The sunshine state of Goa is best known for seafood and the like. But if you look close enough, there’s plenty of amazing vegan restaurants too!
Post-pandemic, wellness-based and vegan eating has been all the rage. And the party state of Goa is no exception!
From bespoke culinary experiences, and farming workshops to sustainable living projects, there’s increasing awareness of the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. In keeping with the demand, recent years have witnessed a steady crop of restaurants pop up! Here’s a list of 10 places you definitely can’t miss if you love vegan meals.
Blue Planet Cafe
Located at an eco-resort in Agonda, Blue Planet Cafe is an open-fronted vegan restaurant with relaxing wooden interiors. Lounging in the wooden interiors, the balcony overlooks the rice fields and hills, offering a wholesome ambience.
The food here is as sustainable as vegan, using occasional, locally-grown, and homemade ingredients. The menu also offers gluten-free options among others. For lunch, expect an international cuisine consisting of delicious soups, vegan salads, as well as burgers and lasagna. Post sunset, there’s also an Indian twist with curries and the like. So sit back and relax with smoothies, shakes, and a host of vegan options.
Bean Me Up
Yoga and vegan food? Sounds like the dream. Offering a B&B, yoga space, boutique, and restaurant, Bean Me Up is all about that healthy life. The menu includes everything from smoothie bowls, salads, ramen, pizza and pasta. In addition to that, they also sell tofu, tempeh and seitan (wheat gluten) for those interested in experimenting at home. To support local farmers, owner Shawn Rodrigues sources sustainably-grown regional produce from the area.
Gratitude Cafe
Thanks to the success of BMU, the team created Gratitude Cafe with a focus on plant-based conscious living. Located in Anjuna, this spot offers the ultimate vegan-friendly menu. With gluten-free waffles, quinoa salads, cacao smoothies and generous servings of microgreens, here’s a cafe that ticks all the boxes. Similar to its counterpart, the cafe also has a yoga space and a small boutique selling eco-friendly products.
Soul Booster
Think healthy food, think Soul Booster. Because whatever comes to mind when you think wellness-based food is exactly what you’ll find here. The menu has a plethora of comfort food classics, all with a vegan twist. From scrambled tofu and toast to brown rice porridge, organic potato fries, vegan pasta, pizza and even chow mein, you’ll never run out of interesting options here. All other dietary preferences are also taken into account here, so don’t be afraid to go ahead and order some almond milk smoothies with flax seeds. Accompanied by a friendly and welcoming staff, the alfresco views at this cafe make for the ultimate experience.
Bohemian Vegan
Born during the lockdown and run by the Vegan Casa team, The Bohemian Vegan is a delivery service perfect for vegans. The kitchen was a blessing for those looking to get their healthy food fix during the pandemic. Offering a healthy mix of unique savoury and sweet treats, there’s something for everyone here. Expect everything from a cashew parmesan cheese, and walnut eggplant pate, to a ‘meat’ lasagna. For sweet tooths, there are plenty of chocolate tahini fudge cookies, cheesecakes, and brownies.
Bodhi Greens
Love plant-based cuisine but not the hole it burns in your pocket? Then Bodhi Greens cafe is the best place to hit up when in Aarambol. With outlets scattered across Dharamkot and Leh as well, this menu is dedicated to serving plant-based cuisine using gut-friendly ingredients. And most importantly, at affordable prices. The food here is far from boring, boasting vegan meals with elements such as buckwheat spaghetti and smoked seitan, crispy teriyaki tofu and even crepe cakes made with cashew cream. The indulgence factor is here, minus the guilt of course!
Hippies Gusto Raw Vegan Ice cream Café
Being vegan doesn’t mean having to sacrifice your dessert cravings. The next time you’re looking for ice cream in Goa, give this Aarambol cafe a shot! This super cool place serves the most amazing selection of 100% raw, vegan, homemade, sugar-free, milk-free, egg-free, additive-free, healthy and extremely tasty ice cream. They have a detailed description of superfoods and their benefits and use them liberally in their ice cream. Served in an Instagrammable coconut cup, they also offer personalized ice cream to suit your taste buds.
Elaa Cafe
The menu might be 70% vegan, but it’s 100% delicious. Located by a paddy field, Elaa Cafe’s menu is conceptualised and inspired by Goan cuisine. Using local and responsibly sourced ingredients, expect comfort classics with a healthy green twist. So there’s Avocado Kasoondi on Pav, All Green Poi, Tapioca Pudding and even a Peanut Butter Mousse!
Ruta’s Roadhouse
Owned by Chef Ruta, the restaurant offers the best of her time in San Francisco and the lanes of Goa. Housed in a cottage, the place offers indoor and alfresco seating with a global menu. Everything here is made in-house, right from their speciality bread, crisps, jam, mustard and much more. For vegans, there are plenty of options and a good range of nut milks for drinks/beverages. Once there, the garbanzo flour omelette and French press coffee with soy milk are a must-try.
Bibhitaki Vegan & Vegetarian Café
A cosy and old-school cafe in Goa, the menu serves some lip-smacking vegan food with an Indian Ayurvedic twist. From a refreshing Fresca lemonade to an indulgent Hawaiian Teriyaki Burger, there are a bunch of delicious smoothie bowls to look forward to as well.
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