Food Lover's Guide to Goa

While you can get pretty much any type of cuisine in Goa—from Japanese udon to vegan tacos— it's worth seeking out some of the state's seafood-dominant regional cuisine, which blends native and Portuguese flavors and ingredients. Here are a few ways to experience Goa’s culinary offerings.

Must-Try Dishes

Perhaps the best-known Goan dish outside of the state is vindaloo, a super-spicy curry prepared with vinegar-marinated pork. Many Goan dishes are also served with pao (bread rolls), another Portuguese influence; one such dish is sorpotel, an meaty offal stew. A good vegetarian alternative is pao bhaji, buns served with a potato curry. Though technically from Mumbai, this popular snack is found across Goa, especially in urban hubs. And don’t leave Goa without trying some feni, a local spirit made from cashews (in North Goa) or palm toddy (in the south).

Must-Do Experiences

• Go on a crab fishing tour in the Goan backwaters and then cook up your catch.
• Learn to cook traditional Goan food during a cooking class at a local home.
• Sit down for some freshly caught seafood at one of Goa’s beachfront shacks.
• Fill up on local fare on a street food tour in the Goan capital city of Panaji.
• Head out for some bar-hopping and try some Goan feni while you’re at it