Growing up in Goa, my culinary experiences were different from those of my friends in metro cities and northern India. While rotis were a rare treat for us (my brother and I ate them perhaps once a year), they were a staple for them. Drinking fresh cow’s milk and eating ghee-laden sweets were almost foreign to us, and our taste buds were accustomed to the luscious flavors of coconut-infused curries, unlike the cream-laden gravies relished up north.
Dining out wasn’t common for middle-class Goan families in the 90s and 2000s. However, everything changed when hundreds of thousands of North Indians began making Goa their home, bringing with them their food habits and vibrant flavors. Suddenly, Indian restaurants sprung up across the state, marking a significant shift in our culinary landscape.
Today, the dominance of North Indian food in Goa has surpassed our beloved Goan fare. It’s an intriguing journey of culinary evolution that continues to unfold. While that is a story for another day, here are my top picks for the best North Indian restaurants in Goa
Best North Indian Food in Goa
Angry Sardar Courtyard, Anjuna
You’ll find the Angry Sardar Courtyard always buzzing with activity. This popular restaurant is a mix between a stylish dhaba and an eclectic restaurant. It boasts an extravagant in-house bar (on an actual truck) and a wide range of North Indian food from the clay oven. If you love quirky decor, you’ll find this Instagrammable restaurant to be a great one-time visit.
Moreover, they are also open for breakfast and offer some delicious and popular favourites such as kulchas, parathas and kachoris. These delectable delicacies can help you satiate your longing for your home (if you are from up North) and all its flavours. This restaurant is not air-conditioned and can get pretty hot during summer afternoons, so visit accordingly.
Spice Mantraa, Candolim
I often call Spice Mantraa an oasis in Candolim. If you’ve been to Candolim, you’ll know how it is one of the most crowded and bustling parts of Goa. There’s noise, traffic, dust, jarring colour, revelry, and music blaring from restaurants that overlook the roads – it’s an assault to the senses. But Spice Mantraa Goa is different. It’s quiet, contemporary, beautifully furnished, has top-notch service, and it makes you feel like you’ve stepped away from Candolim for a while.
The Indian restaurant has a sizable menu that includes some popular favourites such as chicken chettinad, mutton rogan josh, paneer makhani, and a wide selection of biryanis. Their butter chicken, dal makhani, naan, and tikka are some of the best I’ve ever had. They also have a hand-picked section for some really exciting, innovative desserts and drinks. Pro Tip – try the Chikoo Ensemble, Coconut Ice, and cocktails.
Chulha (Grand Hyatt), Bambolim
Chulha, located at the Grand Hyatt Goa, offers an exceptional dining experience that showcases both, the simplicity and the extravagance of traditional Indian cuisine. The restaurant offers an interesting colonial ambiance with rustic accents that create a unique and inviting atmosphere. From tandoor-grilled meats to seafood and veggies, all dishes are prepared live in an open kitchen. With the option of private dining spaces, Chulha caters to all events, whether you’re celebrating a special milestone or simply looking for a casual night out.
What’s more, during food festivals and visiting chefs’ events, you can sample the diverse regional delicacies of India, which showcase the unique flavors of different regions – from Lucknow to Punjab, and Hyderabad. To top it all off, the verandah seating area offers stunning views of Bambolim Beach and the Arabian Sea.
Sukkha, Assagao
The restaurant also has a dish called Butter Chicken Khichdi which is exactly what the name suggests. If it were me, I’d prefer eating Butter Chicken the normal way, but if you like experimenting, check it out.
The Rasoda, Old Goa
The Rasoda has quite a few outlets in the state, and while most of them are ‘mithanas’ or sweet shops, their Old Goa outlet is a restaurant where you can try the best vegetarian North Indian food in Goa. Here, you can choose from their elaborate a la carte menu or do what I do and go for their Maharaja Thali. If you have friends who love to eat, the Maharaja Thali, priced at Rs 1799 for unlimited chaat, snacks, tandoori starters, 25+ mains, and desserts will send you straight into a food coma. And yes, it is 100% vegetarian and ghee-licious.
While The Rasoda had introduced the Maharaja Thali for 4 people initially, they now also have the option for 1, 2, and 3 people, along with new options, namely the Rajasthan Thali and Punjabi Thali. If the sight of this much food has your jaw dropping, they offer a mini thali as well. During the monsoons, this restaurant offers some lip-smacking monsoon snacks to satisfy those cravings. I’m talking hot samosas, vada pao, kadak chai and more.
The Royal Afghan, Cansaulim
The Royal Afghan at ITC Grand Goa is a gorgeous beachside restaurant serving the flavours of Mughal cuisine in Cansaulim. This newly renovated al fresco restaurant offers beautiful ocean views for a sundowner and is a wonderful spot for a long leisurely dinner.
The menu is short, but lavish, with starters framing both sides of the menu board, and a few main course dishes in the centre. It largely comprises tandoor-cooked dishes, gravies and rotis. You are encouraged to eat with your hands, but cutlery is provided if you ask. No item from the menu warrants the use of cutlery, anyway.
