A Goan Feast To Remember: 8 Iconic Local Dishes And The Best Places To Find Them In Goa
Your Goan culinary adventure starts here
09 Oct, 2024 by Reeth Naomi Puri
Goa’s cuisine is a piquant blend of age-old Portuguese and Indian influences, offering a feast for the senses. Its coastal geography endows each dish with fresh seafood, bold spices, and rich velvety coconut gravies. Curious to discover the flavors that define Goa’s culinary soul? From fiery Pork Vindaloo to the best fish curry in Goa, these dishes tell stories of tradition. Ready to embark on a delicious journey with authentic Goan food in Goa? Here’s where to find them!
Goan Fish Curry at The Fisherman's Wharf, Cavelossim, South Goa
When in Goa, skipping iconic Goan fish curry is not an option! This dish perfectly exemplifies how local spices, fresh coconut, and tangy kokum are blended to create a curry that pairs exquisitely with steamed rice. The Fisherman's Wharf in South Goa serves some of the best fish curry in Goa. Located on the banks of the River Sal, this restaurant is renowned for its fresh seafood and spice blends.
Other must-haves: Chicken Ghee Roast with Lachha Paratha, Beef Assad, Prawn Chilli Fry, Prawns Reachado, Chorizo Kulcha
Cost for two: ₹ 1000
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Fish Thali at Soul Kadi, Anjuna Beach, Anjuna
The wholesome Goan fish thali showcases a variety of Goan specialties, such as fried fish and sol kadi, and multiple accompaniments, such as rice, pickles, and the best fish curry in Goa. The fish thali at Soul Kadi is a delight for seafood lovers and offers an authentic experience of local flavors, all on one plate. It's perfect for those looking to savor a variety of dishes in a single meal.
Other must-haves: Soul Kadi Prawns, Stuffed Calamari, Prawns Fried Rice, Modso Curry, Mutton Sukka
Cost for two: ₹700
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Chicken Cafreal at O' Coqueiro, Porvorim, North Goa
A spiced chicken dish with roots in Mozambique, introduced to Goa by the Portuguese. The marination of the chicken in a green spice paste made of coriander, garlic, ginger, and chilies gives the dish its vibrant color and sharp flavor. At O' Coqueiro, a historical restaurant in Porvorim, this dish is served grilled to perfection, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and succulent. O' Coqueiro’s legacy dates back decades, and it's known for serving authentic Goan food in Goa, with Chicken Cafreal being a standout.
Other must-haves: Recheado Chonak Fish, Stuffed Crab, Prawns Rissois, Bombil Rawa Fry, Pork Sausage In Poi
Cost for two: ₹900
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Pork Vindaloo at Mum's Kitchen, Panaji, North Goa
A bold and fiery Goan dish, Pork Vindaloo is all about the balance between spicy, tangy, and savory notes. The dish combines tender pork marinated in a blend of vinegar and a fiery spice mix. Serving authentic Goan food in Goa, Mum's Kitchen prides itself on preserving Goan culinary heritage, and their vindaloo, slow-cooked to perfection, is rich in flavor with succulent pieces of pork.
Other must-haves: Pedrinhache Balchao, Green Xacuti, Chourico Com Batata, Sausage Pulao, Olga Aires Mothers Curry
Cost for two: ₹ 1200
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Kingfish Rechado at Kismoor Sangolda, Penha de Franca, North Goa
Pomfret Rechado, a seafood delight from Goa is known for its vibrant red stuffing made with a blend of fiery spices called 'Rechado masala'. This masala is stuffed inside the fish before it’s grilled or pan-fried to perfection. Kismoor excels in making dishes that bring out the freshness of the seafood, and their Kingfish Rechado is a hit among regulars and tourists alike.
Other must-haves: Chicken Sukhem, Crab Meat Platter, Fish Balchao, Komdi Chilly Fry, Prawn Blackened Cafreal
Cost for two: ₹1000
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Bebinca at The Goan Room, Dona Paula, Panaji
Goa’s most famous dessert—a delightfully sweet, sticky, and labor-intensive layered cake made from eggs, coconut milk, and ghee. The Goan Room at Dona Paula offers one of the best renditions of this classic dessert. Every bite is a testament to the skills required to make it.
Other must-haves: Chicken Wadi with Goan Masala, Mori Ambotic, Prawns Dangar, Irani Kebab, Prawns Rava Fry
Cost for two: ₹ 1000
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Goan Chorizo Pao at Bay 15, Panaji, Goa
Goan chorizo, or spicy pork sausages, is a much-loved delicacy in the region. These sausages are packed with intense flavors, thanks to the use of local spices, vinegar, and garlic. The chorizo is often stuffed in a poee (Goan bread) and served as a snack or meal. Bay 15, located by the waterfront in Panaji, offers a delightful take on the Goan Chorizo Pao. The combination of the spicy sausages with the fluffy, slightly sour poee is an explosion of flavors. Enjoying this dish with a view of the Arabian Sea makes the experience even more memorable.
Other must-haves: Stuffed Chicken Tikka Kulcha, Goan Prawn Pulao, Pork Sorpotel, Crab Xec Xec, Zaatar Pizza
Cost for two: ₹ 1200
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Chicken Cafreal with Poee at Colina, Assagao, North Goa
Colina in Assagao offers a unique take on Chicken Cafreal by serving it with the traditional Goan bread, poee. The softness of the bread perfectly complements the spiciness of the chicken. Colina is known for its great sea view and delicious food, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts and tourists. Their Chicken Cafreal Poee is a fantastic option for anyone wanting authentic Goan food in Goa.
Other must-haves: Shrimp Hub Pro Burger, Calamari Peri Peri, Prawns Cutlets, Mutton Kheema Pav, Pulled Jerk Chicken Pizza
Cost for two: ₹1000
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Conceptualizer, Ex Chef, Photo Blogger, Coffee Fanatic, Book Worm, Dog Mom and most importantly a Food and Travel Writer.
