Sun, sea, sand and scrumptious food - that's Goa for you! Goa boasts of two separate traditions in cuisines - one that is influenced by Hinduism and the other by Christianity. Goa is definitely a place to experience many culinary delights. There are great tasting dishes and even better local beverages to be had! Some of the specialties include fried mussels, Goan Sausages, Vindaloo, pomfret fish curry, Goan Dodol, Cafreal, Sorpotel, and Xacuti. And be sure to leave a little bit of room to sample some of the fine local sweets.

For the non-vegetarians this is the land of exotic dishes. Any self-respecting Goan restaurant will serve the famed Goan sausages mixed in Goan Piri Piri masala, called the Sorpotel. Don't leave Goa without trying the pork vindaloo, roast pigling, Galinha com Coentro (a chicken dish with coriander), the Goan fish curry and Goan Sambharachi Kodi (the Goan prawn curry). And don't forget to accompany all these with the delectable Goan liquor Feni, brewed from cashew apples or coconuts.

Delicious international cuisine is also available throughout restaurants in Goa. Besides Chinese, you will find, German, Thai, Continental, Mexican, Lebanese, Italian and Health food restaurants.

End your meal with delicious desserts like Bebinca, a rich sweet made from fresh coconut milk, egg yolks, sugar and flour - truly a tropical paradise dessert! Also try the festive Kormolas, Baath (a rich coconut tart) or the coconut Doce or coconut fudge.

Goa is a very liberal state, and most of the restaurants serve alcohol freely. Try the local Goan Feni (Cashew or Coconut Palm Drink); some people swear that it cures most aches! We're not sure if it cures the aches or dulls the mind to pain!

North Goa - The Beach Belt

BEAN ME UP
Near Petrol Pump, Vagator - Phone: 227 3479/227 4601
Cuisine: Great salad bar, burgers and fast food.

ROBERT'S PLACE
Vagator, just off the main road
Cuisine: Goan, Italian and Chinese.

AFTER EIGHT RESTAURANT
1/274 B Gauravaddo, Calangute, Bardez, Goa - Phone: 0832-227 9757
Cuisine: - Continental. Specialises in steaks and sizzlers.

BERNANRD'S PLACE
Cobra Vaddo, Baga Road - Phone: 0832-2276712
Cuisine: - Tandoor, Continental and Chinese. A favourite with most European tourists.

THE BANYAN TREE
The Taj Holiday Village, Sinquerim, North Goa - Phone: 0832 - 564 5858 / 564 5758
Cuisine: - Thai and Chinese Food. Excellent setting amidst huge banyan trees, surrounded by a shimmering fishpond.

FIESTA
Opposite Tito's nightclub at Baga - Phone: 227 9894/ 228 1440
Cuisine: Multi-Cuisine - Mediterranean and Italian Cuisine, Indian, Continental. Enjoy sea views, Mediterranean food and prawns steamed in red wine. The ambience is great, food is also very good. Definitely worth a stop on your visit to Goa.

BRITTOS
Near Baga Beach - Phone: 227 7331/ 227 6291
Cuisine: Multi-Cuisine, Indian and Continental. A must for all Goan food lovers. Right in front of the beach.

LILA CAFE
Near the Baga River - Phone: 227 9843
Cuisine: Snacks, cafe. A charming little breakfast, brunch place on Baga River. A must visit if you are in North Goa.

LITTLE ITALY
Near the Baga River - Phone: 227 5911
Cuisine: Multi-Cuisine, Italian, Continental and authentic Italian food. The decor is very nice especially for a quite evening.

O'PESCARDOS
On Calangute-Baga Road - Phone: 227 9447
Cuisine: Chinese. Great food and ambience.

PALMS N SANDS
Next to Marquis Beach Resort, Candolim Beach - Phone: 247 9171
Cuisine: Seafood and a beautiful view of the sea.

PLANTAIN LEAF
In Calangute Market, very close to the Petrol pump - Phone: 227 6861
Cuisine: Multi-Cuisine, Vegetarian, Indian and Continental.

SOUZA LOBO
On Calangute Beach - Phone: 228 1234
Cuisine: Goan. The food is fabulous, the ambience great and the waiters are welcoming. The fried mackerels are delicious and so are the tiger prawns.

SPARROWS NEST
Next to Petrol pump in Calangute - Phone: 227 6653 / 227 7247
Cuisine: Goan. Great place to eat. Reasonable prices and large portions.

MIDAS TOUCH
On Calangute-Candolim road - Phone: 228 2807 / 228 2809
Cuisine: Multi-cuisine. Goan, Chinese, Continental. A/c and Non-a/c dining halls. Great food but a bit expensive.

TEAMA
Murod Vaddo, near Candolim beach, opposite Holiday Beach Resort
Cuisine: Goan. Prawn/fish curry and rice is amazing. Try the pomfret with your beers. Rates are pretty reasonable.

CHINA HIGHWAY
Located on Calangute/Panjim Highway in the fields.
Cuisine: Chinese. Outdoor setting Open till late night.

FLORENTINE
Just before Saligao Church, Saligao - Phone: 227 8122 / 227 8249
Cuisine: Goan, Seafood and Tandoori. Best cafreal in Goa.

Panaji - The City

SHER-E-PUNJAB
Hotel Aroma, 18th June Road, Panjim, Goa - Phone: 0832 - 2227204, 2227975, 2435983
Cuisine: Non-vegetarian, Indian. Good food although a little cramped space.

GOENCHIN
Mandovi Hotel, Near Mahalaxmi Temple, Dada Vaidhya Road, Panjim, Goa - Phone: 222 4405 / 222 7614
Cuisine: Chinese, Thai.

DELHI DARBAR
MG Road, opp. Magnum Centre, Panaji Goa, Goa - Phone: 222 2544
Cuisine: North Indian Cuisine.

BARBEQUE
Cidade De Goa hotel, Vainguinin Beach - Phone: 245 4545
Multi-Cuisine: seafood, Indian, Continental seafood is cooked right before your eyes in the outdoors in a lush tropical space

KAMAT HOTEL
Church Square, Panaji - Phone: 222 6116
Cuisine: Typical South Indian fare.

Margao - City

BANJARA
D'souza Chambers Behind Grace Church Margao Goa-403601 - Phone: 272 2008
Cuisine: Goan

South Goa - Beaches

FIPLEE'S RESTAURANT
Near Maria Hall, Benaulim Beach, Goa - Phone: 277 0123/ 277 1411
Cuisine: Multi- Cuisine, Indian, Continental.

MARTINS CORNER
Betalbatim Beach, South Goa - Phone: 288 0061 / 288 0413
Cuisine: Goan. Awesome food but takes long to serve. A must visit when in Goa.

ZEEBOP RESTAURANT
Utorda Beach, Opposite Kenilworth Beach Resort - Phone: 275 5333 / 275 5977
Cuisine: Goan. Another amazing shack on Utorda beach in south Goa. Excellent food, great ambience.