Hellooo Reader-san! *Japanese bow*
I don’t know what it is with Goa and Pan-Asian restaurants, but there are too many to count. The last time I checked, I could count over 30!
So, what are you in the mood for today? Cantonese cooking, Sichuan delights, Teppanyaki, Yakitori, sushi, ramen bowls, Khao Suey, good ol’ Indo-Chinese? Goa has got all that and more, my friends! Dig in!
Pan Asian Restaurants in Goa
1. Village 36, Assagao
Village 36 in Assagao is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates Asian cuisine. As one of the newer eateries in the Beverly Hills of Goa, it sets itself apart by offering a fresh take on street food from across Asia. In a place like Goa, where Asian food joints are plentiful, Village 36 stands out for offering items that are not run-of-the-mill, and the effort taken to present every dish authentically while taking some creative liberties in the kitchen.
The interiors of the restaurant were welcoming and eclectic. The tasteful decor and cozy seating added to the overall charm of the place, making it a lovely setting to savor the spectacular dishes on offer. I was particularly impressed with the Charred Prawns the Roast Pork with Crackling, The Nam Tok, and Pho – simply delectable. The bar at Village 36 was equally exceptional, serving up a variety of expertly crafted cocktails. While the restaurant serves street food, the experience and quality of food offered are refined and high-end, with prices to match.
2. Yazu, Sinquerim
Located right on the beach in Sinquerim, Yazu offers a delightful dining experience that combines the richness of Japanese cuisine with a touch of vibrant Asian flavors. From sushi rolls to sashimi platters, each dish is carefully crafted with fresh and high-quality ingredients, delivering a burst of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. Alongside their exceptional food, Yazu also offers a thoughtfully curated selection of sake and other beverages to complement your meal. Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or an adventurous diner, Yazu is a must-visit destination for an unforgettable culinary journey. Full disclosure, while the food is good here, it was way better when they first opened.
3. Pings Bia Hoi, Sangolda
Nestled in the charming village of Sangolda, Ping’s Bia Hoi is a hidden gem that offers a unique and immersive experience of the traditional Vietnamese “Bia Hoi” culture. As you step in, you are immediately transported to the streets of Vietnam with its lively ambiance and vibrant decor. I always order my absolute favourite, Philadelphia Cheese Dumplings here (could eat 3 dozen of these 😍). Pings’ starters and baos are always fantastic in my opinion, and we loved the Pan pan-seared pork Gyoza, Hand-pound pork and sugarcane skewers, dynamite shrimp, and crispy fried prawn bao. Mains some well-loved Pan Asian items like Khao Suey and Thai Green Curry, pot rice, stir-fries, Nasi Goreng, and noodles. For a Vietnamese place, it is surprising that they do not have Pho and other Vietnamese dishes on the menu.
4. Mama Miso, Arrosim
With umpteen Pan Asian restaurants popping up in North Goa, it’s about time some opened in the South, too. Mama Miso in Arossim South Goa, is the newest one, located in a 25-year-old resort called Heritage Village Resort, serving all the Pan Asian classics you’d expect – sushi, dim sums, wontons, soups, noodles, and more. I checked it out with a bunch of friends and it was a wonderful space to spend a hot summer afternoon. The pink and grey interiors are adorable and trendy, and come evening, you can choose to dine al fresco on the lawn as well.
My favourites on the menu were the Prawn Tempura, the Spinach, Mushroom, and Cheese Wontons, and the California Crab Stick Roll. In my opinion, the portion sizes could improve (especially the mains), but overall it’s a good option for regular dine out with the family when you want to enjoy those familiar Asian flavours.
5. Thai and Wok, Panjim
While Pan Asian restaurants have been mushrooming all across Goa over the last year or so, @thainwok has stood its ground for years, unperturbed by trends. This is the place to get your hands on authentic Thai fare as well as some Chinese and Pan Asian classics. The food is flavour-packed, attributed largely to the fact that most of the vegetables are home-grown, spice mixes are prepared by the owners and the recipes are passed down the generations.
6. Shiori, Siolim
A charming roadside Yakitori bar, @shiorigoa makes you feel like you’ve just entered a bar in a backstreet of Tokyo. But scratch the surface and you can feel a bit of Goan-ness peeking through – be it the exposed red brick walls, cane-backed chairs, or the facade, which still has hints of its erstwhile avatar – a simple hardware store. Shiori aspires to bring you delicious, yet simple Japanese cuisine, and that it does. Pick from a number of delicious Yakitori, sushi, ramen bowls, noodles, salads and other crowd-pleasing Pan Asian dishes.
