Vegan Restaurants in Goa

There has been a gradual yet notable paradigm shift in the consumption of meals, with several people beginning to adopt a vegan lifestyle. There are a myriad of benefits to this lifestyle that lead to environmental sustainability, ethical treatment of animals, and overall improved health outcomes. In essence, a plant-based diet leads to the conservation of animals as resources, along with significantly reducing the carbon footprint. Advocated as a sustainable way of living, embracing veganism is also associated with better diabetes control and lesser risks of heart disease, and several studies also indicate this lifestyle lowers certain cancer risks. Goa, a popular travel destination as well, heavily relies on meat and seafood due to the historical Portuguese influences as well as the abundant access to fresh seafood.

However, Goa is slowly joining the vegan revolution, with PETA awarding it the title of the most vegan-friendly state in India in 2020. Today, there are several vegan restaurants in Goa, offering diverse plant-based dishes, to be explored by locals and tourists as well.

Bean Me Up

Bean Me Up, nestled in Vagator, is a haven for vegan and health-conscious people. With the vision to create a holistic and healthy dining experience, Shawn, the owner and a chef with culinary experiences spanning across the globe, established this bed and breakfast in 1996. One of the first vegan restaurants in Goa, it still commands large crowds of diners for its array of vegan, organic dishes prepared from fresh, local produce. The menu features fresh juices, wholesome breakfast bowls, flavourful tempeh burgers and tofu steaks, vibrant salads, and much more. They even have a California-style salad bar equipped with a range of homemade sauces. Be sure to check for the ‘Bean of the Day’, where the chef prepares a special bean-inspired dish each day. In addition to providing basic accommodations with garden views and a restaurant, Bean Me Up also hosts yoga classes, wellness retreats, and live music gigs.

Prana Cafe

Prana Cafe is situated in the serene area of Ashvem with a panoramic view of the sun, sand, and sea. The cafe is inspired by the concept of prana, which means life force in Sanskrit, with a strong focus on nourishing the body and soul. The menu includes a broad range of vegan dishes, such as gluten-free pancakes, refreshing salads, wholesome buddha bowls, delicious smoothie bowls, and scrumptious vegan sushi that is a must-try. All the dishes are made using premium ingredients that are locally sourced. The suppliers for all the ingredients are even mentioned in the menu.

The cafe also houses an art gallery displaying art pieces from local artists, board games, books, and more. They also host music evenings, beach cleanups, and workshops on sustainable and healthy living practices. Tenured surfers and aspiring ones too can also shop for essentials and participate in surfing lessons at the in-house, small yet charming surf shop.

Zest Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurant

The people of the south side are in for a treat at Zest’s Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurant, serving exciting and tasteful dishes like pasta, pizzas, salads, wraps, sourdough toasts, and vegan ice cream. Their jackfruit tacos are a must-try. Diners can quench their thirst with vegan coffee, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices.

Once done with the meal or while waiting for the order to arrive, browse through the restaurant’s in-house boutique shop with chic home decor, indie clothes, and bags for sale. While this restaurant is located in Agonda, it also has a branch in Talpona. Both cafes have placed great emphasis on providing healthy, plant-based cuisine. Additionally, the cafe plans to expand its reach with an upcoming Zest cafe in Patnem in the near future.

So whether you are just curious, a dedicated vegan, or someone looking to reduce their meat intake, there are a range of restaurants and cafes to explore. These vegan establishments not only serve scrumptious food but also promote healthy living, sustainability, and compassion towards the planet. For those with a stricter diet and personal food preferences, consider booking an affordable vacation rental in Goa that comes with a kitchen so that you can prepare your meals with ease.