When we think of Goa, one of India’s most popular tourist destinations we think of its sandy beaches & turquoise blue water. But today let’s take you to a culinary delight tour of Goa where we will talk about the best cafes to visit in Goa.
The southwestern Indian state, which is split into northern and southern districts along the Konkan coast, welcomes millions of visitors from other parts of India, partying all night in the best cafes of Goa.
Known as India’s Sunshine State, the area is also a favourite for foreign tourists, who frequent resorts, guesthouses, and beach cabanas, lured by the state’s sun, sand, and susegado, the Goan version of the laid-back life. But much beyond beaches, Goa’s incredibly diverse, flavourful cuisine is to die for. The state is dotted with cafes serving some great cuisines. So before we dive into what are the best cafes to visit in Goa, let’s know a little about its legacy and specialities.
Goans nurture a deep love for their food, evident in everyday meals (like little touches of pickled fruits) and special occasions (like the 16-layer egg-and-coconut cakes that appear around Christmas). Locals tie together recipes, ingredients, and kitchen know-how from Portugal, South India, and other parts of the world, creating a culinary legacy that often goes overlooked by tourists. Across Goa, beyond the popular and best cafes to visit, you’ll find a vivid mix of breakfast joints, roadside carts, generations-old taverns, and contemporary resto bars, all proudly contributing to Goa’s culinary narrative.
What’s the food in Goa like?
Although small in size, the state has a layered cuisine from centuries of power shifts. Hindu royal families and Muslim dynasties ruled Goa before the Portuguese arrived in 1510. The Portuguese colonized the area for about 450 years and heavily influenced culinary traditions in the process; many dishes and desserts still have Portuguese-derived names. Goa also acted as a centre of trade with Arab merchants and other territories of the Portuguese empire, like Japan, Indonesia, and Mozambique, bringing in spices along with textiles, horses, and other goods.
Goa’s culinary history blends traditional Indian cooking and Portuguese influences, with a unique flavor profile that includes sweet, sour, and spicy notes.
Bringing to mind the 70s in Goa, when colorful Portuguese architecture with steeped roofs lined the streets, the psychedelic and trance culture was strengthening its hold and this haven for hippies was becoming a bustling cradle of culture with new ideologies, new music, and of course, new food. Today, these restaurants in Goa are no less than a legacy. With new restaurants springing up in Goa every other day, it’s easy to get past those that have been there since ages. However, we can’t deny the fact that old restaurants and cafes have a unique charm to them. These are full of character and have made a mark on Goa’s dining scene without compromising on taste. Some of the best cafes to visit in Goa which have retained their old-world charm are Amancio, Siolim, Kokni Kanteen, Panjim Longuinhos, Margao, O’Coquiero, Porvorim & Café Tato.
There is something special about goan recipes/food
Goan cuisine is characterized by a liberal use of rice, coconuts, fish, kokum, cashews, spices, and vinegar. Fish and rice are the staples, supplemented by meat, beans, and vegetables. Pez, a rice porridge prepared with leftover curries and pickles, is a common mid-morning meal.
Eat like a local – Some must-try dishes when in Goa
Vindaloo
Nothing harks back to Goa’s Portuguese roots more than the sumptuous pork vindaloo (also comes in chicken). Deriving its name from the Portuguese word vin which stands for wine and ahlo (garlic), this fiery red curry originated from a Portuguese sailor’s stew made of pork, garlic and wine. Its served in almost all best known cafes in Goa.
Crab Xec Xec
If you love crustaceans, you’re in for a treat! In this traditional Goan recipe, fresh crab is flavored with aromatic spices like cloves and tamarind and cooked gently in rich coconut gravy. It’s a signature dish is served in best cafes of Goa all across.
Prawn Balchão
Experience an explosion of flavors when you try this sweet and spicy prawn pickle made of succulent tomatoes, chilli sauce, sauteed onions and vinegar. It is best coupled with rice or eaten as a spread on toast.
Goan Fish Curry
Humble in ingredients and preparation time, traditional Goan fish curry is rich in flavor and aroma. You must try this fresh fish tenderized with a lemon marinade and cooked in a fragrant tomato and coconut-infused sauce.
