Street food in Goa comprises the standard street food fare found in India that includes Chinese food, patties, chats and samosas, but the coastal state also has its own version of popular street fare. The use of intense flavours, spices, a plethora of non-vegetarian dishes like beef, pork and seafood, and the Portuguese influence is the speciality of Goan food.
Here are our 12 favourite dishes of street food in Goa:
1. Pork Vindaloo
The flavourful and spicy street food of Goa, called Pork Vindaloo, is a result of Indian spices put in a local Christian recipe. It is prepared when boneless pork and potatoes are cooked in Indian condiments like cloves, cumin, Kashmiri pepper, and doused in generous amounts of vinegar. One will find several food stalls lined up in the streets of Goa serving this local delicacy.2. Ras Omelette
Any discussion on Goan Street food is incomplete without the delicious and famous Ras omelette. A regular egg served chicken gravy is a burst of flavour in the mouth. While Ras omelette is available at most places in Goa, the one served in Ravi Ras Omelette in Panjim is famous among locals.3. Gadbad Ice Cream
Gadbad Ice cream is one of the must-try street food of Goa. It is a combination of two or three different ice creams topped with falooda, vermicelli, jelly or jam and served in a tall glass. It is a summer special to satisfy a sweet tooth. It is readily available in Navtara Veg Restaurant in Mapusa and Cream Centre in Panjim.4.Chorizo (Goan Sausages)
Famous among locals as a breakfast item or evening snack, one will find many vendors on cycles early in the morning, carrying big baskets of these spicy pork meat sausages flavoured with spices and onions/potatoes. Chorizo are eaten with bread and are readily available.5. Misal Pav
A healthier and wholesome alternative to Pav Bhaji, Misal Pav is famous street food in Goa. Misal is a nutritious and spicy curry made with lentils, mixed sprouts, and moth beans served alongside pav. Tasty, affordable and healthy, this is one of the top street food in Goa.6. Shawarma
Shawarma is found in many Goan street food stalls. It has mildly spiced slow-cooked and smoked meat and crunchy lettuce and veggies stacked up in a flatbread. Shawarma King in Panjim and Haji Ali Restaurant are popular places to grab shawarma in Goa.
7. Samosa
Spice up your evening chai with this delicious street food, not just in Goa, but the whole country – a crispy, golden brown puff pastry stuffed with veggies, beef, chicken, mutton, and many more Konkan delights. A popular option among both locals and tourists is the special beetroot samosas.
8. Fish Thali
Eat like a local and taste the wonders of the sea with the Goan fish thali, a staple at Konkan households. This meal consists of rice, rotis, vegetables, pickles, clam fry, and multiple varieties of fish curries and fry. This inexpensive lunch is wholesome, filling, and scrumptious!
9. Pork Chops
Indulge in a cheat meal this vacation season with Goan chops – a yummy mix of russet potatoes, beef, lamb, and pork. With rich spices and an inviting aroma, chops are popular street food in Goa, served with a hot cup of chai.
10. Prawn Curry
A trip to Goa is complete without sampling the famous prawns! Tiger and king prawns marinated in coconut and a spice mix come together in a decadent curry. Served with rice and roti, you’re bound to come back for more every time!
11. Poi
If you’re looking for guilt-free street food in Goa, the Goan Poi is your best friend! This whole-wheat bun pairs perfectly with curries, butter, chai, and even sweet spreads. Head over to quaint bakeries and non-descript street stalls to get the authentic flavours of the perfectly soft, delicious Poi.
12. Chinese Fast Food
Prepare for a glorious combination of Chinese flavours and Indian sensibilities – the Chinese fast food options found in street stalls and restaurants of Goa bring together East Asian staples like noodles, dumplings, fried rice, and Schezwan dishes with Indian vegetables and spices.
Popular Places For Street Food in Goa
1. Dom Pedros, Margao
This small bakery wins in terms of flavours and spices – their Portuguese snacks and fries are crowd-pullers here. The bakery serves Goan sweets and Konkan dishes too. One can hope to find delicious snacks and quick bites here at a steal – indulge without hurting your wallet!
