Itineraries for Your Trip to Goa
3 Days in Goa for Foodies
I’ve spent a lot of time in Goa over the past few decades, both as a tourist and for work. In that time, I’ve seen the culinary scene in India’s smallest state change drastically, especially as Goa has become popular with domestic tourists, transforming from a seasonal sun-and-fun getaway to a year-round destination.
While Goa’s restaurant scene used to be a mix of simple Goan and North Indian eateries and hippie food haunts geared to international backpackers, these days you’ll find some of India’s finest restaurants right in the state. Best of all, you can even learn how to make fiery Goan fare yourself by signing up for a local cooking class.
Be prepared for high humidity, even in the (relatively) dry winter.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the historic churches of Old Goa.
Spend your first day in the capital city of Panaji, sampling the wide variety of cuisine that the city has to offer. Panaji is relatively compact, making it easy to navigate on foot, and up for a walking street food tour is a great way to familiarize yourself with the city. You won't want to miss its historic churches and its ample culinary options.
Tours of the historic Fontainhas neighborhood are also a great way to get your bearings, and some include the option to sample local baked goods.
On your second day, head out on a private tour that combines visits to history-focused attractions such as the Ancestral Goa museum and the Shri Shantadurga Temple with a trip to a spice farm, where you'll get an insider's look at how spices are grown and processed.
In the evening, head out on a food and feni tour, a great way to sample local cuisine as well as the state’s very own feni, a distilled spirit made from the fruit of local cashews.
By your third day, you should have a good idea of the culinary scene in Goa, and you may want to try your hand at cooking up some Goan dishes yourself. A great way to do this is by signing up for a private cooking class, which includes a visit to a local market to shop for fresh ingredients.
While you're in the mood for learning, tour a Goan whiskey distillery to learn all about how single-malt is made.
