Enjoying NYE In Goa? Hit Up Café Artjuna For Israeli & Mediterranean Food

Open all year round, and one of the only places in Goa serving home-style unique Israeli food, other than other popular Mediterranean dishes is Café Artjuna.

Café Artjuna in Anjuna is the brainchild of Moshe, who has travelled the world, worked in the leather industry, retail space and now has made his mum’s recipes come alive in this café. There is a retail store selling clothes, artefacts, accessories & some furniture that is lovely to browse through while one waits for their food.

They even have yoga, Muay Thai and other activities that take place in their beautiful property. The café is spread across a large shaded garden, decorated quirkily with tables that have sand art inside them, to decorative middle-eastern style colourful lamps. And now they are open for dinner, with exclusive daily specials that offer an even more extensive variety in their repertoire of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Let’s see, we are not even fond of eggplant, but licked the bowl of Baba Ganoush clean due its lovely smoked eggplant flavours that superbly enhanced the dish. The soft pita bread that came along with this and the hummus was baked fresh in-house and could not have been a tastier accompaniment.

Not to mention the Tzatziki that came along, was one of the best we have had in Goa if not India. Moshe says he imports all the crucial ingredients from back home, as well as locally sourced fresh meat and vegetables to ensure authentic taste, and it shows in every Mediterranean dish he serves. Even the Tahini was soft, creamy with a nice little kick at the end of every mouthful. Then there was the smoked fish, which had that lovely wood fire flavours, or the Shakshuka. Another traditional dish of eggs that are poached in a rich gravy that is mixture of fresh herbs, tomatoes, onions & spices. Sadly, we couldn’t try all their food, but after our experience there, we are sure we will be back for more. Especially, their Halloumi cheese, their Borekas or even their Humshuka.

Yes lots more, as they offer all day breakfast with multiple options homemade granola, croissants, waffles, pancakes and more. They even serve delicious popular Italian dishes like Lasagna and Ravioli for those that want their staples.

And for a light lunch, they have some delicious & healthy soups, salads and sandwiches, as well as vegan options too. Udi their manager or Felix and Ramesh who served us, were all friendly, attentive and always with a smile. And do definitely try their Malabi, another traditional dessert that is similar to a coconut panacotta and served with rose water syrup. Oh yes, they make their desserts in house too, so even a gluten free cake is on offer here. Plus smoothies, fresh juices, lassi and organic wheat grass shots all ensure that there is something on offer here for everyone.

Artjuna Café opens at 7.30am every morning and is very pet friendly, so take your pooch and enjoy an early breakfast after your morning walk.