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What Food To Try in Goa and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Goa for 2024.

National currency: Ngultrum, symbol — ₹ (international currency code INR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Goa cafes and restaurants
$2.4 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $1.83
$12.2 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $9.78
$4 
Combo Meal
Starting from $3.67

What to Try in Goa

Must-try Dishes
Chéu Fritas - Fried Potato Fritters - Crispy potato fritters made with a mix of spiced mashed potatoes and herbs, served hot with a coconut chutney. Locals love to enjoy these as a hearty breakfast while chatting at their favorite roadside stalls.

Paav Bhaji - Mixed Vegetable Curry with Bread - A spicy mash of vegetables cooked with aromatic spices, served with buttered bread rolls. This popular street food is often shared among friends during evening outings, especially with a chilled drink.

Fish Curry Rice - Xacuti Rice - Tender pieces of fish simmered in a rich coconut-spice gravy, served over fragrant rice. Best enjoyed for lunch at local eateries, this dish is a staple among Goans, perfect for kickstarting a lazy afternoon.

Chicken Cafreal - Spicy Herb-Marinated Chicken - Marinated chicken boiled and then fried, coated in a mix of green spices, giving it a vibrant color and bold flavor. It's customary to serve this during special gatherings, often paired with rice or bread.

Bhawtiey - Goan Style Kidney Beans - A delectable curry made from kidney beans and coconut milk, slow-cooked to achieve a velvety texture. Traditionally enjoyed during the monsoon season, locals appreciate this dish as a wholesome vegetarian option.

Fish Recheado - Stuffed Fish - A whole fish stuffed with a zesty spice mix and fried to perfection, packing a punch of flavors. It's common to eat this dish at family dinners, often served with a side of rice to soak up the delicious juices.

Rawa Fried Squid - Crispy Fried Calamari - Tender squid coated in semolina and fried to a golden crisp, served with a zesty dipping sauce. This dish is frequently ordered as a beach snack while soaking up the sun, showcasing the coastal flair of Goa.

Pork Vindaloo - Spicy Pork Curry - Pork marinated in a tangy vinegar and spice blend and then slow-cooked until tender. There's a cultural significance to this dish—it's often prepared during festive occasions and loved for its rich and bold flavors.

Desserts & Drinks
Feni - फेनी (cashew liquor) - A potent spirit made from cashew apples, this local drink has a distinct fruity aroma. Often enjoyed as an evening refreshment, locals typically sip it neat or mixed in a cocktail, especially during festivals.

Cha - चाय (spiced tea) - This rich tea, brewed with a blend of milk, sugar, and spices like cardamom and ginger, is a morning staple. You'll find it being served steaming hot in roadside stalls where friends gather for a chat before heading to work.

Mango Smoothie - आम स्मूदी (tropical blend) - A refreshing concoction of ripe mangoes, yogurt, and honey, this smoothie is best enjoyed cold during the scorching summer months. Locals often indulge in it at the beach or after a yoga session for a sweet treat.

Dodol - डोडोल (sticky rice cake) - A sweet treat made from coconut milk, jaggery, and rice flour, with a chewy texture that delights the mouth. Traditionally prepared during the Goan festival of San Joao, it's often served on banana leaves to honor its rustic roots.

Gelato - आइसक्रीम (Italian-style ice cream) - This creamy, dense frozen dessert comes in tropical flavors like coconut and jackfruit, making it a popular choice at beach shacks. These are perfect for cooling down after a day in the sun and are typically best enjoyed in the late afternoon.

By the way, don’t be surprised if your Feni comes with a slice of lime on the side; that's how locals enhance the flavor!

Food and Groceries in Goa

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $0.54
Bananas $0.75
Oranges $1.51
Potatoes $0.43
Apples $2.1
Beverages
Water 1.5L $0.4
0.5L Local Beer $0.95
Imported Beer $3.23
Wine Rating >4.0 $6.11
Milk 1L $0.75

Various Groceries
Chicken $3.13
Cigarettes $2.75
Rice $0.99
Local Cheese $5.63

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

Breakfast in Goa usually happens quite early, often around 7:00 to 9:00 AM. You'll find families enjoying a variety of dishes, from poha (flattened rice cooked with spices) to traditional besan chilla (gram flour pancakes). A common misconception among tourists is that Goans primarily eat seafood at all meals, whereas meat and vegetarian dishes are staples, too.

