You’ve dipped your feet in the sandy shores of Goa, swayed to live music, splashed around in the motor boat and shopped to your heart’s content in the hippie markets. Yet it would be remiss of you to wrap up this exotic vacation without tasting the authentic Goan Thali. Much like the people of Goa, the food is a blend of various cultures. 

The origins of Goan cuisine lie in its Konkani culture roots and over 451 years of Portuguese influence. Did you know that potatoes, chillies, cashew, tomatoes and vinegar were introduced to India by the Portuguese? Today, it’s almost impossible to imagine Indian food without them! It’s also the reason why many Goan and Portuguese dishes share similar names and ingredients.  

So if your taste buds long for a burst of flavour, you’re in the right place. Here’s all you need to know about Goan food and where to find a savoury Thali.

Goan Fish Thali

Goans love their fish thali and in this thali, lies the true essence of Goan food. Needless to say, it’s the staple meal of every Goan household. Although we all enjoy delicately decorated plates of pretty dishes, fried fish, curry and rice offer the homely comfort you may miss in commercial restaurants. But what exactly makes this thali so special? Let’s find out. 

The Anatomy 

Sol Kaddi: Any Goan Thali is incomplete without coconut milk and Kokum juice. Whenever you order a Thali from any authentic and regional eatery serving Goan cuisine, it’ll come with a tiny bowl or glass of a dark pink beverage on the plate (vati) garnished with coriander. This kokum drink is great for cooling off in hot Goan summers. 

Bilimbi Curry: A veg curry made by simmering tangy Bimba fruits in coconut gravy. The fruit is cooked in a coconut stew with a few spices in this dish, creating a flavour explosion in your mouth. The fruit’s tartness and the coconut gravy’s sweetness go together like yin and yang. Another variety of curry is made with prawns and radishes. 

Prawns Kismoor: Kismoor means mixture. Made from dry prawns or golma, this dish is a go-to during the rainy seasons when fishing isn’t viable. The tang and spice of Prawns Kismoor are bound to tingle your taste buds. 

Ambotik: Next is a delicious hot curry that pairs wonderfully with appams, pao (bread), rice, and sannas (steamed rice cake made of coconut, rice and yeast). Ambotik can be made with several kinds of fish- sardines, sharks, salmon, prawns, mackerel and kingfish. Most Goan dishes use Kashmiri red chilli in their gravies, which gives them a beautiful rich red colour. 

Vegetable/Bhaji: The vegetable you get with your thali may vary on a day-to-day basis. It could be a simple potato sabzi, red spinach, beans or okra (lady’s finger). 

Fried Fish: The star of the meal- a Goan thali would be incomplete without Rawa fish fry. The fish used to prepare this dish is kingfish, also called viswon or chonak (giant sea perch). The entirety of the fish is dipped in a blend of spices, coated with a layer of suji (semolina) and then fried in coconut oil. The crispiness of the fried fish makes a great addition to the succulent curry and rice. 

Tisryo Corop (Clams): Seafood is almost always present in multiple forms in a typical Goan meal. Clams are prepared in a coconut-based semi-gravy that contains only a few spices, allowing the flavour of the clams to take centre stage. Kokum or tamarind paste, when added, adds a sense of earthy tanginess that enhances the clams’ salty taste.

Sheera: Can’t end a meal without dessert, can we? Goan Rava Sheero is loved by children and elders alike. It’s pretty similar to the regular Suji ka halwa. What sets it apart is the use of clove which makes it extremely flavourful. This delightful dessert is cooked in the goodness of ghee and nuts like raisins and almonds. 

Boiled Rice: To wrap up the traditional Goan thali, we have good old boiled rice that serves as the base item to pair with our curries and fish.  

Secret Ingredients: Xacuti Masala & Recheado Masala

The magic of any cuisine lies in the spices or the masala. You’ll find a set of designated spices and oils for every region that you visit in India. So much so, that just changing the quantity of the spices and using coconut oil instead of mustard can switch up the whole dish. Interesting, isn’t it? Just as the South Indians love their freshly roasted Sambhar Masala and the North Indians their Garam Masala, the Goans are very attached to their Kokum & Coconut. 

