Nestled in the western coast of India is one of the most gorgeous seaside destinations in the country – the dreamy state of Goa. Long, languid beaches, swaying palms, and a fun-loving culture to match. It is no wonder, then, that this state attracts a great number of domestic and international tourists each year. While club hopping, water sports, partying, and sunbathing are definitely on top of every tourist’s itinerary, the best thing to indulge in when in Goa is the beachside food.
Goan culture revolves around the sun, the sand, and the surf. The colourful and lively bazaars are all set up in the beaches and so are the live music festivals that attract hundreds of music aficionados. While these come and go, the one fixture that you are likely to come across in every beautiful beach in this state are the numerous food shacks. Catering to a variety of cuisines, these are the preferred eateries for most tourists. Even those who visit the state for work and put up in the top business hotels in Goa cannot resist the allure of freshly cooked seafood and chilled beer of the beachside shacks. Here are some of the beachside foods you must not miss out on when you next visit Goa –
- Choris pav
Goan Choris (rosary sausages) are made from the best quality pork meat and spices. These are often homemade and cooked wth onions and potatoes and consumed with small pav buns.
- Fritters, croquettes, and chops – Nothing beats the indulgence of freshly fried fish fritters, vegetable or meat croquettes, and chops in a Goan shack. Team it up with iced tea, beer, or even cashew feni for the perfect beachside treat.
- Gadbad Ice Cream and Kulfi – Ice cream is the ultimate indulgence no matter where you are. The Gadbad ice cream of Goan beachside eateries is, however, a class apart. An assortment of ice cream flavours topped with sauces, nuts, and fruits makes this a delightful sundae. If you’re the traditional sort you may want to stick to the delightful kulfis.
- Frankies and Shawarma Rolls – The one great advantage that beachside eateries have over traditional restaurants in Goa resorts is that the kitchen is open almost all day. This makes for a great Shawarma roll, slow cooked and served with hummus and pita bread. The frankies served in Goa beaches also make for a great meal.
- Vada Pav, Missal Pav, and Pav Bhaji – India’s favourite street foods such as the vada pav, missal pav, and pav bhaji are quite the rage in Goa as well. Look out for the food trucks or food carts un the beaches that sell these.
- Fish Thali – Caught in the sea and served on the beach – nothing quite beats the fresh fish curry thali served by the quaint little eateries on the beaches of Goa.
- Bebinca, Dos, and Baath Cake – Indulge your sweet tooth in some traditional Goan delights. Most of the beaches of Goa are lined with sweet shops that serve Bebinca, Dos, and Baath Cakes. These recipes are often well-guarded family secrets.
