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Diu is a picturesque island off the southern coast of Gujarat, India. It is known for its serene beaches, Portuguese colonial architecture, and rich cultural history. Visitors can savour the best food in Diu, like fish curry, grilled lobster, and prawn fry, alongside Portuguese-inspired delicacies like vindaloo and bebinca on their visit. With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, it is a promising destination for tourism. The small island offers a blend of Indian and Portuguese influences in its cuisine, making it a culinary delight for those seeking diverse and flavorful experiences.
7 Best Food In Diu To Try
Diu’s food scene is a rich tapestry of flavours and traditions, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts. Some of the best food in Diu include:
1. Portuguese-Inspired Cuisine
Photo: Therese C / Wikimedia Commons
Diu’s history as a Portuguese colony has left a lasting impact on its cuisine, evident in its baked goods and certain savoury dishes. Popular Portuguese dishes are Vindaloo — a spicy and tangy dish, traditionally made with pork but available with other meat. It is a famous non veg food in Diu. Then, Caldo Verde, a hearty Portuguese soup made with potatoes, kale, and chorizo is also liked a lot. Pasteis de Nata is also a famous item which is a Portuguese custard tart that is sweet and creamy.
Where To Eat: The Cat’s Eye View Restaurant and Parsi Dairy Farm
Food Cost: Soups & main dishes for ₹150 – ₹500 and pastries for ₹50 – ₹100
Other Portuguese Food: Bacalhau (Salted Cod), Feijoada, Chicken Cafreal, and Prawn Recheado.
2. Seafood
Photo: pxhere / Wikimedia Commons
Being a coastal town, Diu offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, often prepared with fresh ingredients and local spices and techniques. Seafood in Diu is an amalgamation of Portuguese and Indian flavours, giving a detour of both unique and homely vibes. A few popular seafood options are Fish Curry which is made with fresh locally sourced fish, coconut milk, and local spices and Grilled Lobster is often marinated in herbs and spices and then grilled to perfection. Last but not least is Prawns Fry, a crisp and spicy dish, often served with a tangy dip.
Where To Eat: O’Coqueiro Music Garden Restaurant, Apana Foodland and Sea View Restaurant
Food Cost: Fish dishes for ₹200 – ₹400, crabs & lobsters for ₹400- ₹1500
Other Seafood: Pomfret Fry, Fish Amritsari, Stuffed Bangda (Mackerel) and Squid Rings.
3. Gujarati Cuisine
Photo: Bheem3 / Wikimedia Commons
Ranging from snacks to proper meals, Diu offers an array of Gujarati dishes to cater to a variety of visitors. The visitors can try popular dishes like, Dhokla, a steamed fermented rice and chickpea cake, often served with chutney. Thepla is a spiced flatbread made from whole wheat flour, fenugreek leaves, and various spices. Undhiyu is a slow-cooked mixed vegetable dish which is traditionally cooked in an earthen pot. For those seeking to try multiple dishes at once is a Gujarati Thali, which includes a variety like vegetables, dal, rice, roti, farsan (snacks), and sweets.
Where To Eat: Apana Foodland, Hotel Prince, and Khajura Restaurant, local markets and food stalls
Food Cost: Snacks for ₹30 – ₹150 per plate, main dishes for ₹200 – ₹400
Other Gujarati Food: Khandvi, Jalebi and Fafda, Sev Tameta, Handvo, Dal Dhokli etc.
4. Local Specialties
Photo: user:takoradee / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Diu offers unique local specialities that highlight its blend of Indian and Portuguese culinary influences. Some of the famous food in Diu are Fudina Macchi which is fish marinated with mint and other spices and then grilled or fried, and Ghalna & Sukhdi, traditional Diu sweets made during festivals. Kalwa Curry is a curry made with clams which is rich in local spices. From savoury seafood dishes to sweet treats, these specialities provide a rich and diverse taste of the island’s traditions. It’s advisable to look for family-run restaurants and small eateries, which often serve traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Where To Eat: O’Coqueiro Music Garden Restaurant, Khajura Restaurant and Apana Foodland
Food Cost: Sweets & snacks for ₹50- ₹100 and main course for ₹250- ₹500
Other Local Specialities: Bhungla, Magaj Ladoo, Patra etc.
5. Popular Beverages
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Diu offers a range of refreshing beverages, from traditional Indian drinks to Portuguese-inspired options. Popular choices include freshly pressed sugarcane juice, which is frequently served with a splash of lime and ginger, Sol Kadhi, a refreshing beverage made from kokum fruit and coconut milk, and Feni, a local liquor with Portuguese influences produced from cashews or coconut. The beverages in Diu offer a refreshing complement to the island’s rich culinary offerings ranging from traditional drinks like sol kadhi to unique local liquors like feni, there’s something for every palate.
Where To Eat: Local markets, food stalls, Beachside shacks, bars, restaurants, and local cafes
Beverage Cost: ₹20 onwards
Other Beverages: Kokum Sharbat, Tender Coconut Water, Masala Chai, Buttermilk etc.
6. Street Food
Photo: Deepak Sah / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Diu’s street food scene offers a variety of quick bites, often influenced by both Gujarati and coastal flavours. From tangy pani puri to the spicy pav bhaji, there’s something to tantalise every palate. The best street food in Diu include Pav Bhaji which is a spicy vegetable mash served with buttered pav (bread rolls). Then, a spicy potato mixture stuffed in a bun, Dabeli, is garnished with pomegranate seeds, sev, and chutneys, and Pani Puri or Golgappa, crisp hollow puris filled with spicy tamarind water, potatoes, and chickpeas.
Where To Eat: Bustling markets and scenic beachside stalls
Food Cost: ₹20 – ₹100
Other Street Foods: Samosa, Sev Puri, Chole Kulche, Ice Gola, Vada Pav, bhajia etc.
7. Sweets And Desserts
Photo: Harsh25shah / Wikimedia Commons
Desserts in Diu are a perfect amalgam of Gujarati, Portuguese, and local flavours. Popular sweets in the region include Bebinca, a traditional Goan dessert made with layers of coconut milk and sugar. Then comes Ghughra, a deep-fried pastry stuffed with sweet filling, similar to gujiya. You can find Jalebi, another deep-fried spiral soaked in sugar syrup, something similar to fennel cake in the West. It is highly recommended to check for seasonal specialities as some sweets are best enjoyed during specific festivals.
Where To Eat: Local markets, sweet shops, bakeries, etc.
Sweet Cost: ₹50/piece onwards
Other Sweets: Doce de Grao, Perad, Pinni, Sukhdi etc.
Whether indulging in traditional Gujarati dishes, exploring Portuguese-inspired desserts, or sampling street food, Diu’s diverse food offerings promise a memorable and flavorful experience. Diu’s culinary scene offers a vibrant fusion of flavours, blending Indian and Portuguese influences. Seafood lovers can savour fresh dishes while local specialities highlight regional flavours. What are you waiting for? Try the best food in Diu by planning a trip with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Savvapanf Photo / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