For Goa’s world-famous seafood, the secret isn’t just in the quality fresh sea produce, but also in the masala that they use in their recipes. Every indigenous restaurant in Goa is bound to have Xacuti Masala and Recheado Masala in their kitchens. 

Xacuti Masala 

A spicy and hot masala that is used in the preparation of Goan curries, lamb, beef or chicken. White poppy seeds, grated or sliced coconut, and huge dried red chillies are dry roasted over low flame until they start crackling. The dry ingredients are then blended in a mixer grinder and turned into a fine powder. Add some tamarind juice and now you have Xacuti paste. 

Although this mix is generally used for non-vegetarian items, there’s no rule that says it can’t be used for cooking vegetarian food. Chicken Xacuti is a famous Goan dish cooked in this masala.     

Fun Fact: The word ‘Xacuti’ originates from the Portugues word ‘Chacuti’ 

We have linked the recipe video of this Goan masala along with some recipes that you can try if you enjoy cooking

Recheodo Masala

Kripal Amanna ( Gourmet On The Road on Food Lovers TV)  describes Recheodo masala as “sweet, sour and hot”, “so good that you could eat it by itself”. It’s used to coat fish before frying or tawa frying. An important ingredient that contributes to the unique flavour of this masala is ‘Goan vinegar’ which is basically coconut vinegar. Feni is an optional ingredient but it definitely adds a hint of exotica to the masala. 

The sourness of the natural vinegar is balanced with sugar or jaggery. This flavoursome masala is made of onions, garlic, cumin, cloves, ginger and black pepper. It’s a versatile paste that can be used to marinate prawns, chicken or even paneer. 

Treasure Hunt: Places That Serve Authentic Goan Thali

All across Goa, there are several cafes and restaurants that serve the traditional Goan Fish Thali. They’re fairly reasonable, with prices ranging from Rs 150 to Rs 300 and Rs 500 if we go for a fancier place. The price of the thali also depends on the fish option that you choose while ordering.

All the places mentioned below are age-old eateries that have been trusted for taste, authenticity and quality through decades.

• Kokni Kanteen (near Panjim, North Goa) 
• Ritz Classic (Panjim, North Goa)
• Anantashram (Vasco Da Gama, South Goa)
• Ankita Classic (Amberem, North Goa)
• Peep Kitchen (Panaji, North Goa)
• Rita Bar & Restaurant (Nerul, North Goa)
• Kismoor Sangolda (Sangolda, North Goa)
• Fish Deck (Calangute, North Goa)

Cheap vs Expensive Thali

The decision of whether you should go for a cheap or an expensive thali depends on your expectations. Places that are on the higher end emphasise presentation and ambience. Kismoor Sangolda, Peep Kitchen, Rita Bar & Restaurant and Fish Deck are the restaurants that offer an aesthetic restaurant experience along with delicious Thalis. So if you wish to have Goan food amidst a tropical ambience with trees and breeze, Kismoor Sangolda would be the place for it. The thalis in these restaurants are generally priced around Rs 550.

On the other hand, you may come across several food shacks along the road offering a Goan thali for as cheap as Rs 99! You can get a Fish Thali in Kokni Kanteen, Anantashram, Ankita Classic and Ritz Classic just for Rs 140- Rs 300, making them budget-friendly options. 

Another difference between cheap and expensive thali is the number of items that you get in the thali. Some places may serve more dishes than others, depending on the cost. 

However, at the end of the day, it comes down to the kind of experience that you crave. While fancy restaurants provide a picturesque ambience, quaint restaurants offer you a ‘local feel’ that is hard to find elsewhere. 

Bonus Tip: After a day of adventure and outing, sit back and enjoy an appetizing thali for your mid-day meal or dinner. To have it in true Goan style, give up the cutlery and dive in with your fingers. You’ll spot the locals eating with their hands because they believe that it creates a direct connection with food, thus enhancing the flavour.

Bon Appetit! 

