A good pickling, politics, and a perfect curry: A night at the Love Shack
There are places that transcend the mere act of dining—where the food, the ambiance, and the people come together in an alchemy that borders on the magical. The Love Shack, perched on the golden sands of Calangute Beach, is one of those places.
You don’t stumble upon the Love Shack by accident. You find it because someone, a fellow traveler or local, tells you about it in a voice tinged with reverence. “You have to check out my place… The Love Shack,” they say, eyes lighting up. And so, because you just got off a 10 hour flight, you’re exhausted, jet lagged and starving, you go.
From the moment you step in, you’re struck by the easy, unpretentious vibe. There are no gimmicks here—just open-air seating under a thatched roof, the ocean breeze kissing your skin, and the rhythmic crash of waves as a backdrop. The staff greet you like an old friend who’s been gone too long, not a customer. That warmth sets the tone for the entire experience.
The menu is extensive, but you know why you’re here. The house curry—Murg Masalan—is nothing short of a masterpiece. It arrives at the table, steam curling in fragrant tendrils that speak of hours spent perfecting the balance of spices. The first bite is transformative. Tender chicken luxuriates in a rich gravy infused with tamarind, garlic, ginger and a whisper of star anise. It’s bold without being brash, comforting yet complex, with layers of flavor that linger long after the last bite.
The dish is served with fluffy, fragrant, multicoloured basmati rice and a garlic roti so perfectly charred you’d think it was pulled from the fires of a beachside tandoor. The combination is pure magic. This isn’t just food; it’s a love letter to Goa’s culinary heritage, signed and sealed by a kitchen team that clearly knows what they’re doing.
But what elevates the Love Shack from great to unforgettable is the service. These folks don’t just bring food to your table—they make you feel like family. Whether it’s offering thoughtful recommendations, adjusting a spice level to your liking, or sharing stories about Goa’s hidden gems, their attention to detail is flawless. They work with an understated elegance that leaves you feeling both pampered and completely at home.
And then there was Yuri (at least, I think that was what his name was). Halfway through my second beer—a crisp Kingfisher that pairs perfectly with the spice of the Murg Masalan—he appeared at our table. A burly, sunburned Russian who smelled faintly of pickles and vodka, Yuri introduced himself with a cheerful handshake and proceeded to launch into a spirited monologue about geopolitics. He spoke in heavily accented English, punctuating his points with toasts and fist bulbs that I couldn’t help but join.
Somewhere between a heated discussion about post-Soviet economics and his impassioned praise of Goa’s beaches, Yuri shared his own theory about what makes the Love Shack special. “This place,” he said, gesturing with a piece of naan, “it is not about food or drink. It is about people. We come here to forget borders, forget nonsense. We are all friends.”
And he was right. By the end of the night, I had learned more about Russian pickling techniques than I ever thought possible, promised to visit St. Petersburg someday, and shared a plate of prawns Yuri insisted we order. That’s the magic of Love Shack—it’s not just a place to eat; it’s a crossroads where lives intersect, even if only for a few hours.
By the time the check arrived, you realize you’ve lingered far longer than intended. The sun has dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, and the Love Shack has turned into a warm cocoon of twinkling lights and laughter. You leave reluctantly, already plotting your return.
The Love Shack isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a sanctuary for anyone who believes that food is more than sustenance, that service is an art, and that the best meals are as much about the soul as they are about the stomach.
Go for the Murg Masalan. Stay for the stories.
5 stars all the way.