7. Masak, Hollant
I stumbled upon a quaint, family-run Asian restaurant in Hollant, near Bogmalo, at the end of a narrow village road. The area isn’t well known for its food, so imagine my surprise to come across an Asian restaurant run by a Goan-Indonesian family who have lived in the Far East. The entire family is hands-on when it comes to running the restaurant. I was told by the daughter that ‘Masak’ in Indonesia means ‘cook.’ While their mother is behind the scenes in terms of the food, the kids actively manage the floor.
The menu was concise and curated so well as to introduce Asian flavours to the area by way of familiar textures and flavours. And it seems to be working, for the restaurant sees a flow of locals and repeat guests, even though it is so new. Try the papaya salad (Som Tam) – it is made with homegrown papayas plucked by the family. The Chicken Katsu is a crowd favourite, and the steak, as well as the fish, make for delicious mains. The menu has items like tempura, sushi, ramen, grills, curries, Khao Suey, wok-tossed stir-fries noodles, and more. Worth checking out!
8. Tataki, Panjim
Tataki in Panjim is a remarkable destination for Asian cuisine in Goa and is right up there among Goa’s finest restaurants. With its clean flavors, use of fresh produce, and exceptional chefs, every dish at Tataki is outstanding in flavor and taste. The sushi is exceptional, and the range of Asian dishes offered is remarkable. Save Tataki as a spot to go to when you want to celebrate something special as it is one of the most expensive places to dine at in Panjim. Its gorgeous ambiance, valet parking, wheelchair friendliness, and quick service (most of the time) are facets that make it even better.
9. Tamari, Panjim
In the mood for the flavours of the Far East? I’m talking Wonton soup, Thai Wok Chicken, Dumplings, Baos, Thai curries, and who can forget Hakka noodles? Tried and tested Tamari at Vivanta by Taj Goa Panaji is the place to be! I’ve been here so many times with family and friends that I’ve probably tasted everything on their menu.
Expect beautifully balanced flavours as the menu blends expertise and guilty pleasures perfectly! A meal at Tamari invariably has you indulging in a little bit of everything – delicate dumplings, fiery hot Pla Rad Prik, the familiar flavours of classic Hakka Noodles, and a myriad of options of sushi! I visited with my brother on his first day back in Goa, a few days before Christmas and we indulged in some childhood favourites – Chicken Hakka Noodles, Chicken in Hot Basil Sauce, Chicken Mandarin Dim Sum, and Prawn Teriyaki Sushi. We ended with Tub Tim Grob – water chestnuts in rose-flavoured coconut milk – some say it’s an acquired taste!
10. Wok & Roll, Sinquerim
Located on the Aguada Fort road, Wok and Roll in Sinquerim is a beautiful and spacious restaurant that has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Although it can get a bit warm during the day, the overall ambiance is very nice, with good music playing in the background and frequent live music gigs. The service is top-notch, and the menu offers a wide variety of delectable options to choose from. While the prices may be slightly high, they are in line with other establishments in the area. If you dine here, make sure to try their Khao Suey, Pineapple Fried Rice, Lamb Chops, Fried Wontons, as these are some of my favorites here.
11. Mamagoto, Panjim
Mamagoto translates to ‘to play with food’ and the ambiance and menu exemplifies the name! Explore Asian flavours with a fun twist (don’t expect anything to be authentic and you’ll enjoy the experience). The menu is full to the brim with crowd-pleaser dishes – fried wontons, sushi, street-hawker dishes like Hakka Noodles and wok-tossed curries and stir-fries, ramen bowls and more.
The space is bombarded with colourful Asian posters, bright cushions, and cool decor pieces making every corner of the space totally Instagrammable! A real overload for the senses – Mamagoto is quirky, stylish, colourful and upbeat! If you enjoy a melange of sweet, salty, garlicky, hot, umami, robustly-flavored fare, head over to this new restaurant in Panjim!
12. Kofuku, Parra
My very first taste of ramen was in Kofuku Mumbai so I was very excited when I learned that they opened up in Goa, in the very next village of Parra. The moment you step inside, you are greeted by a minimalist yet inviting ambiance, complete with traditional Japanese décor. The menu showcases a wide variety of dishes that are crafted with precision and attention to detail. From fresh sashimi and perfectly cooked tempura to flavorful ramen and delicate sushi rolls, every bite at Kofuku is a true delight for the taste buds. With its cozy atmosphere, impeccable food quality, and extensive menu, Kofuku is a must-visit, premium destination for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts in Goa.
