Mar 31, 2025
Goa, famous for its beautiful beaches and lively culture, also has a delicious and varied cuisine that will surely excite your taste buds. While seafood is the star of Goan food, vegetarians have plenty of tasty options too. The Goan vegetarian dishes are a perfect blend of fresh local ingredients, aromatic spices, and bold flavours. Whether you're exploring the streets or dining at a local eatery, there are plenty of dishes that capture the essence of Goan cuisine. Let’s explore the top vegetarian dishes you absolutely must try while in Goa!
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A traditional Goan dish, chakho is a flavourful and hearty stew made with a variety of vegetables. With a perfect balance of spices, chakho is an ideal option for vegetarians looking to experience authentic Goan flavours.
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This dish is a unique Goan vegetable stew made with a mixture of vegetables, coconut, and aromatic spices. It’s rich, flavourful, creamy, and pairs wonderfully with rice or bread.
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If you’re a fan of greens, tambdi bhaji is a must-try. Made with red amaranth leaves, this dish is sauteed with garlic, onions, and spices. It’s simple, healthy, and bursting with flavour. A perfect side dish to accompany any Goan meal!
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Saar is a tangy soup made with lentils and tamarind, giving it a sour-sweet flavour. It’s usually served as a starter or side dish to cleanse the palate before the main course. Light, refreshing, and packed with nutrients, it's a great addition to any meal.
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Sanna is a soft, spongy Goan bread often served with curries or enjoyed on its own. Made with rice flour and coconut milk, sanna has a slightly sweet taste and a light, airy texture. Perfect with curries, it soaks up rich flavours and adds a comforting touch to your meal.
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Patal bhaji is a famous Goan vegetarian curry made with a mix of vegetables cooked in a coconut-based gravy. The curry is mildly spicy and has a lovely creamy texture, making it the perfect dish to enjoy with rice or chapati. Patal bhaji is a healthy and flavourful option for vegetarians.
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A perfect dish to enjoy during the hot Goan weather, sorak curry is a refreshing, coconut-based curry with a hint of tanginess. Made with vegetables like pumpkin or bottle gourd, sorak curry is light yet full of flavour.
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Sakharbhaat is a sweet rice dish commonly served at Goan weddings and festivals. Made with rice, jaggery, and ghee, it’s aromatic, mildly sweet, and comforting. It’s often enjoyed with spicy curries to balance the flavours and create a satisfying meal.
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No trip to Goa is complete without trying bebinca. This sweet, layered dessert is made with coconut milk, flour, sugar, and baked to perfection.It’s a soft, flavorful, and dense treat with a rich texture that offers a perfect balance of sweetness, making it an irresistible way to end any meal.
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If you want to try something with rich, complex flavours, vegetable xacuti is the dish for you. This curry is made with vegetables cooked in a spice mix that includes roasted coconut, giving it a rich, creamy texture and an absolutely delicious flavour.
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