Get ready to trade in your paneer and butter chicken for a culinary journey exploring the unparalleled flavors of South Indian cuisine. This vibrant and diverse cuisine showcases a masterful combination of carefully selected spices, luscious coconut-based gravies, succulent seafood, and delectable rice-based dishes. From the tangy flavors of Andhra to the fragrant curries of Kerala, it’s safe to say that South Indian cuisine is a whole world waiting to be discovered. Let me take you on a tasty tour of some of the best South Indian food in Goa, so you can indulge in the delicacies of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and beyond.

Enjoy South Indian Food in Goa

Dosa Parotta Cafe, Anjuna

One of my most memorable trips this year was the trip to Kerala. I recently stumbled upon a small, woman-owned-and-run restaurant that embodies the hospitality, simplicity, and hearty flavours of the state right here in Anjuna.

Dosa Parotta Cafe run by Aswathy and her team is a charming, no-frills spot near the Anjuna football ground. Open from 5 PM to midnight, they offer a select few South Indian dishes made fresh, in an open kitchen overlooking the road. What I loved the most about it was the feeling of sitting at the dining table in someone’s kitchen, and watching the food being made right in front of you… very hygienically, may I add.

Mallu Republic, Panjim

Located in Panjim with a new outlet in Arpora, Mallu Republic is a known name among South Indians living in Goa as well as those travelling to the state of Goa. Among the smattering of South Indian restaurants, it is probably one of the few to serve meals on a banana leaf (also called Sadhya).

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My personal favourites were the beef cutlets, the fish curry, fish Moilee, and parottas + appams. Whether you eat beef, chicken, or veg, you’ll find plenty of satisfying options on the menu – including quail! The parottas (how I love parottas 😍) are made from scratch, and the appams are made a la minute by the owner’s mother – both were the best I’ve had in Goa. This family-owned joint is small and often crowded with nearby office-goers dropping in for a homely meal and tourist buses of people from Kerala who want a taste of home in Goa. Keep in mind that this is a no-frills place, and although you’ll be treated to warm hospitality, you may have to wait for a table for long.

Gunpowder, Assagao

I’ll give Gunpowder credit for being one of the first restaurants in Assagao – one that’s still thriving, always abuzz, and still has patrons raving. With its enticing array of South Indian dishes, this popular establishment has made a name for itself in the local culinary scene. From the zesty Andhra-style prawns to the rich and flavorful Kerala beef fry, every dish is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to delivering an exceptional dining experience. Don’t miss out on their tantalizing Pandhi curry, comforting potato ishtew, prawns, and perfectly flaky parottas. I’d highly recommend you make reservations because the staff acts aloof if you don’t.

Did you know that the term ‘gunpowder’ is a popular and flavourful spice mix used in South Indian cuisine to enhance the taste and texture of traditional delicacies? It is also natively called Molaga Podi.

Chakos, Panjim

Step into Chakos, a small restaurant tucked away in Patto-Panjim. The moment you settle in, you can’t help but be captivated by the vibrant posters adorning the walls, and the ceiling painted with intricate banana leaves, reminiscent of the lush greenery of Kerala. The touch of authenticity is further amplified by Kerala’s traditional gold-bordered sari placed under the glass table tops, adding a touch of elegance to the laid-back atmosphere. Bite into crispy bar bites with your drinks, savor fluffy appams and parottas, and dive into hearty Thattu (set meals) and aromatic Thalassery Biryani.

The restaurant is lovingly fuelled by Karan and Aishwarya, and it is an ode to Karan’s grandmother’s cooking. So while the menu is small, it is impeccably thought through, well-cooked, and presented with finesse. The bar menu is worth looking into – don’t knock the iced filter coffee till you try it! Just when you polish off your dessert – in my case, payasam and a sinful coconut affogato, you’re presented with an achhapam or rose cookie, a tea-time treat that’s popular in Kerala. But it’s not just a regular cookie – it’s a fortune cookie – a delightful surprise that keeps Chakos top-of-mind for weeks and months to come.

Cafe Bangalore, Panjim

No dosa I’ve ever had in Goa compared to the one at Cafe Bangalore in Panjim, a pure veg hole-in-the-wall spot. Crispy, satisfying, and absolute perfection. The same goes for their idlis and vadas – so yum! They also have items like lemon rice, bisi bele baath and more. Everything is affordable and worth every penny.

Keep in mind:
– This is a no-frills experience. You will have to wait, especially if you go on weekdays during lunch hours. The staff know their regulars and prioritize them (and Malayalam-speaking people, from what I noticed) over others, adding to your wait time. There is no coupon or numbering system followed and it is self-service.
– You may not find a spot to stand and eat during lunch hours. When I went the second time, I found parking outside the place and enjoyed the dosa on the bonnet of my car for a much more comfortable experience.
– I heard a lot about the filter coffee, but they did not have it on 2-3 occasions. I hope to try it sometime.

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I know this sounds a little off-putting, and it was, on my first visit when I made the mistake of going there on an empty stomach (I tend to get hangry when hungry). But, it is totally worth going to and I’m sure it will be one of your favourite little places in Goa.

Not a fan of South Indian food in Goa?

If South Indian food is not your cup of tea, check out my blog posts on where to get North Indian food in Goa, other regional Indian food, and even Middle-Eastern food. I also have something for the vegetarians in Goa! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more!