Prices can vary widely depending on the dining area. For example, a typical breakfast at a local eatery could range from ₹60 to ₹150. In contrast, a high-end café may charge you upwards of ₹300. Local favorites in bustling areas like Panaji or Anjuna tend to be more affordable, while pretty beachfront shacks can cost more, especially during peak tourist season. It’s easy to pay around ₹500 for a meal at a beachfront spot.

So, be prepared for local customs when paying. Most places accept cash, but card transactions are gaining popularity, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Don’t forget to check if a service charge is included when you glance at the bill—it's not uncommon in more upscale venues. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up to the next ten or fifteen rupees is appreciated.

One quirky dining habit I’ve noticed is that many locals prefer to eat their meals seated on the floor, especially during festivals or traditional gatherings. You might also observe that lunch works on a different rhythm, typically served between 12:30 and 2:30 PM, with many offices allowing their employees a longer lunch break compared to elsewhere.

During busy months, these lunch hours get hectic, particularly in popular districts like Calangute. If you’re looking to avoid the rush, aim to dine on the later side, around 2:30 PM.

And oh, before I forget, if you’re thinking of dining at a specific popular place, always consider making a reservation, especially on weekends. It can get crowded fast, especially during local festivals or holidays.

As for the cost of dining, local cafés remain the best value. When dining in areas like Mapusa, the same meal can range from ₹80 to ₹150, while in slightly more touristy spots, it could easily go up to ₹250 or more. If you’re looking to stretch your budget, exploring less frequented side streets can yield some hidden culinary treasures!




Tourist Reviews

All photos and texts belong to their authors
@s.sredd
« In India, my soul is completely captivated by one establishment. If you're interested, read on. 😊

After a long vacation, it took me quite a while to adjust back to regular food – usually something simple without shrimp. We even found this unique café in Colva that seemed out of the ordinary. The owners have a strong resemblance to Filipinos, definitely not Indians. Walking in, you wouldn't guess anything about them until you see the menu, and then the price absolutely astonishes you.

A serving of shrimp in a delicious sauce is about $1.60, fish in a similar sauce is around $1.45. Back home, we typically pay about $4-5 for shrimp and around $4-5 for something around 200 grams. Here, that same portion costs only about $1.20 – we were able to share this and even took some with us (having it again the next morning), and if we hadn’t, we would’ve surely attracted stray dogs that are friendly and plentiful.

The price was explained better by the owner, but the taste is something I could rave about forever. It’s hard to describe how delightful those flavors are. The taste is the second aspect that keeps bringing me back there. You just find yourself wanting to return time and time again. Just trying the first bite (or forkful) makes it impossible to stop. It’s an indescribable experience. You could say it’s a gastronomic delight.

Why am I sharing all of this? I simply want to let you know about this little gem. In which countries do you remember kitchens that impressed you the most? 🤔 »
@kate.kosh
« No, this is far from a "piece of paradise on the planet." It's better not to fly with a weak stomach. You might want to consider living there 😅 In general! Goa... the northern part, to be precise. I won't lie, on the first day, we were shocked. Counter-flow traffic, a constant stream of bikes and honking cars, garbage everywhere. We crossed the road four times, holding hands and screaming 😅 All these downsides to Goa are quickly forgotten.

You'll overlook the garbage; the cows will entertain you, and the honking will just be an empty noise for you. We moved from one beach to another every day: clean warm sea, sun, and an incredibly helpful staff that makes you feel comfortable really quickly. It's chill, you don't feel like rushing; you just enjoy the moment... sipping fresh coconut juice or a pineapple smoothie while listening to the ocean's sounds.

The sunset view is stunning, with sea produce, fruits... and the best part is the prices for everything. How this will change, I don't know yet. A salad with seafood... around $2.75 ❤️ Of course, it's better not to look too closely at the kitchens, as it can ruin your nerves, but everything is super tasty! Just remember to ask for mild spice.

Evenings by the open sea... bliss! Getting into town can be tricky, especially for those who aren't familiar, but it sounds so cool 🧚‍♂️. Paradise Beach, Goa Shivy, an old charming uncle, and so much other interesting stuff we encountered. We visited 9 beaches but chose two: Morjim and Arambol.