Goa is one of the most happening places for parties and booze but there’s more to it than meets the eye. When planning a vacation to Goa, most people pick the peak season, that is, winter. What they don’t know is that they’re missing out on the serenity that Goa offers when it’s not flooded with tourists. For this reason, Monsoons are the perfect time to appreciate Goa’s natural beauty. 

You might wonder what Goa is without its outdoor parties, water sports and beach shacks. The truth is, Goa Monsoons are highly underrated. For a nature buff, this place is all that one can ask for. Calm beaches lined with lush green palm trees, salty air and dewy mornings. Sounds enticing, doesn’t it? 

Everyone knows about the major tourist hotspots of Goa and it’s one google click away. So, the purpose of this blog is to give you a sneak peek into the offbeat Goa- the monsoons, the nature hotspots, the festivals and other underrated attractions of Goa which define a full Goan experience for the people who don’t like to walk the beaten path.

Here’s How You Can Make the Most Out of Anjuna Monsoons

No Crowded Beaches

Experience beaches in Goa like never before. The beaches are heavily crowded in peak seasons and sometimes it can be a little too much. However, this is the time when you can take long, relaxing walks on a beach or watch raindrops create ripples in the ocean. Anjuna beach looks marvellous during the monsoons.

Best Time to Enjoy Monsoons in Goa?

The lovely rainy season in Goa lasts from mid-June until October. July through September is a fantastic season to visit Goa if you enjoy the monsoon and the beautiful green landscape that the island transforms into.

Tours of Rural and Traditional Goa

Beaches, churches, temples, and the carnival are just a few of Goa’s well-known attractions. However, the state also offers stunning rural areas that Goan tourists never visit. Discover Goa beyond its beaches by paying a visit to the local villages. This is what you can do in rural Goa:

1. Tour around and check out the traditional Goan housing. 

2. Try out local cuisine– Poee is a nutritious bread variety sold in the villages of Goa by a Poder, which is what a traditional baker is called there. Poee was brought to Goa by the Portuguese. Another conventional sweet bread dish to try out is Bon. 

3. Feni Brewery– Another thing that Goa is very well known for. Exclusive to Goa, feni is a regional alcoholic drink made from cashew apples. Neero, a well-known juice, is also produced as a result of the procedure. March through May are the main viewing months for this activity.

Ferry Ride to Nearby Islands like Divar Islands

Your search for tranquillity and natural beauty ends here. The Divar Island is 10kms away from Panjim. You can go to the island via ferry which makes for another fun experience. The charming Divar Islands are connected to Old Goa and are untouched by tourism. Since it was one of the first places conquered by the Portuguese, the influence is still evident and can be spotted in old remnants of architecture from that period. 

How to Reach: 3 Ferry services are available. Get a ferry to Divar Island from old Goa near the Basilica of Bom Jesus. 

Spend a day at Dudhsagar Waterfalls and Other Waterfalls

Beaches may be the most known attractions of Goa, but they’re not the sole attraction. Goa is abundant with mesmerising waterfalls that are worth admiring. Dudhsagar Waterfall is a popular waterfall and also one of the tallest in Goa. These waterfalls in Goa, which originate from the majestic Western Ghats, are arranged in four tiers and are among the top 100 highest waterfalls in the world. They are one of the country’s five highest waterfalls.

Some more waterfalls to see are Hivre Waterfalls (Valpoi, Goa), Netravali Waterfalls and Tambadi Waterfalls in Surla. 

Safari Jeep Tours 

Situated close to Dudhsagar Falls are the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary & Mollem National Park, in South Goa. After visiting the falls in the morning, you can take an open jeep safari tour of the jungle and spot some fauna friends in the evening. Make sure to carry a pair of binoculars and a camera to capture animals like leopards, the majestic Bengal tiger, pangolins and more. Unique birds such as emerald doves, fairy bluebirds, and Indian hornbills can be spotted flying in and out of the lush green groves. 

Stay and Experience the Spice Plantations Near DudhSagar Waterfalls

The world’s most fragrant and flavorful spices were brought with the Portuguese when they first set foot on the Goan shores. Goa developed into a spice trading hub for the French, the Dutch, and then the British.

