Goa is a name synonymous with beautiful beaches, wild parties and the relaxing atmosphere that surrounds it all! Who hasn’t imagined sitting at a shack, sipping a drink, and staring at the stunning landscape? From picturesque places to delicious food, goa has it all! Most of us are aware of the scenic beaches and wild parties, but not so much about the goan cuisine, especially the vegetarian goan cuisine! Goan cuisine is a potpourri of flavours! Initially, you might just eat it to keep yourself full, but eventually, you will get addicted to the taste and the variety it has to offer. And the next time you think of Goa, its food would be one of the first thoughts in your mind!

Over the years, we have slowly grown to appreciate the explosion of flavours found in the coastal plains of Goa. Rich with coconut and aromatic spices, its flavours will become a new addition to your taste palate. However, while everyone knows about the delectable fish and meat dishes, most people usually shy away from trying vegetarian food here. It’s a common thought that Goa is a hub for meat lovers but the same could not be said for vegetarians. While this was true a while ago, these days, Goa is home to some wonderful restaurants that offer delicious vegetarian and vegan choices for its people.

Sharing some of my favourite places to eat in Goa as a vegetarian-

Pings Bia Hoi

Forgoing the idea of a traditional restaurant, Ping’s Bia Hoi treats its customers to colourful interiors that are beautifully accentuated with plants all around. Bobbing your head to the upbeat music and sipping on Ping’s signature drinks will soon become your new modus operandi for a hearty meal. This is the place you go to when you are craving Thai or Chinese. I promise you’ll not be disappointed. It’s one of my favourite restaurants in Goa and here’s what I recommend: Drunken Noodles, Hong Kong Noodles and Philadelphia Cream Cheese Dim Sums

Garden Of Dreams

Missing out on brunch at GOD during your visit to Goa is simply not an option. The name ‘Garden of Dreams’ essentially captures the essence of what this surreal little world in Arambol has to offer. It’s not just about food; it’s more about the vibe. GOD was originally a standalone cafe near Arambol Beach but has now relocated to Dragonfly. This place attracts people from all walks of life, and you’ll see them singing, reading or just vibing here. I have loved everything I have ever ordered here, but my favourites are Beetroot Smoothie Bowl and Pesto Mozzarella & Tomato Panini.

Sua Casa

Much like its name, entering Sua Casa could feel like you are entering a home with its stairs and wooden archway. The restaurant might not consist of luxurious interiors, but the Goan veg dishes found here are enough to draw you back every time you visit the state. I have only visited this restaurant once, so I don’t have any recommendations. I tried Mushroom Xacuti, and it was delicious! Fun Fact: This was the first place I devoured vegetarian Goan cuisine, so it’ll always be special.

Prana

Prana Cafe should be on your list of to-dos in Goa if you want to devour soul-serving food. The food here is prepared with locally sourced ingredients and rather than overwhelming with endless options, they have a limited but incredible menu. Nestled in Anjuna, boasting a neutral and calming aesthetic, dining here is an experience in itself. Whether you want to chill, get some work done, or go on a date, this place is perfect! This cafe is one of my all-time favourites in Goa, and I love every vegetarian/vegan dish on their menu. But listing some of my favourites here- Coconut Thai Curry and Sri Lankan Coconut Curry.

Artjuna

If you love Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll love this place. Personally, I am not a big fan, so I’d rather skip it. I ordered Tomato Basil Sauce Pasta and Mediterranean Thali, and it was delicious but just not my type. And I think that the prices are a bit steep, especially considering the portion size. You can go for the vibe here. They have live shows, open mics and events quite often. The desserts here are really good, so maybe vibe with the people around while devouring a heavenly cheesecake! They also have vegan options. I went to the Anjuna one; they have another branch, Mojigao, and I have heard that’s better.

Peppers Gourmet Cuisine

For those who crave authentic Goan or Portuguese flavours, head to Peppers Gourmet Cuisine, where you’ll find a delicious selection of local delicacies. During our journey to South Goa, my friends and I stumbled upon this restaurant and thank god, we did. The food was absolutely amazing and exceeded our expectations. We ordered Veg Caldinho (mild and creamy curry made with coconut milk, veggies, and spices) with rice, Finely shredded goan village salad and White Sauce Pasta- and I recommend everything!

Burger Factory

How about devouring delectable, artisanal burgers and sipping on refreshing drinks as the sun sets in the background?! Dining here is as dreamy as it sounds! They have two branches- one in Anjuna and the other in Morjim. Visit the Morjim one if you want your meal to be an experience. While the vegetarian options may be limited, the taste of the available dishes is nothing short of WOW! In short, if you are in Goa, craving burgers, head nowhere but Burger Factory. Here’s what I ordered: Zucchini Fries, Blackbean + Sweet Corn Burger with extra cheese, Citrus Hangover Refresher and a Chocolate Gelato.

Baked In Goa

Head to Baked In Goa if you are in the mood for wood-fired pizzas and refreshing drinks! It’s a beautiful place in Calangute that serves wood-fired pizza, pasta, salad, starters, desserts and drinks. Good food, great staff and chill vibes-it’s a perfect place to unwind after a hectic day. You can order a pizza and just chill here for hours. If you are in Calangute and want to get away from the crowd, this is the place you go to. I don’t remember what I ordered here, but it was really good.

Hotel Shantadurga Deluxe

This place is not as fancy or pretty as the other places on this list, but the food is absolutely delicious. It’s in Mapusa Market and a go-to place for Goan street food. I tried the Patal Bhaji, Halsana Bhaji and Chikoo Milkshake here, and everything was fantastic. I had initially decided to visit Hotel Manjunath, one of the oldest and most popular hotels in Goa, which is known for its authentic Goan Bhaji Pao. However, it was closed that day, so I decided to try this place instead. And I don’t regret it at all.

Annapurna Anjali Multi-Cuisine Restaurant

I usually visit this place when I am too tired to travel to a new restaurant or not in the mood to experiment. The highlight of this restaurant is not its brilliant interiors or soulful music, but the simple yet scrumptious food it offers. It’s your typical family restaurant but the food is delicious and affordable. This is my go-to place in Goa (especially at the end of the trip when I am broke) and here’s what I recommend: Veg Xacuti (flavourful and spicy curry made with roasted spices and coconut) Mushroom/Veg Cafreal (stir-fried mushrooms/vegetables with coriander based green gravy), Veg Crispy, Chole Kadhai.