An amazing metamorphosis has occurred at Tao and Anise, a culinary institution that has been performing its culinary magic for years. Once known for its faithful devotion to the ageless traditions of Mediterranean food, this iconic restaurant at The Westin Goa has bravely shed its skin and sprung back to life like a phoenix from the ashes!
You enter the doors and are instantly engulfed in a realm of exquisite beauty which is a captivating experience. The atmosphere, which combines the vivid splendour of Indian palaces with the subtle nuances of Japanese minimalism, is a remarkable fusion of sleek modernity and ancient traditions. A hint of mystery is added by soft umbrellas made of delicate silk and paper and finely carved screens with dragon and cherry blossom designs. As you become comfortable in the luxurious space, you can’t help but feel as though you’ve reached a world of gastronomic nirvana, where Pan Asian flavours and customs come to life in a genuinely remarkable eating experience.
The rooftop deck was converted into an opulent outdoor movie theater, with the night sky serving as the best screen. The air was filled with the sound of clinking glasses and gentle conversation—yes, you can see many foreigners too. The entire world seemed to be working together to produce a genuinely remarkable movie experience—one that would linger in your memory long after the credits had rolled—complete with wine and dining!
The setting is elegant but welcoming, making it ideal for a romantic evening for two or a night out with friends. The culinary staff has also been busy reinventing the wheel, creating a menu that is bold, eclectic and tantalisingly delicious. It’s not just the looks that have undergone a drastic transformation! The traditional Mediterranean dishes of hummus, falafel and gyro are long gone. A stunning variety of dishes that combine seemingly unrelated flavours and cooking methods to create a genuinely inventive culinary experience have taken their place.
The perfect combination of wild turkey, sherry, grenadine, fresh lime juice and the delicate sweetness of a maraschino cherry created a symphony of flavours in one beautiful cocktail. Originating in the storied Artist’s Bar at the Hotel Ritz in Paris in the 1920s, the Artist’s Special is a masterwork of mixology! The drink becomes a creative catalyst as the ingredients mix together, stimulating the senses and the imagination. It invites you to embrace your inner visionary and appreciate the beauty of this liquid masterpiece as it reveals secrets of the artistic spirit with each sip.
T&A’s soups are a gastronomic adventure through the heart of Asia—warm, cozy and delicious! They are what we like to refer to as the fragrant elixirs, a skillful fusion of traditional and contemporary elements that are expertly prepared to take your taste buds to the vibrant markets of Tokyo, the spice-filled alleys of Bangkok and the steamy food stalls of Hanoi. Each spoonful of their fiery Miso featured a delicate blend of flavours, textures and scents that will leave you wanting more, from the rich, savoury broth of Akgaejang to the fiery, sour bite of their Spicy Miso. Regardless of whether you’re craving a hearty, comforting bowl or a daring, palate-opening experience, their Pan Asian soups are a culinary passport to the vivid tastes!
Indeed, we know that in the realm of Japanese cuisine, one word is synonymous with flavours of the “Teriyaki” concept but Tao will introduce you to the “Kushiyaki” concept! With its tantalising sizzle of skewers and sweet aroma of charcoal, “kushiyaki” is a culinary trend that is on the rise. “Kushiyaki” is the newest Japanese culinary fad that is also sweeping the world of Tao & Anise! Chef is pushing the limits of flavour and originality while incorporating a hint of tandoori chicken into this age-old technique of grilling skewers of delectable ingredients.
They can, however, also put you on a whole sushi roll! Because every kind of sushi is offered at the refurbished restaurant. Once a far-flung fantasy for foodies in this idyllic seaside town, sushi is becoming the hottest thing in town. Tao & Anise offers a variety of creative rolls, Nigiri and Kaki Age Maki that combine traditional Japanese flavours with locally sourced, fresh ingredients. The air is filled with the sound of joyful conversation, chopstick clinking and the occasional “oishii!” (Japanese for “delicious”) as both locals and tourists swarm to try the newest sushi concoctions at the resto. This is proof that sushi has finally arrived and is here to stay!
And just after sushi, another Asian culinary phenomenon is winning over the hearts (and stomachs) of foodies all across the coast are the delicious little packages of happiness known as dumplings. New dumplings have appeared on their menu, enticing palates with their nuanced harmony of flavours, textures and scents. Dumplings, whether they are served steamed, pan-fried, or in a flavourful soup, demonstrates that T&A is ever eager to try the newest culinary fads!
Where else can you experience a culinary adventure that starts with papad dips laced with prawns and concludes with a dessert of ginger and lemon that soothes and warms? To you everyone, that’s Tao and Anise! Something like Yuzu Honey Ginger Semifreddo is exceptional in the dessert category. The golden warmth of honey, the spicy overtones of ginger and the zesty zing of yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit, combine to create a flavor that is both calming and energising. The semifreddo’s smooth texture envelops your senses as it melts on your tongue, leaving a trail of flowery sweetness and zesty freshness that tempts you to keep eating until the very end.
One thing is evident as this culinary journey comes to an end: Tao and Anise have experienced a transformation that is nothing short of amazing!
