Are you looking out for a number of the greatest vegan eating places in Goa? Locations change, open and shut so often that I’ve determined to replace this record yearly.
As a foodie, I’m at all times looking out for vegan, wholesome, natural, ethically-sourced, ideally gluten free, world-inspired meals. Goa is maybe the one place in India the place that’s not an excessive amount of to ask for!
Over the previous 10 years of visiting, and the previous 3 years of dwelling right here, I’ve delightfully witnessed an explosion of vegan eating places in Goa.
I’ve additionally learnt that Goa’s personal Saraswat delicacies has historically been vegan-friendly – and encompasses a scrumptious vary of native dishes and flavors.
Finest vegan eating places in Goa – My present high 4
Since I started frequenting Goa in the monsoon approach again in 2013, I’ve fallen in love with many cozy cafes, hole-in-the-wall thali joints, and advantageous(r) eating spots. Maybe the most important problem for a vegan in Goa is that there’s an ever-growing selection of locations to attempt.
Since I first printed my record in 2022, three superior vegan / vegan-friendly eating places closed down. The Various, Nostalgia by Chef Fernando and Bodhi Greens, I miss you.
1. Cantine Indienne – Palolem, South Goa (all vegan)
Cantine Indienne is a country, totally vegan, farm-to-table, values-oriented cafe in Palolem. The meals is so scrumptious that we *nearly* moved to South Goa simply to have the ability to eat there on a regular basis!
The French-Tamil homeowners, Manon and Satish, develop natural oyster mushrooms of their yard (sure!), and serve up scrumptious meals and do-it-yourself thalis that includes an eclectic tackle the flavors of Tanjore. Assume pesserattu (inexperienced mung dosa), beetroot curry, oyster mushroom pickles, wild spinach and horsegram stir fry, and even crunchy oyster mushroom ‘wings!’ My mouth’s watering simply typing this.
Instagram: Cantine Indienne
2. Bloom & Brew – Assagao, North Goa (greatest for wholesome meals)
My new favourite cafe in North Goa! It’s straightforward to overlook whereas driving alongside all of the monstrous villas which have taken over Assagao, however step in to be wowed by their minimalist decor and chill cafe vibe. Now that we’re largely dwelling in Himachal, I make it some extent to work from Bloom & Brew atleast as soon as each go to and eat to my coronary heart’s content material.
Arrange by health buff Sneha Desu, the menu options acutely aware, inventive meals, with loads of vegan and gluten free choices. I really like their smoothies and smoothie bowls, ‘for the love of burrito’ with air-fried kale, the teriyaki bliss bowl, and ‘soften in your mouth hummus.’ I’m by no means left with house to attempt their vegan black bean brownie – nevertheless it’s at all times good to have a purpose to return.
Instagram: Bloom and Brew
Additionally Learn: Offbeat experiences in Goa
3. Tien – Vagator, North Goa
Sushi spots are popping up throughout Goa, however none can compete with Tien – the second outlet by sushi chef Abhishek Thakkar.
He not too long ago revamped the sushi menu to experiment with salad sushis made with contemporary substances – and OMFG, they’re unimaginable! I by no means imagined I’d like rocket leaves in my sushi, however I might return each week to devour the Magic Mushroom maki roll.
There are only some marked vegan choices on the menu – of which I really like the magic mushroom sushi and the crispy edamame rice paper roll. The asparagus sushi could be made vegan (ask them to not fry the caramelized onion in butter), variations could be made with tofu, and the poached edamame could be achieved with out butter. I’m not a panna cotta fan, however even non-vegan mates rave about their vegan panacotta.
I additionally love their out of doors cafe vibe, and use of upcycled materials of their lighting and minimalist inexperienced decor.
Instagram: Tien
4. Mum’s Kitchen – Panjim
Mum’s Kitchen is certainly one of my favourite vegan eats in Goa, with conventional Saraswat dishes that may in any other case be arduous to seek out.
I extremely advocate making an attempt their uddamethi (a candy and bitter curry made with lentils, fenugreek and seasonal mango or plums) and tamde bhaji (a flavorful amaranth preparation) with sanna.
Observe: Keep away from their Assagao outlet – it looks like a franchise and isn’t half pretty much as good as the unique one in Panjim.
Web site: Mum’s kitchen
Vegan Eating places in North Goa
Moreover my evolving high ones, listed here are some vegan eating places in North Goa (or vegan-friendly ones) that I really like, in no specific order:
5. A Reverie – Calangute
There are usually not many causes to go to Calangute, however A Reverie – a severely advantageous, advantageous eating restaurant is certainly one of them. My associate and I are obsessive about their inventive, award-winning meals, and shocked to see it empty on many nights – a phenomenon that appears to occur usually in Goa.
Vegan choices are well-marked, and although there’s not rather a lot to select from, I completely love their tofu with heat shoyu dressing and Hawaiian-style poke, the ‘rice variations’ for foremost course.
