Goa, the land of sun, sand, and seafood, that’s the cliché everyone believes, right? Well, Goa is much more than the reputation that precedes it. As an intersection of cultures and cuisines, the vegetarian scene in Goa is far from being an afterthought. While for most people, Goa is synonymous with seafood thalis, prawn curries, and beachside shacks serving the day’s fresh catch, as a vegetarian, I didn’t want to settle for the usual dal and paneer I eat every day.
On my recent trip, when I explored the state through a vegetarian lens, I didn’t just find “options” to get by. I found thoughtfully curated menus, along with several Jain- and vegan-friendly places. If you’re visiting Goa, here are some of my tried-and-tested restaurants and cafes that serve vegetarian food I truly enjoyed.
Tracing The Roots Of Vegetarian Food In Goa
Undoubtedly, when someone thinks of Goa, the mind automatically goes to classics like vindaloo, prawn balchao, and fish curry. While they are iconic, assuming that Goa is limited to seafood would be like saying Italy only serves pizza and pasta.
Historically, the Saraswat Brahmin community were among the early inhabitants of Goa, and they were largely vegetarian. Influenced by the Konkan coast and Vedic heritage, early Goan cuisine included fresh produce, lentils, and regional spices. Dishes like tambdi bhaji (red spinach stir-fry), vaddai, and khatkhate (made with assorted vegetables and a mix of lentils) are a testament to this meat-free culinary tradition.
Long before the Portuguese introduced ingredients like potatoes, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and chillies, Goa had a predominantly vegetarian food culture. Even after colonial influences took over, traditional gatherings continued to feature vegetarian spreads made with locally grown produce like pumpkin, jackfruit, drumsticks, and more.
Best Restaurants In South Goa To Get A Vegetarian Meal
Ouzo Delmar - Bar, Beach, BBQ
Image Credits: Garima Johar
Sitting by the Varca beach, Ouzo Delmar’s setting impresses you even before the food is on the table. Whilst enjoying the dance of the waves, I had my very first meal at their restaurant. Even though it might not strike you as the best place for vegetarians, their menu includes a wide variety of Indian as well as continental dishes. I would go back for their crispy manchurian cooked in Indo-Chinese-style gravy and the humble bowl of fried rice. From regional classics like Goan mushroom cafreal to hearty servings of anjeer palak ke kofte, they know their way around Indian cuisine. Pair your meals with a cocktail or mocktail, sit by the beach, and soak in the Goa goodness
Address: Survey Number 200, 2-B, near Zuri White Sands, Pedda, Varca, Goa, 403721
Timings: 12 PM to 11 PM
Price for Two: ₹2000
The Casa Varca, Sterling Resort
After a long day at the beach, it’s only natural for you to hunt for good food. Opting for a dinner buffet at The Casa Varca can be a great choice if you have the appetite for it. Unlike the mainstream buffets offering varieties of dal and paneer, there was an array of vegetarian options to choose from. They offer Goan specialities like Vegetable Xacuti, Vegetable Caldine, and Bhendyachi Bhaji. As for the continental food, they didn’t shy away from experimenting with dishes like eggplant lasagna. Finally, they won brownie points with the richest chocolate mousse, sabudana kheer, and of course, mini pastries.
Address: No. 605/D, Fatrade Rd, Varca, Goa 403721
Timings: 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Price for Two: ₹2500
Homely Punjab
After days of coastal flavours, there’s something deeply comforting about starting the day with a meal close to home. Homely Punjab delivered exactly what its name promises. They offer a traditional Punjabi menu with different varieties of parathas, chole bhature, aloo puri, Amristari chole, sarson ka saag, and much more. I went ahead with a paneer paratha that made me call my mother, a plate of aloo puri, and, of course, sweet lassi to pair with. With their in-house pickles and chutneys, and a phulkari-themed setup, I felt at home in South Goa.
Image Credits: Garima Johar
Address: Survey No. 53/9, Panchayat, opposite Orlim, Orlim, Goa 403721
Timings: 9 AM to 10 PM
Price for Two: ₹200-400
My Favourite Spots In North Goa
Hosa
Hosa is where things get interesting. Unlike a typical South Indian restaurant, Hosa presents the familiar dishes with a twist. I started with Kokum Soda to beat the heat and a Sorakkai Salad. Their cracked potatoes served with cauliflower masiyal and hibiscus dust and Shimeji Mushroom Varuval that comes with mushroom pate were the perfect appetisers. The Elaneer Pepper Fry and Andhra Pulav served with green chilli cauliflower and burnt aubergine raita made me explore South Indian flavours on a whole new level. What I loved most was the attention to detail and how each element on the plate balanced the texture and spice level of the entire dish. For dessert, I had the rather popular filter coffee ice cream, and it was truly worth the hype.
Image Credits: Hosa
Address: HOSA Restaurant & Bar, At Irada Home, Near St. Anthony’s Church, Vaddy, Siolim - Bardez, North Goa 403517
Timings: Lunch - 12 PM to 4 PM | Dinner - 7 PM to 11 PM
Price for Two: ₹4100
Artjuna Cafe
I think a trip to North Goa would have been incomplete without checking out Artjuna Cafe. The air and full of life spot located near Anjuna beach is more of a community hub, whose menu leans heavily towards vegetarian options. With vegan options as well, it is just the perfect place to read a book or perhaps write with a cup of coffee and a small snack. The breads were fresh, the croissant was flaky, and the dips were mind-blowing. And don’t forget to pick one of their desserts for the road.
Address: 972, Market Rd, Monteiro Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa 403509
Timings: 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Price for Two: ₹1800
Bastian Riviera
To end your trip on a high note, don’t miss attending a sundowner at Bastian Riviera. As the name promises, you get to enjoy the water whilst having your drinks. Some of the best vegetarian plates were Vegan Nachos, Korean Fried Paneer, Potato Truffle Croquettes, and Crispy Tofu. You can pair them with perfectly curated cocktails, and even get them customised as per your preferences. I particularly loved their desserts. It’s safe to say that their basque cheesecake was one of the best I had in a long time. And the Pull Me Up Hazelnut Crunch deserves all the attention.
Address: Morjim, Parse, Goa 403512
Timings: 4 PM to 12:30 AM
Price for One: ₹3000-5000