Goan food in Ahmedabad?!

While we are on the topic on Ahmedabad, let me share with you the one hidden secret of the city. Given ofcourse, that you are non-vegetarian (somehow most of my food articles will have have this disclaimer - apologies!!). Gujratis largely being a strictly vegetarian community, the number of restaurants that serve non-vegetarian food is not very high. The old city across the Sabarmati ofcourse boasts of galis where you will find great kebabs but that is largely due to the predominant muslim population in that area.

Being who I am - completely inspired by my ex-boss who would vow to eat only things that 'live or have ever lived', this ofcourse posed a huge problem for me. Thus began my exploration of the city and by the time I was done with it, I had found places that could give Delhi's best joints a run for their money! One such find was a little place called 'La Bella'. I call it a 'little place' because frankly thats all there was to it! Just off one of the bridges (I really cant remember which one though) connecting the old city to Ashram Road, it was set in a side alley that you wouldn't pass unless you intended to be there for a reason. 2 tiny rooms and 5 rickety tables is all that you could find. Run by an old Goan couple, aunty would be in the kitchen cooking while uncle helped to serve. One would typically walk into the kitchen and ask them what they could serve today. You would end up getting Rice with Chicken Curry, Pork Chilly Fry or Fish Fry. Ask for a menu and they would look at you as if you were an alien, ask for prices and you would probably be asked to leave! And for good reason....a meal for 2 would not cost more than Rs.100 ($2.5), so why bother with the exact price of each item!!! I know you are still staring at the figure I mentioned but its true! Incredibly cheap yet clean and serving fingerlicking food, this place was a hidden gem. And who frequented it? You would only find students from NID, CEPT, IIM, IHM and the odd one like me and my room-mate who heard of it through friends of friends...

The last time I went there, in 2004 I think, the shutters were down and it looked like they had shut shop. For the sake of foodies like me roaming the streets of Ahmedabad trying to find good meat, I hope it is not so. So if by any chance you happen to be in Ahmedabad, do look it up and let me know....trust me, you wont regret the effort!