Food In North Goa

Food History of North Goa, Goa, India

The food history of North Goa is deeply influenced by its coastal setting, Hindu origins, and centuries of Portuguese colonialism. The staple diet of the Goan population historically has been fish curry and rice. Goan cuisine is a blend of different influences the Goans had to endure during centuries of rule. The Saraswat Brahmins and the Konkanis were the first communities to inhabit Goa and they brought with them plantain, fish, and coconut-based dishes that are still popular. Spices were introduced by the Arab traders and became essential for enhancing the flavors in dishes. The Portuguese arrived in the 16th century and introduced new types of food such as potatoes, tomatoes, pineapples, guavas, and cashews from Brazil (which is actually not native to Goa). The Portuguese equally influenced the culinary scene by introducing vinegar, which is used in the preparation of Vindalho, a Portuguese derived dish from "Vinho de Alho".

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in North Goa for Tourists

1. Fish Curry Rice (Non-Veg) - A staple Goan meal consisting of rice with a coconut-based curry paired with kingfish, often referred to as 'Xitt Kodi' in the Konkani language.
2. Bebinca (Vegetarian) - A traditional rich Goan dessert, made from layers of coconut milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolk.
3. Fish Recheado (Non-Veg) - A fiery and tangy preparation, "recheado" means "stuffed" in Portuguese; pomfret or mackerels are commonly used.
4. Mushroom Xacuti (Vegetarian) - A mushroom curry with a complex spice mix, including white poppy seeds and dried red chilies, traditionally made with chicken or lamb for non-vegetarians.
5. Prawn Balchao (Non-Veg) - A spicy seafood dish with a tomato-chili paste, often pickled overnight and similar to a shrimp curry.
6. Goan Sanna (Vegetarian) - A spongy steamed rice cake, made from fermented rice and coconut batter, it pairs well with curry.
7. Vegetable Vindaloo (Vegetarian) - An adaptation of the Portuguese dish "Carne de Vinha d'Alhos", this version uses vegetables instead of meat and is less fiery than the traditional recipe.
8. Sorak (Vegetarian) - A simple, spicy and tangy curry made without fish or meat during the monsoon season when seafood is scarce.
9. Patolea (Vegetarian) - Sweet dumplings made from rice flour and stuffed with a mixture of coconut and jaggery, wrapped in turmeric leaves.
10. Goan Samosas (Vegetarian/Non-Veg) - A Goan twist on the classic samosa, these feature a spicy filling of either meat or vegetables encased in a crisp pastry.

Top Famous Restaurants in North Goa with Famous Food

1. Bomra's
   Address: 247, Fort Aguada Road, Candolim, Goa
   Famous for: Burmese Cuisine (Try the Tenderloin Salad – Non-Veg)
2. Gunpowder
   Address: No. 6, Saunto Vaddo, Anjuna Mapusa Road, Assagao, Bardez, Goa
   Famous for: South Indian Cuisine (The Prawn Balchao – Non-Veg)
3. Thalassa
   Address: Small Vagator, Ozran, Near Nine Bar, Vagator, Goa
   Famous for: Greek Cuisine (Mushroom Saganaki – Vegetarian)
4. La Plage
   Address: Ashwem Beach, Mandrem, Goa
   Famous for: French Fusion Cuisine (Seafood Platter – Non-Veg)
5. Vinayak Family Restaurant
   Address: Near Chapora Fort, Chapora, Goa
   Famous for: Authentic Goan Cuisine (Fish Thali – Non-Veg)
6. Mum’s Kitchen
   Address: 854, Martins Building, Dayanand Bandodkar Street, Panaji, Goa
   Famous for: Goan Saraswat Cuisine (Vegetable Xacuti – Vegetarian)
7. Fisherman’s Wharf
   Address: At the Riverside, Opposite Bank of India, Panjim, Goa
   Famous for: Seafood Delicacies (Crab Xec Xec – Non-Veg)
8. Cafe Chocolatti
   Address: 409A, Fort Aguada Road, Candolim, Goa
   Famous for: English Breakfast and Desserts (Chocolate Cake – Vegetarian)
9. Suze’s Cafe
   Address: Near Our Lady of Piety Chapel, Divar Island, Goa
   Famous for: Indian and Continental Cuisine (Chicken Cafreal – Non-Veg)
10. Ciao Bella
    Address: 569, Assagao, Bardez, Goa
    Famous for: Italian Cuisine (Risotto – Can be Vegetarian)