Sharvani ChandvaleThe street food in Goa remains to this day, one of its many hidden gems. Its vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies continue to sweep foodies off their feet. A simple bhaji pao can make your morning magical. Take a walk through a village in Goa and keep an eye out for these must-try veg and non-veg street food items in Goa.
Veg Street Food in Goa
Batata Kapa
The perfect evening combination – batata kappa with cha (tea) has withstood the test of time. Round potato slices are deep-fried in a mildly spiced besan batter and then served hot with ketchup or chutney. Locals also enjoy these sandwiched between pao or just as they are. You can find these at most local Goan outlets and food stalls in Goa. If you can’t just ask a local around you!
Kanda Bhaji
This popular Maharashtrian snack flows through Goa’s veins too. Chopped onion is doused in besan and then deep-fried until crunchy. This street food in Goa perfect for a rainy day, or when your evening cravings hit you hard.
Bhaji Pao
Goans love their bhaji pao for breakfast and as an evening snack. It’s filling, nutritious and super cheap, so why not? You can get a wide variety of bhaji preparations – potato, yellow peas, rajma, white kidney beans, mung, mushroom and tomato! Mind you, these are not substitutes, these are originals that cannot be recreated with meat. So if you want to try unique vegetarian Goan street food, look no further than this.
Mushroom Samosa
Goans love their mushrooms. Come monsoon, you will find all kinds of varieties growing in the forests. One of these is used to make the Veg Goan street food – mushroom samosa. Goan samosas are different. They’re smaller and crunchier. So when you bite into a mushroom samosa, the taste of the pastry hits you first and then, you taste the spicy mushroom stuffing. You cannot miss out on this feeling when in Goa.
Veg Pattice
In Gujarat it’s puff, but in Goa, we have pattice – a crunchy, flaky, layered Goan street food with a spiced filling. A veg pattice will have either a potato or a mushroom filling and you cannot stop at one. The crunchy, hot goodness melts in your mouth and leaves you asking for more!
Mirchi Bhaji
Many Indian states have mirchi bhaji, and so does Goa. Often served with a plate of bhaji pao, these flavourful heroes complete your meal. They’re mildly spicy chillies deep-fried in a besan batter. You can have them as a side or in a pao.
Mushroom Xacuti
Everyone loves xacuti and the one made with mushrooms has its own story to tell. This mildly spicy coconut-based street food in Goa goes best with pao. You can pair it with a cup of hot tea or enjoy it as is!
Veg Chops
Potato chops are a well-loved street food in Goa. Mildly-flavoured boiled potato mash is covered in sooji and shallow-fried. They can taste heavenly, especially if you’re craving something light and wholesome.
Sweet Banana Buns
Sweet Banana Buns originated in Mangalore and then spread to other parts of India. Today, they are a Goan favourite. A typical bun looks like a puri but has the texture of bread. Its mild sweetness goes well with both chai and a Goan bhaji. So if you’re looking for your next favourite Goan veg street food, you should get your hands on this!
Non-Veg Street Food in Goa
Ros Omelette
A staple breakfast dish in Goan households, the Ros Omelette combines the goodness of eggs with a spicy, tangy curry. The fluffy omelette is soaked in a flavorful tomato-based gravy, making it a hearty and satisfying meal to kickstart or end your day. The Ros Omelette is also one of the most popular non-veg street foods in Goa and can be found almost everywhere!
Cutlet Bread
Indulge in the savoury goodness of Cutlet Bread, a popular snack found in Goan bakeries and street stalls. A crispy cutlet, usually made with minced meat or fish, is sandwiched between slices of soft bread and doused with a special sauce. Apart from that, get your hands on Goa’s sweet-spicy chorizo in bread too. You have to add these delightful contrasts of textures and flavours to your list of must-have street foods in Goa.
Rissois
These delectable Portuguese-inspired snacks are a must-try street food in Goa. Rissois are small, crescent-shaped pastries filled with a creamy mixture of shrimp, chicken, or fish. Deep-fried to golden perfection, they make for an irresistible treat any time of the day.
Meat Samosa
Goan Meat Samosas offer a tantalising twist on the classic Indian snack. Filled with a spicy mixture of minced meat, onions, and spices, these triangular pastries pack a punch of flavour with every bite. Enjoy them hot and crispy for the ultimate snacking experience.
Egg Pattice
For a satisfying snack on the go, Egg Pattice is the way to go. A flaky pastry shell encases a savoury filling of mashed potatoes, boiled eggs, and spices, creating a hearty and delicious treat that’s perfect for any time of day. You also get pattices with fillings of prawns, chicken or mutton.
Prawns Bhaji Pao
The Prawns Bhaji Pao is a mouthwatering Goan street food delicacy. Juicy prawns are cooked in a spicy coconut-based masala gravy and served with soft pao, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s sure to please your taste buds. Not all local Goan restaurants serve this but rest assured, you will find it at Geetesh Restaurant in Anjuna.
Cafreal Pao
A Portuguese-influenced delicacy, Cafreal Pao features succulent pieces of chicken marinated in a fragrant green masala paste. It’s grilled to perfection and served in soft, fluffy pao buns, offering bursts of flavour with every bite.
Egg/Beef Chops
Egg or Beef Chops are a popular street food option in Goa. Tender pieces of meat or hard-boiled eggs are coated in a spicy potato marinade, dipped in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to crispy perfection. Enjoyed as a snack or part of a meal, these chops are sure to satisfy your afternoon cravings.
Ready to experience the best of Goan street food?
If you are in Goa, don’t leave without experiencing the best veg and non-veg Goan street food. These local snacks come with unique textures and flavours and are an integral part of Goa’s personality. Share a plate with a friend, take some to the beach and don’t forget to ask a local for their recommendations too!
