The Best Budget Restaurants In Goa

Eating options in Goa, India, are overwhelming. Its vibrant local cuisine and abundant seafood makes picking an eating joint an intimidating task for any traveller. To top the worries, if you’re on a budget you have the additional job of warding off tourist traps to find affordable eateries. Our list of Goa’s best budget restaurants can help you make sure you spend your money well!

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Biryani Palace

Biryani cravings can hit you anywhere – even when you’re surrounded by scrumptious seafood in Goa. But fear not, for Anjuna’s Biryani Place is cheap with lip-smacking, authentic biryanis, yet a strong Goan feel with outdoor seating, lantern lights hung from the ceiling and bamboo furniture. The place looks particularly magical at night when the lights are lit. Try the classic Dum Biryani or, if you’re willing to experiment a little, the Calamari Biryani; both are served with raita and a pickle. They also serve seafood – you can pick from their fresh fish and get it cooked to your liking.

This cute, little eatery tucked into a narrow lane has been a huge hit among tourists and locals for a while. Located inside a 150 year-old Portuguese heritage home, this restaurant has won the Times Food Award for Best Goan Portuguese Casual Dining multiple times. You can try Goan cuisine classics like Lamb/Pork Vindaloo, the Goan Prawn Curry or the Chicken Leg Chop (crumb-fried chicken leg cutlet served with a side of fries) to taste their very best. Served with chilled beer, their seafood options are capable of defining your Goa experience.

Anandashram

Restaurant, Indian, Seafood, $
This is where Goa’s best budget thalis are at. The Fish Thali is a feast, with fried fish (usually mackerel), seafood and vegetable curries, rice, chappati, pickles, salads and sol kadi. They offer just as spectacular vegetarian, shrimp and chicken thalis as well. The restaurant’s menu expands beyond the thalis to include a wide range of seafood options as well as pork and lamb dishes. They are also stocked with a full bar, so make sure to grab a chilled beer before you dig into that spicy crab.

Fatima’s Corner

Crispy tandoori chicken drumsticks with mango chutney

Restaurant, Indian, Seafood, Asian, Vegetarian, Vegan

If you’re in the Agonda beach area, Fatima’s is a must visit. Warm hospitality, extremely affordable yet delicious seafood offerings, as well as some mughlai entrees await you at this tiny corner-restaurant. Their tandoori chicken is uniquely delicious if you’re looking for a break from Goan cuisine. However, their seafood offerings are what to come here for. You can pick from the catch of the day – usually a variety of fish, shrimp and crab – and get it cooked to your liking. Their range of fresh juices is a great added bonus!

Fat Fish

Restaurant, Indian, Seafood, $
This super popular restaurant is on the pricier side within the budget restaurant spectrum, with fish thalis costing about Rs. 250, but the food is uniquely delicious and begging to be tried. Besides their thalis, try their Stuffed Crab or Masala Shark Fly or one of their many Mughlai offerings. With their uniquely Goan décor, warm hospitality and drinks menu, Fat Fish is readily waiting to take your Goa experience up a notch!

Sher E Punjab

Restaurant, Indian, Asian, Vegan, Vegetarian, $
There’s no better place to stop by if you’re craving Chikka Tikka Masala on your way to the beach. Their offerings of the local cuisine is quite limited, as should be obvious from the name of the restaurant. So don’t come here if you’re looking for a fish thali. As for North Indian cuisine, from Keema Parantha to Rajma Chawal, their vast menu is likely to carry whatever it is that you’re looking for.

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