's easy to find in a taxi and you don't need reservation

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Go for a couple of days - it's worth the visit. We stayed at the Afonso guest house, it's nice although the prices double over Christmas. There are some nice walks around this area.

Afonso guest house
nr St. Sebastian's church
Panjim

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This is the most beautiful beach I have ever been to. A palm tree lined, white sandy beach with beach huts overlooking. A spectacular sunset every evening. Beach shared with fishermen with small boats, crabs, pigs, monkeys and dolphins!

Take train (amazing journey) from Mumbai to Goa. Then by taxi (about £8) or bus (20p) to Palolem. Find a beach hut on arrival (about £5 a night)

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I came across this lovely completely rebuilt heritage Portuguese house, not too far from Vagator and Anjuna beach, in a superb setting in a coconut grove overlooking rice paddies.

Huge garden, expat owner. I'll give his web address so you can check it out.

www.assagaogoadreamhouse.com

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