The Goa Collective Bazar — Local services in Goa

My recommendation of the year 2021 : @thegoacollectivebazaar

As 2021 comes to an end and I have been constantly working on an itinerary which helps people explore Goa like never before. The itinerary consists of two, three and four days trip to Goa, covering both North and South Goa.

I have already shared this itinerary with few of my closed ones. However if you are not one of those, don't get disheartened. Here I am presenting the place which is must visit for everyone irrespective of their liking.

The Goa Collective Bazaar is an Initiative by HillTop Goa. It is a vibrant little market to showcase the amazing wealth of talent that needs to be appreciated and taken to another level. There's a variety of Food Stalls, Unique Fashion & Craft Brands, Kids Corner, Live music, Groovy beats from Djs, Cocktail Bar and more.

The entry is INR 100 per person and the timings are 3pm to 3am.

Trippy tees, Mario Miranda’s artworks, a sassy new haircut under the tree, gorgeous accessories, mouth harps, shell anklets, yoga mats, natural skincare, ethical fashion, brass necklaces… This freewheeling market is full of amazing knick knacks. Don’t believe me? Then go and see it for yourself.

Since it’s Goa, no market is complete without a bar. So, yes, grab a beer at Luna's cocktail bar while the children have fun making masks and dreamcatchers. The market's lovely in a way that it lets the kids have as much fun as the parents. Post all this work, you can hit up the food court straight for some cookies, burgers, khao suey, steaks, platters, pizzas and waffles.

Oh, and there's live entertainment in the form of gigs, poetry and more. The line-up of artists (they switch things up regularly) is announced on their social media. Rest assured though that the musical acts (both the DJs and bands) are curated by folks who are experts in their fields. That apart, there are also fire dancers, LED shows and the like. So guys, we're talking a total hipster bazaar feeling but only more...

This place opens only on Friday evenings around 5 PM and offers a completely different vibe. The entry fee is ₹200 per person (both cash and UPI/cards accepted). They strictly do not allow any outside food or even water inside, though you can carry it in your bags.

All food items, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, including water, are available inside—but at a high price. We tried samosas, which cost around ₹400 for two—quite expensive. Drinks were also similarly priced.

The music vibes here are unique and really good, making it a great Friday night option in Goa. You’ll find a variety of interesting things like face paintings, genuine crystals, unique clothes, shoes, bags, and more—mostly from foreigner-run stores. There are plenty of shopping options, and bargaining is possible. A wide variety of Indian food is available, though prices are on the higher side.

Network issues can be experienced in some areas, so keep that in mind and carry cash. Free, clean washrooms are available for visitors. Free parking is also provided for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers.

Be cautious of beggars around the parking area, as they can make the walk to the main entry and back difficult. Some have even been seen checking car windows, so it’s best not to leave valuables inside and to stay alert.

Do visit to experience another side of Goa—it’s a different and...

Went to the Fri Night Mkt at the hilltop. Great ambience, crowd music & food . No problem parking. Met Monty Bagchi from Lakhnau/Hakka Shiwu with his great , tasty Galouti Kebabs & Chicken boti roll. Had some chilled beer ( overcharged) . Went to the best barbecue that we have had in a long time : Smoke Barbecue from Chapora ( opp Darling Bar) . Despite lines and a bit of a wait while your Spare Ribs or Pulled pork or Pork belly or tenderloin sandwich is lovingly , unhurriedly smoked and barbecued. Fabulous to eat , cooked perfectly and just simply divine food . Yummmm. Ha a juicy chicken Shawarma for Rs 200 which was perfectly cooked. Can’t remember the name . Had the Vietnamese Bahn Mi sandwich with pulled pork from Neighbours which was perfect . The make the best French Baguettes and put the juicy , tasty , melt in the mouth pulled pork in it . Coco Thai served the Vietnamese green curry tofu with veggies which was good . Their Pad Thai was tasty. Also the Tom Yum was tasty. Had Churros from somebody from South Goa whic unfortunately at Rs 300 was a bit pricey for 3 small pieces of Churros . BUT the Churros were divine, great tasting and had a choice of 6 fantastic dipping sauces. Dil& Pet mange more. Had a delicious baked Cheesecake for Rs 300 . Pricy but worth every paisa of cheesecake heaven. Good live music and a...