Needless to say, it’s these authentic spices which have made India a world leader in their production and export. If you’re at Dudhsagar Waterfalls, make sure to check out Dudhsagar Spice Plantation as well. The plantation is one of the least polluted areas. You’re served fresh fruit juices as you take a tour around the tropical gardens. Sounds refreshing, doesn’t it?

Dudgsagar Plantations also have cosy cottages for a relaxing stay amidst mother nature. While you’re here, you can also check out the Dudhsagar River and Tambdi Surla Mahadev temple (the oldest temple in Goa). 

How to Reach?

There are two ways to reach the Dudhsagar Plantations. You can either travel by your vehicle or by bus. You’ll have to take a bus from Panaji to Ponda, then to Sanvordem and finally another short bus ride to Karmane bus stop, which is 5 minutes away from the plantation. 

A Peep Into the Offbeat Goa

The adventure doesn’t end here! Anjuna monsoon allows you to experience Goa in ways unexplored. If you found that fascinating, we have more ideas for you. Below are some ways to squeeze out the goodness of this beachy wonderland and savour the Goan experience in its entirety.

Sao Joao Festival & Other Carnivals 

Goa, with its lively ambience, is in full swing during the festive season. Most of the festivals and carnivals happen during the monsoon season, hence it’s the perfect time to be there. The villages of Harmal, Baga, Siolim, and Terekhol in North Goa, as well as Cortalim in South Goa, are known for their extravagant Sao Joao celebrations.

The Catholics of Goa traditionally celebrate all the feasts of the Roman Catholic church. The most significant one is the feast of St John the Baptist on June 24- The Sao Joao festival.

Sao Joao

The localities look forward to this joyous occasion every year. People wear crowns made of fruits, flowers and leaves (Kopel) and dive in the water, called the ‘leap of joy’. This fun-filled activity is followed by a musical eve of Konkani folk songs, accompanied by traditional instruments like gumott and cymbal. Feni is served and boating also takes place. It’s a day of unlimited merriment! 

In Goa, Sao Joao is also an event for the family and the community to learn a little more about their daughters’ newlywed husbands. The new son-in-law would traditionally be adorned with celebratory fruit and leaf headgear, paraded through the village, and then jumped into the well with other revellers.

Boat Parade

One of the main events on Friday is the Sao Joao boat festival in Siolim, which often draws tens of thousands of spectators. The Sao Joao traditional boat festival takes place in front of the village’s St. Anthony’s Church. Participants arrive in colourful costumes, a stage is set up, and awards are given out for the boats, dresses, and Kopels with the best decorations.

Shigmo Festival 

The Konkani community of Goa celebrates the Shigmo festival, a spring carnival, with a lot of fanfare and enthusiasm. According to the Hindu community of Goa’s Saka calendar, this festival is held in the Phalguna month. Every year, this holiday is observed around March. The main attractions of this intriguing, colourful celebration that will enthral and delight you include folk dances in vibrant costumes like Divli and Ghode Modni, Gopha and Phugadi Float parades reflecting local folklore, etc.

Try Local Goan Juice Shops, Soda Shops and Bakeries

Eating at fancy restaurants on a vacation is common. If you consider yourself a true foodie, you shouldn’t miss out on local bakeries and juice shops in Goa. Freshly made fruit juices and the aroma of cakes and bread straight out of the oven are unbeatable. Since Goa is a hub of plantations, the juice shops here use organic produce. We doubt that you’ll ever want to go back to packaged drinks after having a glass of lip-smacking orange juice in one of the Goan shacks. 

• Haji Ali Shauarama And Juice in Tiswadi, Panaji
• Jai Ganesh Fruit Juice Center in Vagator
• Scarlet Juice Centre in Vagator

Try out these pocket-friendly juice centres if you’re craving a detox and a refreshing start to your day. 

Top-Rated Local Bakeries 

German Bakery – Their cake slices are to die for. When you visit German Bakery, try their lemon cake and coffee cream. They also have live music every evening which sets a pleasant mood.

Location: Market Road,Grand Peddem, Monteiro Vaddo, Anjuna

Simonia Stores – This is your go-to place for freshly baked loaves of bread of different varieties. The cookies and the apple pie here are loved by the customers. 

