Just Beet It: We Found The 9 Best Vegan Cafes In All Of Goa

All our Agonda mornings begin with breakfast at Zest. And why not? Their freshly squeezed juices and smoothies and our favourite coconut chia seed pudding hit different after a morning dip in the sea. Because we have such a massive sweet tooth, we can tell you their raw cheesecakes are to die for! You can get yourself a healthy vegan thali here for lunch and at night, go treat yourself to a pizza or a burger that they do in delish vegan-friendly formats. 

One of the first names to pop up on the mention of vegan food in Goa is Bean Me Up in Vagator. A cafe that sources fresh ingredients and works with seasonal produce, this one has a mind-boggling variety of plant-based fare (even your hesitant non-vegan company won't just be making peas with the food here, they’ll actually fall in love). You can pick from ramen, sushi, pad thai, nachos, vegan omelette and… you get the drift. 

A slice of tropical goodness awaits at this Vagator cafe that’s hard to miss. A rickety fence welcomes you to this healthy cafe that’s great for when you want a quick snack and coffee or a dessert and some quiet time. Their indoor space is sparse and minimal while the outdoors is just one helluva plant party. The menu has a selection of sourdough sandwiches and wraps but what everyone really raves about are their coffees and acai bowls. Tip: Remember to take their raw cacao cookie for the road. 

A whole string of pop-ups after, Okapi finally has a dedicated spot in Aldona where it dishes out yummy vegan fare. This new space is big news for everyone who till now had to rely on takeouts or wait for Okapi to show up with its gooey chocolate cake and khao suey at weekly markets. To keep things interesting, they switch up their menu every now and then (there’s South Indian on one day, mushroom risotto on another kind of variety) and their Instagram’s a good place to know what’s cooking. We hear rave reviews about their tahini eggplant sandwiches and enchiladas. And if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be chuffed to hear that their desserts have no refined sugar and are made from scratch! 

When around Palolem, make a pit-stop at Bibhitaki whose vegan cold coffee, ragi pancakes and burgers have been wildly popular. Their friendly staff and low-key garden bench seating keeps the vegans coming back for bowl meals. It also helps that while the cafe has a lovely day vibe, it also comes into its own with twinkling fairy lights and a gentle breeze at night, making it perfect to devour that plate of pasta minus the guilt. 

Get your fala(fill) of vegan food at this serene outdoor cafe that’s housed in the courtyard of an old village home in Anjuna. Sharing the space with the Good Karma thrift store, it offers a menu that’s clean, green eaters total dream. Think everything between smoothies and ramen to sushi and gluten-free waffles. 

South Indian vegetarian food that taps into authentic recipes and promises the best of banana leaf meals, Sapaddu is a gem. If you need to, make a trip especially to Assagao to sample their rasam, vadas, thatte idli, paniyarams, ragi dosas and uttapams among many other local delicacies. Needless to say, with all the focus on seasonal produce, there’s a feast awaiting the vegan experimental palate. 

While the ambience at The Mill deserves a love letter of its own, we confess that it’s the food that has us going back. With ample gluten-free options and healthy brekkie and brunch foods, it always manages to lure the vegans in. Get yourself a calming chai or a wake-me-up coffee and coconut chia pudding with mango (it’s the absolute best). We’d also like to put in a good word for the vegan burger and spinach and chickpea bruschetta. 

This garden canteen has gathered a fair share of loyalists around South Goa is loved for its experimental streak that shines through with its hearty vegan and vegetarian meals. If you’re the kind of vegan who wants a bit of everything, stick to their Tanjore thali, or else there’s always Cantine’s poi pockets, ragi dosa or vegan fried chicken wings that are made from organically-grown oyster mushrooms right in their neighbourhood.