Goa Restaurants and Dining

(Goa, India, )



Photo of eatery with waterfront viewsThe cuisine of Goa is influenced by its appealing coastal setting and many restaurants feature tasty seafood dishes on their menus, such as Goa's famous fish curry. When dining out in Goa you are also likely to encounter many other local specialities, such as the extremely popular pork vindaloo, xacuti (curry made with poppy seeds and red chilies), the 'chourisso' (Goan sausage) and also 'sorptel' (a rich pork-based stew).

For locals in Goa, fish has become a staple part of their diet and restaurants feature a staggering choice of different fish dishes, using more than 100 varieties of seafood and freshwater fish. Much of this fish-based cuisine is often prepared with coconut milk and ginger, such as 'caldeen'.


Picture of relaxed central cafe

When to Eat / Opening Hours

Goa is known for its Portuguese past and this is reflected within many of its restaurants, particularly when dining out in the evening. Tourists should look out for the traditional roast beef 'assado de bife' and also the spicy 'balchao' prawn curry.

Restaurants in Goa also specialise in elaborate and rather sumptuous puddings and sweets. Particularly famous is the mouth-watering 'bebinca', a 16-layer pudding made with eggs, coconut, ghee, nutmeg, maida (white flour) and sugar, and baked in a clay oven - a much-loved Goan dessert. After dining out in Goa, consider finishing your meal off with a glass of fenny, a tasty Indian liquor originating from Goa and made with either cashew apples or coconut.

Those venturing further afield and outside of Goa will find that the western border of Karnataka features many good restaurants and inexpensive dining options, often specialising in Goan-style fare, using plenty of seafood, coconut and pickles.