Delhi’s Indian Accent Launches HOSA In Goa, An Experimental South Indian Restaurant

With an influx of inward-looking travellers, staycationers, and even ‘workcationers’ since March 2020, Goa has been brimming with experimental restaurants offering both inventive and regional delicacies. India’s beloved beach destination has a syncretic appeal to its gastronomic culture, offering a smorgasbord of flavours, spices and culinary styles; coupled with a penchant for whimsical aesthetics to immerse oneself in the quintessential susegad spirit of Goa. HOSA in Siolim is the newest entrant amidst the sea of eclectic spots, by EHV International, the company behind Indian Accent, Comorin, and the recently launched Koloman in New York.

HOSA means ‘New’ in Kannada and explores the culinary diversity of South India, beyond the familiar and also features a creative and energetic bar. “We have always wanted to create a slightly more approachable and contemporary interpretation of the marvellous flavours of South India. Set on the waters opposite the magnificent St. Anthony’s Church in Siolim, we hope Goa embraces our newest concept”, says Rohit Khattar, Founder Chairman of EHV/Old World Hospitality.

Housed in an old Goan bungalow attributed to its Portuguese past, EHV’s design director Rohini Kapur has sleekly designed this modern space that reflects style and comfort. “The bungalow was built approximately in the year 1901 is now called Irada Home. The decrepit red roof tiles needed a change and the old bungalow was only going to be restored. When the roof was taken off, we discovered that the traditional wooden rafters had been eaten up by termites. The old rafters were replaced by metal beams painted in pearl cream set off by a charcoal ceiling”, explains Kapur.

On entering, visitors are greeted by a splendid 14ft bar, smack in the centre; surrounded by Portuguese pattern tiles in a monochromatic palette of black, grey, and beige that were specially made in a kiln in Gujarat. The space also comprises striking tall ceilings, warm wooden furnishings, customised furniture, traditional yet avant-garde art on the walls by South-Indian artists, and foliage in every corner.

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The restaurant flows around the creative bar, meandering into private dining spots that seat 100 people and a little patio outside to accommodate 25 people. A beautiful art room functions as a gallery during the day and becomes a private dining area in the evening with a pre-function area replete with its own bar counter. Phase 2 of the restaurant will feature extensive outdoor seating along the promenade set on the banks of the Chapora river.

Rohini’s design vision is modern yet respectful of the unique Goan setting; translated beautifully and further enhanced by veteran architect and designer Ashley Mascarenhas, who specialises in the restoration, redesigning and revitalisation of old Portuguese villas. “The proximity to St. Anthony’s Church inspired me to add dramatic gothic metal chandeliers that highlight the ceiling height. Instead of the built in seating of all Goan homes in the balconies, I added antique church pews which add a novel character. The main feature that we retained from the old bungalow was the dominating arch that became the background of our bar. I have created a space that has a minimal simplicity”, expresses Kapur. The art-themed decor is the highlight of the space, complementing the artistic culinary arrangements on each plate.

Varun Sharma heads the beverage program here, who also leads the award-winning bar at EHV’s other restaurant. The end-to-end project development and management has been under the purview of EHV’s Director of Development Vikas Bhasin. He takes special pride in the fact that despite the site constraints, the most sustainable practices possible have been put into this restaurant. A quaint yet contemporary space, HOSA charms you with its cultural uniqueness with modern adaptation of regional cuisines.

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