13. Goenchin, Panjim
While not authentically Pan-Asian, I couldn’t leave out Goanchin from my list of best Asian restaurants in Goa. After all, it’s been around way before the likes of Kofuku, Tataki, Izumi et al came to town. I remember dining here as a child a good 20 years ago. Perhaps it was one of the first Chinese restaurants in Goa as it dates back to 1982! Goenchin, as the name suggests, serves Chinese food with a Goan. -or should I say – Indian twist. Fried, rice, chicken lollipops, stir-fries, Manchow soup, chili-garlic noodles – nothing a self-respecting Chinese man would eat, but yummy nonetheless!
14. Yaki Zushi, Sangolda
Yaki Zushi was one of the very first restaurants I reviewed as a budding food blogger in 2017. 5 years on, much has changed at this shocking red restaurant on CHOGM Road. The interiors have been given a beautiful makeover, the food has improved in both quality and taste, and the menu has expanded to meet the tastes of growing Asian food enthusiasts as well as the burgeoning new Asian restaurants in Goa that open every other week. The restaurant is frequently top-of-mind thanks to the frequent food promotions and sushi weeks it has, and while I have attended those and found the food to be okay, I have not dined a la carte at Yaki Zushi in years.
15. Izumi, Assagao
When it comes to exceptional Japanese cuisine, Izumi in Assagao, Goa, certainly lives up to its reputation as one of the priciest restaurants in town. But don’t let that deter you, as the phenomenal food is worth every penny. From the top-notch sushi to the tantalizing Pork Belly Robata Grill and the flavorsome Napa Cabbage Robata Grill, each dish is expertly prepared with meticulous attention to detail. Whether you’re craving ramen bowls or dumplings, you won’t be disappointed. The freshness of the ingredients and the artistry of the chef truly shine through in every bite. As you savor the delectable dishes, you have the option to sit outdoors by the pool. Just keep in mind that the lighting may be dim, adding to the ambiance. If you prefer a more comfortable indoor experience, you can enjoy your meal inside.
The impressive drink selection at Izumi is not to be missed, with impeccably balanced options that perfectly complement the flavors of the cuisine. Whether you’re a sushi connoisseur, a lover of Japanese flavors, or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, Izumi promises to delight your taste buds and create lasting culinary memories.
16. Sakana, Vagator
When it comes to savoring Japanese cuisine in Goa, Sakana in Vagator is the place to be. With its longstanding reputation, this restaurant in Vagator has been delighting patrons (me included) with authentic Japanese flavors for years. Sakana’s unique selling point is its focus on specializing in Japanese cuisine, which they execute to perfection.
The restaurant’s interior reflects a rustic charm – think traditional Japanese inn complete with well-thought-out artifacts. The fact that it is open on 3 sides gives it a relaxed indoor-meets-outdoor set-up But above all, it’s Sakana’s food that stands out. The menu is replete with traditional Japanese dishes and offers something for everybody. From refreshing salads to Japanese comfort food like udon and ramen, as well as gyoza, tofu dishes, crispy chicken katsu, beef yakiniku along with an impressive assortment of sushi options. Vegetarians, you aren’t left far behind, for the menu caters to you, too. If you’re seeking an authentic and delectable Japanese food experience in Goa, check out Sakana – you won’t regret it!
17. Tkyo, Anjuna
Housed in an old Goan mansion, Tkyo boasts a unique blend of old-meets-new. Step inside and be wowed by the vibrant red and green rooms adorned with captivating Japanese-inspired graffiti. The minimalistic decor, moody lighting, and artistic installations create an atmosphere that is both modern and enchanting.
Whether you prefer to relax indoors or soak up the sun in the outdoor seating area, Tkyo offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere for all. The bar is truly a sight to behold! Imagine an Asian-style Pagoda structure with dangling metal bars, each of which has a light that can be programmed.
As you browse through the extensive menu, you’ll discover an array of Pan Asian delights that will satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. Indulge in mouthwatering sushi, delectable baos, ramen, soups, hot pots, dimsum, baos, yakitori, noodles, and rice and I haven’t even talked about pages and pages of small plates. Take friends with the heartiest appetites because you’ll want to try a lot!
More Pan Asian Restaurants in Goa
There’s plenty more where those came from! I still haven’t touched upon Bomras, Roboto, The Fat Panda, Matcha – I have many other favourites, but I think this list is getting too long, and it’s very late so I will update this list soon! I do not doubt that in a week or two, we’ll have even more Asian restaurants – which makes me wonder if this list will ever be all-encompassing.