It’s a common notion that if you’re going to Goa and not trying out the seafood, you’re not doing it right. Amongst all other stereotypes, the state has gained fame for its meat-based delicacies. However, it’s not all Goa gets to be famous for. Owing to the fact that the land is home to people from all over the world, it’s not difficult to find establishments serving all kinds of cuisine. Among those, the love for vegan delicacies has been on the rise these past few years. Some chic and voguish restaurants are doling out all kinds of delectable vegan delicacies and there are several specialised vegan cafes too. If you’re a vegan looking to travel to Goa, rest assured that you will be spoiled for choice. Here are some vegan restaurants worth taking a look at in one of India’s most vegan-friendly states:
Artjuna, Anjuna
Artjuna is an extensive cafe tucked into a quiet corner of Anjuna. It’s an al-fresco joint with some really gorgeous sitting spaces and a quirky, bohemian setup. The cafe isn’t exclusively vegan but offers a special vegan menu that was one of the first few in the state. Their garden cafe also has a kids’ playing area and a boutique selling handcrafted clothes and pieces of jewellery too. Some of their dishes to try are the baba ganoush, falafel plate, falafel burger, pasta in tomato ratatouille sauce, tofu burger, strawberry and chia seed pudding.
Mojigao, Assagao
Nestled into the lush green beauty of Assagao, Mojigao is a vegan haven! The property can be found in a peaceful part of Assagao that offers a welcome respite from the chaos of the tourist crowds. Its wooden decor gives it a rustic feel and creates the feeling of being away in a jungle safari. Their vegan menu has been very carefully curated to offer variety and quality and contains influences from Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines. It’s owned by the same individuals who built Artjuna and hence, the menu is almost similar.
Bean Me Up, Vagator
One of the small vegan restaurants on the Anjuna-Vagator highway, Bean Me Up is exclusively vegan and offers a lot of choices for your tastebuds. The cafe’s ambience adds to the experience with its open-air seating and vintage decor. The establishment has tried to inculcate plenty of natural elements to enhance its look which makes you want to never leave. We recommend you try their classic pizza that’s topped with fresh veggies and vegan cashew cheese, chilli basil stir fry noodles and the pita platter.
Shantaram Raw, Arambol
This hippie little cafe is the place to be when you’re nursing a hangover or looking for a healthy, vegan meal. Their all-day breakfast options, fresh hummus dips, beetroot soup, Thai noodles and raw thali are worth indulging in on any day. The space opens up to nature to invite plenty of sunshine and air to diners. It’s a cosy little space with some great food to look forward to.
Zest, Agonda
Zest is an elegant vegan and vegetarian cafe in the South of Goa. It serves some mind-blowing vegan delicacies. Its ambience is enhanced by its biophilic decor. You’ll find thatched roofs, doors made of bamboo stems and whatnot. Their vegan pizzas, raw lasagna, Mexican bowl, quesadilla and chia seed pudding are some popular favourites. Their coffees and funky drinks are also worth trying out!
Kefi, Assagao
Kefi is a beautiful space sitting on the Mapusa-Assagao-Anjuna road and is worth stopping to eat at. Founded by a local who’s spent almost 8 years in Lebanon, the cafe aims to master your experience of Lebanese cuisine. Their soups, mezze platter, falafel, hachapuri platter are worth trying. Apart from that do try their delicious coffees, juices and freshly baked desserts.
The Mill, Palolem
The Mill is a pretty cottage in Palolem with some of the warmest interiors! Their decor leaves you feeling like you’re at home with its cosy sofas, bookshelves and everything else in between. Their vegan menu is a little offbeat and worth trying. Do try their salads, soups, an in-house speciality called ‘The Mill’, the Zanzibar Burger with its Almond cheese, the Big Buddha, Kombucha and smoothies. They even have a vegan chai!
Added to this, the Patnem beach in South Goa is home to plenty of yoga shalas and vegan restaurants. It would definitely be worth your time planning a vacation in Patnem and exploring the vegan cafes there.
Apart from these obviously must-visit cafes, a large chunk of Goan fares are inherently vegan. Due to a preference for coconut milk and oil, dishes such as the Veg Caldeen, Mushroom Xacuti, Mix Bhaji-Pao, Khatkhatem, Mushroom Dangar, and Breadfruit Rava Fry and desserts such as Patoleo, Nevreo, Perad and Mangane made in Coconut Milk are some poplar local preparations that you should try. It’s safe to say that you can be a vegan and still enjoy Goan cuisine guilt-free!
Also Read: Vegetarian Restaurants in North Goa