I came across something strange the other day. When I googled ‘Vegetarian Restaurants in Goa,’ my search results threw up some weird results. Popular publications featured restaurants like Brittos, known for its lobster, Jamun, a high-end Goan restaurant serving beef and fish, Sakana, famous for its sushi, and Copperleaf, renowned for its fish thalis. How are these vegetarian joints?
Fear not, my herbivore friends! I understand that most of you are looking for “Pure Veg Restaurants” rather than places that simply offer a few vegetarian dishes on the menu (because let’s face it, don’t they all?). On a side note, who even came up with the term “pure vegetarian”? Does it make all other restaurants “impure vegetarian”?
Vegetarian Restaurants in Goa
Anyhoo, let’s get down to spilling the beans (and lentils) on where you can find entire menus of veg food.
Saudagar, Vagator
Saudagar is a modest joint close to the beach in Vagator. This non-a/c place is a haven for pure-veg families, as their menu offers only vegetarian dishes that are prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You won’t find any eggs or meat here, making it a great choice for those who are strictly vegetarian.
Their North and South Indian dishes are simple, homely, and bursting with flavors. From the mouthwatering dahi kebabs and pepper mushrooms to the wholesome Punjabi and Andhra thalis, you will enjoy the homely flavours here. Oh, and don’t forget to indulge in their refreshing lassi. Just be prepared for a leisurely dining experience, as the service here can be quite slow, in my experience. So, make sure you visit when you have time to spare and aren’t too hungry.
The Rasoda, Old Goa
This restaurant takes pride in being a 100% pure-veg establishment, serving up a grand Maharaja Thali that is fit for royalty. Packed with unlimited chaat, snacks, tandoori starters, over 25 mains, and a tantalizing array of desserts – this thali experience will send you straight into a food coma (in the best possible way, of course!). Initially designed for a group of four, The Rasoda has now expanded its options to cater to solo, duo, and trinity diners.
If the sight of such a lavish pure-veg feast is overwhelming, they also offer a mini thali for those seeking a slightly lighter meal. If you happen to visit during the monsoons, make sure to treat yourself to their lip-smacking monsoon snacks, including hot samosas, vada pao, and kadak chai. Prepare yourself for a ghee-licious journey of pure-veg flavors at this vegetarian restaurant in Goa!
The Mill, Palolem
Let’s head to veg restaurants in South Goa! The Mill in Palolem is a vegetarian and vegan cafe housed within an old rice mill that has been transformed into a spot for the food-loving wanderer. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by the rustic charm of the space, with its wooden doors, skylights, and gunny sack cushions. Although modern comforts like air-conditioning are absent, the peaceful ambiance and nourishing pure-veg food make up for it.
The menu here is diverse, offering a range of options from breakfast delicacies to pasta, soups, and smoothie bowls. Be sure to try their delectable pure-veg desserts – I believe that the carrot cake is a true winner! With quick service and a relaxing atmosphere, The Mill is the perfect spot to unwind, catch up on some reading, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee while basking in the laid-back vibes of Palolem.
Ghoomar, Porvorim
For a vegetarian, finding an authentic culinary experience can sometimes be a challenge, but Ghoomar rises to the occasion with its meticulously crafted vegetarian thali. Take a seat and prepare to be amazed as the attentive staff artfully fill your thali with a delectable array of around 40 dishes, in front of your eyes, in a minute or two. From the fragrant curries of gatta, paneer, and mixed vegetables to the comforting delights of daal-bati-churma and sabudana khichdi, each bite is a revelation of traditional flavors. Don’t miss the array of Indian breads – from freshly made bajra roti to fluffy poori. Lastly, indulge your sweet tooth with heavenly treats like halwa, payasam, and suji halwa. The combination of flavors and textures will transport you to the streets of Rajasthan itself.
Ghoomar goes beyond just culinary delights. The ambiance is a delightful blend of ethnic charm and warm hospitality. As you step into the restaurant, you’ll notice the lovely interiors that capture the cultural essence of the region. To add to the experience, you’ll even have the opportunity to wear a traditional Rajasthani ‘pagdi’ while dining – smart marketing by Ghoomar, as many patrons post their pictures to social media. Adding to the atmosphere, the waitstaff, dressed in traditional Rajasthani attire, serve you with a welcoming smile. As you enjoy your meal, a musician serenades your table with the enchanting sounds of the Ravanhatta, a traditional stringed instrument.
If you time your visit just right, you’ll have the pleasure of witnessing traditional dancers perform outside the restaurant. Their vibrant moves and colorful attire add an extra layer of cultural richness to your dining experience. Ghoomar truly encapsulates the essence of North Indian cuisine and culture, transporting you to a different world, right in the heart of Goa.
Of course, if you’re on the go and seeking a quick and fuss-free pure-veg meal, Goa has plenty of options for you. Navatara, Udupi, and Bhonsle outlets are scattered throughout the state, offering affordable and filling vegetarian meals that do not compromise on authenticity or taste.
So, whether you’re seeking traditional pure-veg Indian flavors, royal feasts, or cozy cafes, rest assured that Goa has something for every vegetarian traveler. Happy pure-veg adventures!
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more.