Arambol is more artistic; in the evening, you'll see many captivating things: yoga at sunset, meditation folks, kids playing football, and lots of barabans. The beach "dies" around 11... Morjim feels more calm and touristy, and there are two clubs 🙌. And the clearest sea ever ❤️.

Next time we visit, we'll definitely take footage there 😅. Yes, indeed.. that's the kind of place you want to return to. Specials for those throwing coins 🙌. »
@feldbush_tatyana
« During the heat of the day, eating isn't appealing at all. A great alternative to lunch is a snack and a refreshing drink – lassi. The price is around $1 to $1.50. It's a fermented dairy drink mixed with fruit and juice.

Be cautious!

Bhang lassi contains hashish, which is sold as a drink. Marijuana is part of Indian culture; bhang "approved by the government" is used in ceremonial rituals, as Shiva loved the herb and his cow. However, the consumption, possession, and sale of most psychoactive substances are criminal offenses. »
@wow.yanins
« Good morning! Do you love pineapples as much as we do? In Goa, the average price of a pineapple is around $0.75 to $1, while in Thailand, you can find pineapples for about $0.15 to $0.30, and they tend to be much sweeter and tastier than the Indian ones! 🍍🥥 »
@stas_melnikov
« In the first few days, we decided not to go on excursions and just enjoy the beach 🙂 On the way to the beach, there are vendors selling fresh juices everywhere. The price for a juice or a fresh coconut, which they cut open for you right on the spot, is around $0.60. 🥥 »
@tani_tani_ta
« I’m having a beach day today and can’t stop sharing! Goa beaches are definitely for specific tastes, and I’m part of that group. There’s always something happening here—kids, vendors, cows, and beach boys keep things lively! 😄 And where else can you get a pineapple sliced and a bunch of bananas for just about $1.25 without any haggling? The best part? Watching the guys help the grandmas lift a basket onto their heads. It weighs at least 66 pounds! They come in for a big swing... and whoops! 😂 But she just sets it down and moves on... »
@ribi_
« And here we are again with the #culinary 🍛😋 Thali – a dish that you find in Indian and Nepali cuisine (in Nepal, it's called dal-bhat). 🍛 It's simple yet complex at the same time, a sort of "combo-meal" typically made up of rice, various vegetable dishes, and flatbread (like chapati or papad). ☺️ Fish thali, as you can guess, includes fish.🐟 It's served on a metal tray (although in some parts of South India, they still use banana leaves), and many locals eat it with their hands, plus you can always ask for an extra serving of any dish for free. 😊 Overall, this is a common, popular, and affordable dish (around $1). It varies widely based on the region and what the chef has in the kitchen 😊 (there are even 50 different kinds of dal in India 😆). In the photo, there are only 2 vegetable sides, but in another place, you might find 5, and at some festive Indian tables, there could be 20 or more! 😆 At first, I didn't fully appreciate thali – it was all spicy and I wasn’t sure what was mixed in there, but now I really enjoy a decent portion! 😋 So, for those in the know – share your secrets for the best thali in North Goa! Our favorite is at the beach stand near Arambol on the way to Kerim, where they serve fish thali with not just fish but also shrimp! 🍤🍤🍤)) »
@pashagultiaev
« A little about Indian cuisine at a local non-touristy cafe. In the foreground is masala dosa – a large, crispy rolled pancake filled with a small portion of potatoes, onions, and spices, accompanied by a lentil sauce. In the background, with two spoons sticking out, is bhaji – stewed vegetables with spices, and beside it is banana puri – a banana flatbread. We also ordered an extra portion of bhaji and a cup of masala chai (spiced tea with sugar and milk) – all for just $2. 😀😋 »
@mim371
« Sugarcane juice with lime and potato samosa for 20 rupees. »
@mim371
« For 20 rupees, you can buy a portion of fruit. »
@mim371
« We bought ourselves a plate of sweet watermelon pieces for 20 rupees. »
@mim371
« A portion for two. Biryani rice 100 rupees. »
@mim371
« Our snack cost 130 rupees for both dishes. »
@mim371
« By the evening, they set up tables on the beach and bring out fresh fish, shrimp, and squid. Prices are quite reasonable. Two squids weighing around 300 grams, along with a salad and potatoes, cost about $4. Fish ranges from $4 to $8. A huge shrimp is $2. 🦐🍽️ »
