Goa is a melting pot of cultures, but until a decade ago, one wouldn’t find a wide variety of cuisines available. There were a fair number of Italian restaurants and those serving Continental fare, but in terms of regional Indian food, it was limited to North Indian or more specifically, Punjabi food. Today, with people from across the country moving to and holidaying in Goa, new restaurants serving authentic regional Indian food are opening up ever so often to give them a taste of home, and to give the rest of us a culinary journey across the states.
Regional Indian Food in Goa
For days when you are craving a specific regional Indian dish in Goa, here are a few restaurants to look out for:
Naga Food at Meiphung, Calangute
Meiphung is a rustic, open-air restaurant that sits on the Baga-Calangute road. Given that the stretch of road is choked with places to eat, shop, and stay, it is highly likely that you’ll drive by without noticing it, especially since it is located in a tiny pathway behind a bank. Meiphung in Goa is a northeastern restaurant and bar that specializes in Naga cuisine. From momos to fresh Naga seafood dishes, the restaurant serves quality food that’s high on spice.
I’d recommend the Hoi Malaeng Phu (mussels with crispy garlic and onions), Makeuw phad Prik Hollapa (crispy fried aubergine with basil and chilis, Singji (a spicy salad with cabbage, Fenugreek, and other herbs), smoked pork with sesame seeds and of course, the famous Naga Beef Salad. They also do deep-fried prawns better than most multi-cuisine restaurants! The cocktails are made using fermented fruits and herbs flown in from Nagaland.
Gunpowder, Assagao
Gunpowder is one of Assagao’s most popular restaurants and is located on Mapusa-Anjuna road. Specializing in Malabar cuisine, the restaurant’s name refers to the flavourful dry chutney (also known as podi), that is consumed with and accentuates several south Indian meals. From the Coorgi Pandi curry to the Madras chicken curry and Kerala’s payasam, the menu incorporates some of the more delicious but lesser-known flavours of South India.
Their Kerala mutton curry is among the best mutton dishes I’ve ever had, and their Andhra Spicy Prawns are absolutely delicious. It’s best to reserve your seats beforehand as the restaurant tends to get filled fast, no matter the season. Go in a group so you can order a little bit of everything.
Rasoda, Old Goa
Rasoda is your ode to North Indian food in Goa. While it mainly specializes in Gujarati and Rajasthani cuisine, the restaurant also has certain Mughlai items such as tikkas. Their Maharaja Thali which offers an unlimited feast for 4 has won several hearts followed by their kachoris, makke di rotis, sev puri, dhokla, and dessert platters which are some other popular favourites. Their lassis and chaas are also out of this world. Do head here with your loved ones as there is plenty of food and warmth to go around.
Awadh Cuisine at Gypsy Baba, Pilerne
One of the hotspots for Mughlai cuisine is the city of Lucknow, which boasts of regional mouthwatering Awadhi cuisine. Gypsy Baba is a slice of Awadh located in the heart of Candolim, ready to blow your hair back. With a wide range of veg and non-veg kebabs, biryanis, and kulchas, along with an exciting bar menu to pair with, the restaurant makes for the perfect Friday night out. Moreover, its ambiance really adds to creating a contemporary vibe. For more options of North Indian food in Goa, check out my earlier blog post.
Kerala Cuisine at Mallu Republic and Chakos, Panjim
At Mallu Republic, the flavors of Kerala come alive in a delightful culinary journey that leaves your taste buds tingling with excitement. This gem offers a true taste of ‘God’s Own Country’ with an authentic menu showcasing Kerala’s rich gastronomic heritage. From aromatic Kerala-style biryanis to the irresistible Malabar parottas, and the fiery fish curries, every dish at Mallu Republic is a celebration of spices and regional expertise. While the ambiance is basic and the space caters to mainly working executives on lunch breaks, you will often find a waiting line of patrons outside.
Chakos is a lot more refined in terms of ambiance, food and service. With a short one-page menu comprising of set meals, stews and curries, bar bites, and the like, the food will definitely exceed your expectations. Some of my favourite items include the raw banana and pork, beetroot cutlets, thalessery biryani and the prawn roast with appams and parottas. The drinks are delicious and refreshing, too.
North Indian fare at Bawri, Kourm, Angry Sardar, Masala House and more
Seekers of authentic North Indian fare need not look further than Bawri in Assagao. Nestled amidst the serene backdrop of Assagao village, Bawri is a culinary oasis that specializes in bringing the flavors of North India to life. What makes Bawri special is its unwavering commitment to authenticity. The restaurant’s talented chefs skillfully craft traditional dishes that transport diners straight to the bustling streets of Delhi or the royal courts of Rajasthan. From rich and creamy butter chicken to perfectly charred kebabs and fragrant biryanis, every bite at Bawri is a symphony of spices that captures the essence of North Indian cuisine.
Moreover, Goa offers a diverse range of North Indian dining experiences. At Kourm, diners can relish a fusion of Indian flavors in a comfortable setting in Anjuna. Angry Sardar, true to its name, packs a fiery punch with its bold Punjabi dishes. For a touch of luxury, Chulha at Grand Hyatt elevates North Indian dining to new heights, offering an opulent setting for indulging in timeless classics. Spice Mantraa in Candolim is another gem that brings the flavors of the North to the sunny shores of Goa.
In terms of cuisine, India is extremely diverse, and it’s good to see these flavours making their way to Goa. I still have a few more places to try out, and will update this blog post as soon as I do!
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram until then. Bye!