Bebinca
Any list talking about what to eat in Goa is incomplete without this famous Goan dessert. You will find that few things can compete with bebinca when it comes to being synonymous with Goa. A typical bebinca usually comprises seven to 16 layers and is made of coconut milk, jaggery, eggs and butter.
Here some of best cafes in Goa that are a must try:
Bhatti Village, Nerul
A family run Goa eatery and one of the best cafes in Goa, is hidden away in the narrow by-lanes of Nerul village, near Panjim, Bhatti Village, It is a cosy joint run by a Goan family. Patrick oversees the customers, his wife cooks, and their children (old enough) wait tables. There are no menus; Patrick personally discusses food preferences with you and makes recommendations. How interesting is that!
Mum’s Kitchen, Panjim:
Definitely one of the best cafes of Goa and so damn underrated. An earthy ambiance, complete with a koi pond and a rustic bar, Mum’s Kitchen is the local haunt for fine dining. Set up by a Goan couple with traditional recipes collected from various Goan households, the vegetarian options on the menu are extensive. A must try place for people who seek authentic flavours.
Bombil, Panjim
Smack dab at the heart of Panjim, Bombil is a love letter to the small joints that once dotted Goa. The no-frills restaurant with vivid, yellow walls serves food inspired by owner Joseph Dias’s upbringing, especially the simple food cooked by his grandparents. Look for favorite bites like semolina-coated fried lepo (sole) or go for the daily lunch, which includes white rice with mango pickles, bombil (dried Bombay duck), and sorak (spiced, tangy coconut gravy known as “spinster curry” since it doesn’t include meat or fish). Definitely one of the best cafes in Goa.
Night Owl in Vagator
Known for its contemporary ambiance and gourmet coffee this is hands-down one of the best cafes in north Goa. These cafes serve not only as food havens but also social hubs, where both locals and tourists gather to discuss their favourite restaurants in Goa.
Royal Enfield Garage Café, Arpora
Newly opened and already one of the best cafes in north Goa. A place that captures the hearts of motorcyclists, explorers, and food enthusiasts alike. Immerse yourself in the essence of pure motorcycling firsthand, while indulging in a diverse menu crafted to satisfy every palate.
Special mention to their RE Classic Burger and the flavorful Interceptor Burger, smoked meat, veg, and non-veg pizzas including their RE Signature Blend drinks. And at the ongoing IBW 2024, Explurger is organizing a breakfast ride at this cafe on 8th December 2024. If you happen to be around, do drop in.
Cafe Del Mar, Palolem
A serene oasis in the heart of Palolem Beach, this undoubtedly one of best cafes in south Goa. Since its opening in October 2001, it has captivated visitors with its idyllic setting, warm hospitality, and delectable cuisine. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner under the stars, a lively night out with friends, or a cozy beachfront retreat, Cafe Del Mar has something for everyone.
Beyond best cafes in Goa, here are some of the best food tours and experiences to have in this state
Make It Happen
Homegrown tour organization, Make It Happen conducts whisky distillery tours, feni and tapas hours, and food trails through Goan towns, all of which make ideal introductions to local cuisine. Go for the Margao Food Trail, which explores local markets, breadmaking, and dining at a heritage restaurant.
Soul Travelling
One of Goa’s leading tour organizations, Soul Travelling stands out by offering curated culinary tours that explore various aspects of Goan cuisine, like home-cooked Saraswat Brahmin meals. Go for the Chorao Island tour, which gives you a chance to explore Goa’s largest island and cook dishes with local families.
The Local Beat
Founded by Goan Mackinlay Barreto, Local Beat goes beyond typical tourist experiences to explore Goa’s charming villages. All tours include food experiences, dipping into what Goans eat on a typical day depending on the season, like kelyachyo fodi (spicy, rava-fried banana) and urrak, the first distillation of the cashew apple extract (a second distillation produces feni).
So it’s time to plan your gourmet trip to this vibrant state. The delicacies, the cafes, their authentic flavors will leave your taste buds craving for more. The best cafes in Goa are calling you, don’t make them wait anymore!