Candolim, a lively beach town in North Goa, is famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and amazing food scene. Diving into the best food in Candolim and discovering the top places to enjoy these flavorful meals is a unique experience. The area boasts a wide range of dining options, from laid-back beach shacks to upscale fine-dining restaurants. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, traditional Goan curries, or even international flavours, Candolim has plenty of delicious dishes to satisfy all tastes. With its diverse culinary offerings, there’s something for every food lover.
10 Best Food In Candolim
Candolim’s wide range of food options will excite your taste buds and offer a memorable culinary journey. Some of the best food in Candolim are:
1. Fish Thali
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The Goan Fish Thali is a popular meal that visitors to Candolim should try. This traditional thali includes rice, flavorful Goan fish curry, fried fish, and sol kadi, a tangy coconut drink. It also comes with small side dishes like pickles, vegetable curry, and sometimes a spicy chutney. The Fish Thali gives a complete taste of Goan cuisine, combining the fresh flavours of the sea with local spices. It’s an excellent way to experience the essence of Goan food in one meal.
Best Places To Eat: Fisherman’s Wharf, Teama and The Fisherman’s Hut
2. Prawn Balchão
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Prawn Balchão is a spicy and tangy Goan dish that highlights the region’s Portuguese influence. In this dish, prawns are cooked in a thick, flavorful sauce made from tomatoes, vinegar, and a blend of spices. It’s known for its bold, fiery flavours and is perfect for those who enjoy strong, spicy food. Prawn Balchão is usually served with rice or bread to balance the intensity of the sauce. This dish is a favourite in Goan homes and restaurants to explore authentic Goan flavours in Candolim.
Best Places To Eat: Bomra’s, Fisherman’s Wharf and The Mango Grove
3. Bebinca
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Bebinca is a traditional Goan dessert made from coconut milk, sugar, flour, and egg yolks, cooked layer by layer. This rich, sweet cake is a popular treat, especially during festivals. It can be found in many restaurants throughout the year. Known for its creamy texture and distinct flavour, Bebinca is a delicious Goan dessert. It’s loved for its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality and is a must-try dessert for anyone visiting Candolim. Bebinca offers a sweet taste of Goa’s culinary tradition.
Best Places To Eat: The Mango Grove, Chocolatti and Fisherman’s Wharf
4. Kingfish Rava Fry
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Kingfish Rava Fry is a well-loved dish in Candolim. Fresh kingfish is coated in semolina (rava) and fried until it’s golden and crispy on the outside. The fish remains tender and juicy inside. The crunchy texture and flavorful fish make it a hit among seafood lovers. It’s usually served with a slice of lemon and a side of fresh salad, adding a refreshing touch. Kingfish Rava Fry is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy the authentic taste of Goan seafood in Candolim.
Best Places To Eat: Fisherman’s Wharf, Teama and Candolim Deck
5. Chicken Cafreal
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Chicken Cafreal is a popular spicy Goan dish made by marinating chicken in a flavorful green masala paste. The paste includes fresh coriander, green chilies, garlic, ginger, and a mix of local spices, for bold and tangy flavour. After marinating, the chicken is either grilled or fried until perfectly cooked. This results in a dish with a rich, zesty taste. Chicken Cafreal, served with bread or rice, is a must-try to explore the unique flavours of Goan cuisine. It’s a favourite in many restaurants across Candolim and the rest of Goa.
Best Places To Eat: Bomra’s, The Mango Grove and Fisherman’s Wharf
6. Goan Sausages
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Goan sausages, also known as chorizo, are spicy and flavorful pork sausages commonly used in Goan cuisine. These sausages are packed with spices like red chilies, garlic, and vinegar, with a smoky and tangy taste. One popular dish made with these sausages is Chorizo Pulao, where the sausages are mixed with rice and local spices to create a hearty and satisfying meal. The smoky flavour of the sausages blends perfectly with the fragrant rice. It’s a must-try for anyone exploring Goan food in Candolim.
Best Places To Eat: Fisherman’s Wharf, Teama and The Mango Grove
7. Pork Sorpotel
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Pork Sorpotel is a traditional Goan dish made from pork and liver, slow-cooked in vinegar, garlic, and a blend of spices. This dish is known for its spicy and tangy flavours, making it a favourite during festive occasions in Goa. The meat is marinated and simmered to perfection, allowing the intense flavours to develop over time. Sorpotel is usually served with rice or Goan bread. Its bold, rich taste makes it a must-try for meat lovers visiting Candolim.
Best Places To Eat: Fisherman’s Wharf, Candolim Deck and Teama
8. Rava Fried Prawns
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Rava Fried Prawns are a delicious seafood dish popular in Candolim. Prawns are coated in semolina (rava) and fried until they turn golden and crispy. This creates a crunchy outer layer while keeping the prawns tender and juicy inside. This balance of textures makes the dish a favourite among seafood lovers. Often served with a wedge of lemon and a light salad, Rava Fried Prawns allows one to enjoy the fresh coastal flavours of Goan cuisine.
Best Places To Eat: Fisherman’s Wharf, Candolim Deck and Bomra’s
9. Feni
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Feni is a traditional Goan alcoholic drink made from either cashew apples or coconut. Known for its strong, distinctive flavour and aroma, Feni holds a significant place in Goan culture. This local beverage is typically enjoyed as a casual drink, often paired with spicy Goan dishes to complement its bold taste. Whether you’re savouring it on its own or mixing it into cocktails, Feni offers a unique and authentic Goan drinking experience. It is widely available in bars and restaurants across Candolim.
Best Places To Drink: Fisherman’s Wharf, The Mango Grove and Candolim Deck
10. Patoleo
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Patoleo is a traditional Goan dessert made from rice flour, jaggery, and grated coconut, wrapped in turmeric leaves, and steamed. This sweet treat is often prepared during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi. It can also be found in many local eateries in Candolim year-round. The turmeric leaves give Patoleo its unique aroma, while the combination of jaggery and coconut offers a sweet, rich flavour. Its distinct preparation and taste make it a special dessert, loved by locals and visitors.
Best Places To Eat: Chocolatti, The Mango Grove and Fisherman’s Wharf
Candolim’s food scene offers a great mix of traditional Goan dishes and international flavours. Whether dining at beach shacks or fine restaurants, there’s something for every taste. Don’t miss the best food in Candolim for a memorable culinary experience. From seafood to Goan specialties, every tourist will have something or the other to relish for their taste buds. Plan your visit to Candolim with TripXL to have a culinary experience.
Cover Photo: Warren Noronha / Wikimedia Commons