Welcome to the land of sun, sand, and… extravagant dining bills. Yes, dining out in Goa can often feel like a battle of the wallets, with restaurants flaunting their innovative menus and dazzling ambiances that seem to come with a hefty price tag – comparable to India’s metro cities.
But fear not, budget-conscious foodies! While a meal for one in Goa can range from a modest 1000 to a staggering 4000+ a head in Goa’s upscale eateries, affordable restaurants are scattered across our vibrant state where you can dine well without decimating your bank account. And no, I’m not talking about street food carts (still very good) and Maggi stalls (that aren’t).
Cheap Eats in Goa
So, whether you’re a broke beach bum or simply a frugal foodie, I’ll let you in on some of Goa’s most affordable restaurants where thought and care still goes into the food and ambiance, but the food doesn’t have to cost an arm, a leg. Let’s dig in without digging deep!
Goa’s Most Affordable Restaurants
While I’ve enjoyed some amazing, budget-friendly meals at local bars, small fish thali spots, hole-in-the-wall joints, and street carts in Goa, this article specifically focuses on cheap restaurants. By restaurants, I mean establishments that offer a good ambiance (not steel/wooden benches and plastic chairs), uniformed, polished staff, and proper menus (as opposed to those scribbled on chalkboards, for example). These budget-friendly restaurants offer economical prices, where the cost per person can be enjoyed at Rs. 500, without specifically catering to the college demographic.
Kasav, Anjuna
Kasav, tucked away near Starco Junction in Anjuna, is the ultimate spot for those seeking a tranquil getaway from Goa’s hustle and bustle. This Bali-inspired restaurant, complete with a serene Koi pond and soothing fountains, offers a cheap escape where you can treat yourself to an array of delectable dishes and drinks from around the world. While Anjuna is one of the hotspots for domestic tourists, it is refreshing to find that there isn’t any Indian food on the menu.
Sink your teeth into a juicy steak for just Rs. 420, the most expensive item on Kasav’s menu (though prices might have inched up since my visit). Whether you’re craving Continental delights, Vietnamese specialties, or Oriental flavors, Kasav has you covered. From the irresistible Khao Suey to their heavenly focaccia sandwiches made with fresh in-house baked bread, the food here will leave you satisfied. The downside is that this restaurant has no air-conditioning which means that in the summer you will most definitely overheat.
Anandam, Thivim
Are you a train enthusiast with a stomach growling for an affordable meal? Hop on over to Cafe Anandam in Thivim Railway Station, the one-of-a-kind restaurant in Goa that offers you views of passing trains while you dine! Whether you’re stopping by before your train ride or hungry after a long journey, Cafe Anandam has got you covered with its impressive veg and non-veg menus that span everything from breakfasts to Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisine. 
What’s more, this pretty restaurant takes hygiene seriously, ensuring that staff members wear hair nets and maintain clean tables, while one of their crew members roams around with an electric bat, ready to tackle any pesky bug! The food prices are incredibly economical, with items starting at just Rs. 15 and the highest-priced dish not exceeding Rs. 150-200.
While your expectations may need to align with the pricing, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how yummy the food is. I indulged in some crispy samosas, a scrumptious dosa with sambar and chutney, and veg korma served with raita, salad, and chapatis – perfect for a light meal before or after a long train journey because nobody wants to carry a food baby while traveling!
Qi Pan Asian, Taleigao
Great things come in small packages – and that’s true for dining establishments too! Case in point Qi Pan Asian, a sweet little budget-friendly restaurant in Taleigao that can seat less than 20 people, but packs a punch! Classy, inviting decor, cool interiors, fabulous smiling service – and of course, wonderful food! I tried so much here – the food is super reasonable, and every dish was on point.
The warm, beautifully spiced thukpa, blue pea cheese dumplings that feels like a cheese explosion when you bite into them, and pillowy baos were among my favourites! Do not miss the wasabi and mirin chicken either! The list of small plates is anything but small – and each dish is a crowd-pleaser – you’ll want to get it all – so my advice: go with a group! Qi Pan Asian is unpretentious, it’s colourful, it’s fun and you’ll dine heartily without breaking the bank.