Location: Pajifond, Margao
Must-eat: Prawn Rissois, beef samosa, cheese cutlet
2. Noronha’s Corner, Anjuna
This small food truck packs a hefty punch and serves some of the best street food of Goa – their Konkan-Catholic dishes are a hit with the locals. Run by the three Noronoha brothers, their dishes incorporate flavours perfected through generations – their mix of Goan, Konkan, and Portuguese tastes results in perfection every time, at a fraction of the cost.
Location: Anjuna Circle, Near Anjuna-Mapusa and Calangute-Siolim Road, Anjuna
Must-eat: Beef roast, chicken cafreal, fish cutlet
3. Sundha Bhel Puri Centre, Vasco da Gama
If you’re in the mood for some spicy chaat, head over to Sundha Bhel Puri Centre, a charming street stall right by the road. The stall are clean, hygienic, and reassuringly sanitary – feel free to order Pani puris and Pao bhajis with no fear!
Location: D.E. Jose Vaz Road, Vaddem, Vasco da Gama
Must-eat: Butter pao, bhel puri
4. Teixeira’s, Ribandar
Meat lovers are bound to fall for Teixeira’s decadent beef and pork chops – the special family recipe incorporates punchy spices and buttery goodness in generous helpings. With unbeatable prices and rich fillings, the local favourites are the in-house special chicken fry and cutlets.
Location: Halarnakar Vastu Hermitage, Ilhas, Ribandar
Must-eat: Beef chilly, pork chops, cutlet pao
5. Sandeep’s Vada Pav
A worthy competitor to Mumbai’s staple snack, Sandeep’s Vada Pavs are world-famous for their delectable Goan street food. Served with a cold glass of lemon soda, the Vada Pavs here are smothered in spices and cheese and toasted inside a soft bun. The special chutney adds a Goan twist to the meal.
Location: Ganesh Temple, Farmagudi
Must-eat: Masala Vada Pav
6. Costa’s, Santa Cruz
Located right by the beach, Costa’s offers patrons delightful food with a gorgeous view of the sunset. This shack specializes in beef and pork dishes – the family-perfected recipes result in a perfect bite, every time.
Location: Old Highway, Neugi Nagar
Must-eat: Cutlet pao, beef Xacuti, chili fry
7. Vimal Tandoor Matka Tea, Panjim
Chai lovers are in for an absolute treat at Vimal’s, a speciality café that serves this unique blend – the milky chai here is simmered in a tandoor and boiled in an earthen pot – Matka – giving it an earthy, nutty, and smoky flavour that is unmatched in taste.
Location: Shop No. B5, Phase II, Block B, Zarina Towers, St Inez Road, Panjim
Must-eat: Matka Chai, chicken shawarma
8. Simonia Stores, Mapusa
This sweet store is popular for its Goan desserts – Bibona, Bebinca, Perad, Bath, Dos, and many other delights are sold here. One of the earliest shops to sell authentic Christmas sweetmeats and savouries, Simonia is a favourite among the locals and one can always find a crowd here. Their traditional cakes and cookies use authentic flavours and incorporate fenny too.
Location: Shop No. 189, 190, Mapusa Municipal Market, Mapusa
Must-eat: Beef croquettes, Dodol, Bibinc, Dode de Garo
9. Ravi’s Ras Omelet, Panjim
A staple among the locals and popular street food in Goa, the fluffy, tangy Ras Omelette is a true Goan delight. Ravi’s in Panjim serves one of the best omelettes in the city – the perfectly cooked eggs are doused in tomatoes, spices, coriander, onion, and a generous helping of chicken curry.
Location: 18th June Road, Opposite Panjim Immaculate Church, Panjim
Must-eat: Ras Omelet, Poi bread, chicken Xacuti
10. Michael Lobo’s Centre, Candolim
A shining beacon among the many street food stalls at Candolim, Michael Lobo’s Centre shot to fame after its chicken lollipops and meat chops became popular among locals and tourists alike. This family-owned shop also has a shawarma stall next door, ensuring a complete meal!
So which of these types of street food in Goa are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments below!Location: 1411/68A, Pilerne-Candolim Road, Saidanagar, Candolim
Must-eat: Egg chops, prawn chops, chicken lollipop