The Best Street Foods in Goa: A Foodie's Ultimate Guide

You don't need an excuse to plan a trip to Goa. However, if you're searching for one, the street food of Goa should be at the top of your list. 

While it's tempting to spend your days in a beachside shack, sipping beers and enjoying classic seafood dishes like fried calamari, there's a whole world of street food to discover if you know where to look.

The local food of Goa is not just a dive into the local lifestyle but also one of the finest ways to understand its history and culture.

So, brace yourself as we serve you a list of the best street food in Goa.

Famous Street Food in Goa 

1. Prawn Balchao
2. Oyster Xacuti
3. Chicken Cafreal
4. Ros Omelette
5. Bhaji Pao
6. Chouris Pao
7. Cutlet Bread
8. Calva Tonak

Prawn Balchao

Prawn Balchao is a fiery and tangy local food of Goa that perfectly marries Portuguese and Indian flavours. It's a spicy prawn pickle with a bold taste, made by marinating prawns in a paste of dried red chillies, garlic, ginger, and spices like cumin and mustard seeds, all blended with vinegar. This mix is then cooked with onions and tomatoes to create a thick, flavourful sauce. 

Prawn balchao is a versatile addition to any meal. It can be enjoyed as a side dish with rice, bread, or a sandwich spread. Its spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavours make it a favourite for those who love vibrant and bold dishes, showcasing Goa's rich culinary heritage.

Oyster Xacuti 

This dish puts a seafood spin on the traditional Xacuti curry. The dish features succulent oysters bathed in a rich, aromatic gravy made from a blend of locally roasted spices, including coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and dried red chillies, combined with grated coconut. It creates a thick, flavourful paste that infuses the oysters with a spicy and complex taste. 

Typically served with steamed rice or Goan bread, Oyster Xacuti offers a delightful blend of textures and flavours. It showcases Goa's rich culinary heritage and Portuguese influences. It's a must-try for seafood lovers seeking a taste of Goan cuisine.

Chicken Cafreal 

Chicken Cafreal is a famous street food in Goa. It's got that vibrant green colour that just draws you in. The marinade is the secret to its amazing flavour - a blend of fresh coriander, mint, green chillies, and spices like cinnamon and cumin. And when you marinate the chicken in this mixture and then pan-fry or grill it, the result is mouthwatering. It's usually served with a side of salad or some Goan bread, making it a perfect meal. I love how the blend of herbs and spices gives it that unique taste that's hard to forget.

Ros Omelette

This could be the reason Goans have a cheerful morning. This simple yet scrumptious dish is one of the best street foods in Goa. It can easily be enjoyed for lunch or dinner, too. 

As the name implies, it consists of an omelette made with onions, tomatoes, and chillies, topped with Xacuti gravy and a dash of lime for an extra zing. While the Ros Omelette is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with fluffy, freshly baked paos makes it even more irresistible.

Bhaji Pao

If you're a vegetarian visiting Goa, there's no need to fret. The region offers a delightful treat for non-meat eaters in the form of Bhaji Pao. This vegetarian street food of Goa combines the comforting flavours of home-cooked food. 

Bhaji Pao is a blend of dried white peas gravy and potato sabzi, comparable to the beloved Misal Pav. It's a favourite among locals, who enjoy sopping up the savoury mixture with soft paos as a hearty breakfast or a rejuvenating evening snack. 

Chouris Pao

Chouris Pao is a culinary gem encapsulating Goa's Portuguese legacy in a single bite. The arrival of the Portuguese introduced bread and chorizo to the coast, which evolved into poi and chouris with a Goan twist. 

Poi results from using Goan toddy instead of yeast for fermentation. Chouris is a local adaptation of the traditional chorizo, spiced with Goan flavours. This simple and flavourful duo of ingredients can rival even the most gourmet sandwiches. On a warm day, this Goan local food is the perfect filling snack, with a spicy kick to cool you down.

Cutlet Bread

Cutlet Bread is one of the best local foods in Goa, especially loved by those who enjoy Chouris Pao. This rustic dish features a rava-fried chicken or meat cutlet seasoned with spices and nestled inside a soft pao or poi, creating a delightful contrast of textures. It's generously smeared with ketchup for added tanginess. 

Often accompanied by a simple salad of shredded cabbage, tomatoes, and onions, Cutlet Bread offers a balanced and satisfying meal. Its popularity lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of flavours, making it a go-to choice for a quick snack or a comforting meal at any time of the day.

Calva Tonak

Calva Tonak is a traditional local food of Goa that is both delicious and unique. It's a type of curry made from various mushrooms known locally as "calva." These mushrooms are typically found in the wild during the monsoon season in Goa and are highly sought after for their earthy flavour.

The curry is made by cooking the mushrooms in a rich and spicy gravy, flavoured with a blend of roasted spices and coconut. The spice blend often includes coriander, cumin, dried red chillies, and other aromatic spices, ground with grated coconut to create a thick and flavourful paste.

Calva Tonak is usually served with Goan bread or steamed rice and is a hearty and comforting meal, especially during the rainy season when mushrooms are in abundance. It's a great example of the unique and diverse culinary traditions of Goa, which are influenced by a mix of Indian and Portuguese flavours.

Tempted? What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Goa to enjoy the local food.