At The Royal Afghan, indulge in sizzling tandoori prawns/lobster/pomfret, malai kebabs, seekh kebabs, tandoori veggies, dal bhukhara, murgh/oaneer makhani and more. The randoori prawns were 10/10 and the kadak seekh kebab, which came highly recommended by the staff was a winner as well. It consisted of chicken mince rolls stuffed with cheese and chilli, popped into the tandoor before being batter-fried to crispiness. With starters like these, who can eat mains?
Still, we sampled the Murgh Khurchan which was another suggestion by the staff. Tandoori chicken slivers, pan-fried with tomatoes, and onions until caramelized and divine! If the desserts were less tempting, I’d have given them a miss, given the richness of the meal. But I knew from the mains that The Royal Afghan sets the bar for Indian food, and the Gulab Jamun didn’t disappoint. Save this spot for when you have something special to celebrate – for the meal will be memorable, for it defines luxury beachside dining.
Bawri, Assagao
Picture yourself sitting on low wooden seating, listening to the sounds of the soothing pool of water beside you and watching koi fish swim. A comforting spread of slow-cooked North Indian food made on open fire is brought to you in clay pots and copper vessels as you sip on potent drinks. Everything catches your attention without overpowering the senses – from the swaying plants to the colourful plates, the boho-themed interiors and even the interesting fans overhead.
All this is a reality at Bawri in Assagao a fabulous restaurant by Chef Amninder Sandhu. Everyone is talking about it and it is well worth the hype. Here, the food is a tapestry of heirloom recipes, long-lost cooking techniques, and bold, complex flavours that are crafted from locally sourced ingredients. While the menu does have most of the stereotypical North Indian dishes, it has much more, too. Think bheja masala paired with Manipuri black rice dosa, smoked mutton chops infused with rose smoke, Kakori kebabs accompanied by a traditionally ground silbatta chutney, the Kerala-style tiger prawns paired with Goan-style fermented Rechado Butter…
The Bawri breakfast menu is a more recent addition to Bawri’s offerings. Cafes aside, Goa has a dearth of breakfast spots, and this Assagao restaurant has managed to fill that gap. There’s appam and stew, podi idli, chole bhature, keema Ghotala, crispy samosa and massive stuffed parathas – the very best from all over the country.
Juju, Colva
With a majority of new-age restaurants opening up in North Goa, it’s good to see South Goa keeping pace, too. Juju in Colva redefines and reimagines Indian food, giving it a contemporary makeover. Upscale, vibrant interiors meet familiarity in terms of the food options on the menu, which is probably why Juju was buzzing all through the evening with tables of families of all ages, groups of young adults, the occasional couple enjoying a romantic meal, and more. ‘Amoeba-shaped windows, warm lighting, comfortable seating and a great choice of colour schemes used in the interiors make this an intriguing place for everyone.
The menu is compact, with many familiar dishes in new avatars. My favourites were the Peanut Butter Chilli Salan, Chicken Travancore, Mutton Kheema Bun Maska, and Haleem Nachos, all recommended by one of the staff members. The bar menu (and the bar itself) is impressive, but the mocktails could be improved. Perhaps one aspect that could enhance the dining experience is better choice of music, one that adds to the feeling of calmness and openness that the place embodies.
Chapter Two, Calangute
Chapter Two in Calangute is a hidden gem that appears to rely on word of mouth for its slowly growing popularity. So far, the only times I have heard the name’ ‘Chapter Two’ being spoken have been in conversation – I’ve never seen a social media ad, a promotion, or any influencer speak of it. This is surprising, considering it is among the best North Indian food I’ve had in Goa at that price point. The restaurant exudes a welcoming and homely atmosphere, making diners feel like they have discovered a well-kept secret.
My first visit here was for a friend’s birthday dinner. We sampled some dishes from the dinner menu and were impressed, particularly by the Nalli Nihari, Indian breads, and Malai Tikka. What sets Chapter Two apart is their commitment to sustainability, using earthen or steel crockery. However, it is important to note that portion sizes are on the smaller side, and the staff may not indicate if a dish will be sufficient for the table. So, you might find that a gravy dish meant for sharing barely feeds two, unlike other Indian restaurants where a bowl of gravy can serve 3-4 people.
Despite this, the staff is friendly and courteous, providing a pleasant dining experience. The food itself is absolutely delicious and flawless, making Chapter Two a must-visit spot for those seeking a unique and flavorful dining experience in Calangute. Give it a try and discover this hidden gem!
Delhi Darbar, Candolim
Delhi Darbar holds the distinction of being one of the OG spots for North Indian food in Goa, making it a nostalgic and cherished dining destination. Though their original outlet in Panjim closed down, the recent reopening in Candolim has been a welcome return for many patrons. While I haven’t dined in at their restaurant, I have been a regular customer of their home delivery service. The Kali Miri Chicken, Butter Chicken, and Naan have consistently been our top picks, never failing to satisfy our cravings. Delhi Darbar consistently surpasses our expectations with their delectable dishes, delivering a culinary experience that feels like a vibrant journey through the diverse and rich flavors of India amidst the coastal charm of Goa.
Love an Indian restaurant in Goa you think should feature in this list? Should I also feature Goa’s best South India restaurants? Drop me a comment and let me know. I’d love to check it out.