Instagram: A Reverie
6. Vanakkam – Morjim
Lastly a spot for foodies to hunt an genuine style of South Indian meals in Goa! After a night of understanding, we frequently feast on ragi puttu with kadala curry (millets and black chickpeas), crispy dosa with do-it-yourself chutneys, and comfortable masala idlis. Such pleasure.
Instagram: Vanakkam
Additionally Learn: The Joy of slow travelling through Goa
7. Who mentioned meals – Arpora
We grew to become hooked to chef Priyal’s meals supply through the pandemic, and nonetheless search her out each time potential. Utilizing native and seasonal substances, she whips up essentially the most inventive, flavorful meals – out there for dwelling supply and on pre-order at a dine-in house at Arpora.
Instagram: who said food
8. The native desk – Candolim
This small, rustic, easy-to-miss joint in Candolim lives as much as its title. We dropped by for an early breakfast of patal bhaji (usually white or black chickpeas in a spicy coconut-based gravy) and pao. I hope to attempt their veg thali quickly!
Web site: The local table
9. Izumi – Assagao
A sister outlet of the one in Mumbai and the newest Japanese hang-out in Assagao, Izumi’s partially out of doors location in a Goan-Portuguese home is breathtaking (higher than any backyard resturant you’d discover). And so is the meals, with clearly labelled vegan choices. I really like their miso soup and seaweed salad, although for sushi, I’d choose Tien anyday.
10. The Rice Mill – Morjim
Jazz with a facet of Goan-style kidney beans or a grilled eggplant poi is why I really like The Rice Mill, a neighborhood cafe and bar set in an outdated rice mill in Morjim.
Instagram: The Rice Mill
11. Ankita’s Traditional – Pernem
A few of my favourite thali joints in Goa have both shut down (Wooden’s Inn) or misplaced their authenticity (Vinayak’s). However Ankita’s Traditional, regardless of its random, faraway location in Pernem, stays a basic. It’s filled with locals at mealtimes, so be ready to attend round a bit.
Their veg thali is generally vegan (ask for it with out curd or the dessert), and comes with seasonal veggies, curries, rice and kokum. Mighty satisfying.
Web site: Ankita’s Classic
12. Sakana – Anjuna
Sakana presents a relaxing, semi-outdoor, diner-style vibe with an genuine Japanese menu. My go-to order is a wakame seaweed salad, with a veg set consisting of a miso soup, teriyaki tofu (verify which tofu dish could be ready with out honey), rice and salad. Pair it with a Japanese whiskey from their distinctive bar choice!
13. Sappadu – Assagao
An eclectic mixture of Tamil and Gujarati meals, served up on banana leaves on a flooring seating! I’ve solely been for his or her pop-up meal again when it wasn’t a full-fledged restaurant, however can’t wait to attempt it once more.
14. Voltaire – Supply solely
I used to be shattered to listen to that Voltaire, certainly one of my favourite Goan meals joints off the Reis Margos Fort, shut down through the pandemic.
However in 2023, they’ve resurfaced as a delivery-only resto. It’s right here that I’ve had a number of the greatest uddamethi in Goa, served up with a neighborhood bread une, and seasonal urakh – a neighborhood cashew brew, extra flavorful and fewer potent than fenny.
Vegan eating places in Panjim
15. Gourmestan (maybe the one gluten free eating places in Goa)
Panjim doesn’t have a ton of vegan-friendly locations, however Gourmestan, a brand new addition to the town’s meals scene, is price a attempt. Vegan dishes are well-marked. I loved their smoothies, tofu akuri on sourdough, and hummus and roasted bell peppers sandwich. It’s additionally one of many few locations (someplace between a restaurant and a restaurant) to seize vegan and gluten free focaccia and burger buns in Goa!
Instagram: Gourmestan
16. Cafe Bodega
Cafe Bodega has a fame of being fussy about vegan choices or customizing their dishes, however prior to now yr, their menu refresh at all times appears to characteristic vegan choices (generally marked, generally not), together with atleast one vegan dessert.
It’s additionally one of many nicest cafes to work from, set in an outdated Goan home, round in open, inexperienced courtyard, in a stunning neighborhood in Panjim.
On my final go to in September 2023, I beloved their roasted carrot hummus and vegan almond berry cake!
Instagram: Cafe Bodega
Vegan eating places in South Goa
Cantine Indienne – Palolem (all vegan)
As talked about above, Catine Indienne stays certainly one of my favourite locations to eat, not simply in South Goa however all of Goa!
See vegan / vegan-friendly cafes in South Goa beneath.
Finest Vegan Cafes in Goa
17. Bean Me Up – Vagator (all vegan – greatest for vegan burgers)
Bean Me Up is not only a vegan cafe in Goa, it’s an establishment – and one of many oldest, most profitable vegan spots in all of India. It presents a laidback ambiance below tree canopies, and an enormous collection of consolation vegan meals. It additionally stays open all day, day by day, with no regular siesta hours!