@krestinovakri
« On Wednesdays in Goa, it's market day! You can find vegetables for sale everywhere on the streets, and there's a huge flea market with clothing. The way they weigh vegetables is a bit unusual; you just fill your basket up and they weigh everything together, even though each item has a different price. At this stall, everything is priced at about 40 rupees (less than a dollar) per kilogram. »
@detki.cz
« Meet the local sour milk representative! Curd. I buy it in these ceramic pots of 200g, available at our village shop, priced at 25 rupees ($0.30). And a pot at home is never superfluous! 😊 »
@mim371
« We got various scallops, oysters, and squid! They grilled them for us and served with a creamy garlic sauce, potatoes, and salad. It was extremely delicious and affordable. Only $5 for everything. These were the cheapest seafood we encountered in India! 🦪🍽️ »
@naska_titova
« A hearty Indian lunch at a local café for 61 cents, which also included rice. »
@vladbatin
« Today, my sister and I had lunch at an Indian canteen in Margao, and it cost us $1.85. We both had enough to eat... 😊 »
@_.nastenchik._
« "Strawberries for $0.70!!!! In winter!!! I'm staying here to live )))" »
@detki.cz
« To buy bread, you need to go to the neighboring town to the market. I didn't see any brown bread, just white. The flatbreads are incredibly tasty, slightly sweet. They wrap the purchase in newspaper, tie it with twine, and then put it in a bag. $0.24 for 3 flatbreads. »
@bushinabu
« What else was great in Arambol, aside from the people, the atmosphere, and the mango pie? The amazing veg momos on the street. 0.85 USD for a huge portion. They are incredibly delicious! If you want to live on a budget, there are plenty of options for that 😊 »
@milademenkova
« Indian breakfast. The price of this dish is $1.70. Honestly, I'm a bit tired of Indian cuisine. I'm switching to fruits and vegetables. »
@ukalnyn
« One of the most wonderful things I've had the chance to try is tandoori chicken, cooked in a clay oven. The skewer looks like a poker, and the oven resembles a barrel. The chicken for tandoori is marinated in yogurt and spices, resulting in a lovely reddish-pink color that’s not spicy at all. This chicken is sold in halves or whole; I’ll just say that by our standards, this chicken is more like a young bird rather than the plump broiler we're used to. »
@laskovenkova
« We stumbled into a Tibetan cafe, cozy, cute, clean, tasty, and generous portions! And not expensive at all 😊
We had Tibetan noodles with shrimp, chicken noodles, and shrimp rice. They serve some cool chili sauces with them, and the price per dish ranges from about $2 to $2.50. »
@anna_tes
« You can enjoy this scary-looking shark at a seaside restaurant for just 600 Indian Rupees! 🌊🦈 »
@destbellona
« This wonderful fruit and vegetable basket costs us about $5.40. As for fruits, my absolute favorites are, of course, mangoes – I just adore them! Then there's this fruit that looks like a green cone with a romantic name "rambutan" – I eat it when I crave something really sweet. 🍈🥭 »
@_stepanyasha_
« In the city center, I bought a cashmere scarf from an Indian vendor. The initial price was 8.50 USD, but I ended up getting it for 3.60 USD. »
@ugnenko
« This is what I call a cup of espresso. Not those Italian "thimbles"! ☕️ »
@darita_mariposa
« I'm enjoying my vegetarian breakfast-lunch-dinner at sunset in my favorite place, Arambol)) This is Tibetan cuisine, the dish is called momo and it costs $1.20! I love India for this! »
@kati_efimova
« "For breakfast, vitamins! With our $1, we bought pineapple, grapes, bananas, and pomegranates. All natural and incredibly tasty!" »
@neverdome
« Only two sharks left from five. I bought five in the morning from fishermen at 100 rupees. Cooking costs about the same. So, it's 20 rupees for one shark. »
@sakharnaya
« Goa Juice Center is something else! Freshly squeezed juices that are absolutely delicious and at amazing prices! For example, mango juice is just around $0.73! How can you not want to stay here forever?! 🍹✨ »
@taisha_ros
« We urgently need to go to Goa, a bottle of rum is $1! »
@marselsharipov
« And a little more vitamins! From left to right: pineapple juice, grape juice, mango juice, strawberry juice! $1.00! »