Price making an attempt are Bean Me Up’s acai berry smoothie bowl, tacky vegan nachos, succulent black bean burger (although its consistency can fluctuate), tempeh tacos, Mexican Buddha bowl, and the melt-in-the-mouth darkish chocolate mousse.
Web site: Bean Me Up
18. Saraya – Porvorim
I’ve been frequenting Saraya for years, and love their skinny crust, mud oven pizzas on gluten free or sourdough base. They make inhouse cashew and tahini cheeses for vegan pizzas (ask for these vegan choices, and ensure it’s not the stretchy dairy cheese), topped with vegan pesto, seasonal veggies and a few farm-to-table produce from their inhouse backyard.
In 2023, they launched mud oven-baked millet nachos with guacamole, salsa and vegan bitter cream (or request), and vegan ice lotions sweetened with jaggery. Oh so good.
Instagram: Saraya
19. Earth Mama – Anjuna (all vegan)
I really like my each day inexperienced and fruit smoothies, however Earth Mama’s smoothies are one thing else! Indulgent, creamy, decadent, well-worth placing up with the Anjuna crowds for. I really like their cacao and berry smoothies, and their open-face chickpea mayo and two-bean hummus toast.
Instagram: Earth Mama
20. Bibhitaki – Palolem (among the many greatest vegan cafes in South Goa)
That means “fearless of illness” in its historical Ayurvedic translation, Bibhitaki is an all-vegan cafe that gives healthy-ish consolation meals with an Ayurvedic twist. The ice cream-like tropical smoothie bowl is ideal to keep off the afternoon warmth, the Mexican bhel is an indulgent tackle nachos, and the hearty Mexican and Japanese Buddha bowls are immensely satisfying.
Instagram: Bibhitaki
21. Hoop’s Espresso – Morjim
I assume I used to be first drawn to Hoop’s Espresso by its charming, minimalist cafe vibe. And completely taken abruptly to see solely waffles on the menu – with a vegan possibility! Plus vegan desserts and the choice of coconut, almond and soy milk for espresso and scorching chocolate.
Over the months, I landed up at Hoops many occasions, searching for a quiet, inventive house to work from with a scorching cuppa, tucking into vegan waffles made with oats and wheat and topped with peanut butter and maple syrup, and simply to whereas away a breezy night with a e-book.
(Nowadays, the highway in entrance is dug up and a little bit of a large number although).
Instagram: Hoop’s Coffee
22. The Mill – Palolem
To not be confused with The Rice Mill in Morjim (featured above), The Mill in Palolem is a shocking cafe set inside a Goan home, with a number of areas to relax, work from, and feast on some indulgent smoothies, smoothie bowls and burgers.
Web site: The Mill
23. Gratitude cafe – Anjuna (all vegan)
I frequented Gratitude Cafe through the pandemic, and beloved its courtyard vibe in a refurbished Portuguese home in a quiet a part of Anjuna. The founder Jeet give up his soft job in Canada, and moved to Goa looking for a slower life. That is his try to supply consolation meals whereas bringing collectively Goa’s rising vegan group!
The menu feels impressed by Bean Me Up – Goa’s OG vegan hub – however the vibe is sort of completely different. I’ve spent breezy afternoons there with my laptop computer or e-book, indulging in all the things from vegan pancakes served with a berries compote and whipped cashew cream, to their tackle the Vietnamese Bahn Mi, to the flourless darkish chocolate mousse cake.
Web site: Gratitude Cafe
24. Moka Desserts and Cafe – Siolim
We LOVED the dates and nuts chocolate tarts at Moka, again when it only a dwelling kitchen in Saligao. Their cosy little cafe in Siolim serves up a creamy hummus pesto tartine, and the tarts after all. All salads could be made vegan too.
Instagram: Mokadessertsgoa
25. Okapi Vegan Kitchen – Moira (all vegan)
Gone are the times when there was nothing and nowhere vegan to eat within the Aldona-Moira space. Okapi has revolutionized the vegan and social scene within the quiet village of Quitla, with its setting in a beautiful Goan home. Their homely thali with each day specials is price a attempt!
Instagram: Okapi Vegan Kitchen
Bonus! The primary totally vegan retailer in Goa: Gras – Assagao
Because of Instagram, I used to be excited to step into the newly opened Gras – Goa’s first all vegan retailer. Aparna, the passionate vegan founder, makes contemporary cashew-oat milk, vegan butter, and comfortable and stretchy vegan cheeses (sans preservatives) on order, below the model title Saorsa.
She additionally shares a curated collection of vegan merchandise which might be in any other case arduous to seek out in Goa, just like the dates-sweetened Benalato ice cream!
What are your favourite vegan spots in Goa? What are you most excited to attempt?
Additionally learn: My Alternative travel guide to Goa
Welcome to my weblog, The Capturing Star. I’ve been known as a storyteller, author, photographer, digital nomad, “sustainability influencer,” social entrepreneur, solo traveller, vegan, sustainable tourism guide and environmentalist. However in my coronary heart, I’m only a woman who believes that journey – if achieved proper – has the facility to vary us and the world we dwell in.