Location: Shop No. 189, Mapusa Municipal Market, Mapusa

Mr Baker 1992 – Your search for a delicious breakfast place ends here. This 100-year-old bakery perfectly captures Goa’s warm and rich cuisine with its Goan Baath Cake, Prawns Risso and Rum Balls. 

Location: Dr Dada Vaidya Road, Opposite Municipal Garden, Panaji, North Goa

Live with a Localite – Learn Goan Culture 

The people of Goa are as amazing as Goa itself. Goans are noted for their exceptional hospitality shown to visiting guests and are warm and kind. Regardless of their religious preferences, Goans have fashioned a distinctive identity that exudes loads of charm. They are cheerful individuals with good etiquette and a positive outlook on life.

Ask about, talk to locals, and make some new friends and you may learn about Goa that you can’t through blogs. The history and the authentic beauty of a place are preserved in its people. 

Reader’s Note

Be it the cheerful festivals or serene vacant beaches, Goa monsoons have a lot to offer. North Goa is ideal for exploring in monsoons as most shacks and stores in South Goa remain shut. Another added advantage of travelling during this season is the incredibly affordable accommodations. The flight ticket prices and hotel rates go down during the off-season, making it a super budget-friendly vacation spot. Make sure to book your trip at least 3 days in advance to avoid last minute rush and you’re good to go!

Happy Travelling

There’s no denying that shopping is the most exciting part of a vacation and Goa street shops offer a shopping experience like no other. Apart from its marvellous beaches and tantalising nightlife, Goa is famed for its hippie market. As the name suggests, the trend of ‘flea markets’ was started by the western hippies in the 1960s. Since they arrived in Goa with empty pockets, selling their jewellery, clothes, guitars and other artefacts helped them earn some cash. 

Fast forward to today, Goa is a hub of flea markets where people from all over the country and outside gather to sell and shop. If you plan to go to Goa, here are the flea markets that are every shopaholic’s paradise:

• Anjuna Flea Market
• Friday Bazar at Mapusa
• Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazar
• Tibetan Market, Baga
• Calangute Market Square

Although there are many more markets to explore, Anjuna Flea market is one of the most beloved markets in Goa. Let’s dive in- get, set, and shop!

Anjuna Flea Market 

Every Wednesday, Anjuna Beach hosts this beachside market, where you can revel in dancing, music, and parties. When you’re done shopping you can indulge in some fantastic acrobatic activities and stop by the food vendors to recharge and rejuvenate.

Another great thing about Anjuna shopping is that you can shop to your heart’s content because the market stays buzzing till late at night. Remember to bargain. You’ll be surprised at how much you can purchase without worrying about overspending or exceeding your budget! 

Why should you visit Anjuna? 

It is said that the market was started by Eight Finger Eddie, one of the first hippies to ever settle in Goa. Anjuna Flea market was thus a trendsetter and that makes it the queen of flea markets. 

You’ll find everything here: vintage home decor to boho jewellery, fashion items, clothes, piercings, tattoos and more. 

The Anjuna Flea market is a nice fusion of Indian and western hippie. With exotic deadlocks, colourful braids and clothes with psychedelic prints, the Anjuna shopping experience is true to Goa’s essence. It’s a shopper’s heaven if you’re into experimenting and do not fear being freaky with fashion. 

Here Are 7 Things to Know About Shopping in Anjuna

When & How to Visit  

The market is held every Wednesday from 9 in the morning. October to April is the peak period because the market remains closed during the rainy season. This is a good time to visit as prices are lower than usual. So you can bag a lot of things for less money. 

Reaching here is a piece of cake. The Anjuna Flea Market is within walking distance from Anjuna Beach. Anjuna Beach Parking is where tourists usually stop and enter the market. They usually charge Rs 100 for parking, and there’s no time limit. Exploring the market on foot is the best way to go about it. After shopping, you can venture out to the beach and relax to the sound of the waves. 

Tibetan Market 

Just when you thought that snow and beach can’t come together, Goa brings you its famous Tibetan & Nepali Markets. These markets are over half a century old! In the Tibetan stalls of the Anjuna flea market, you can find good quality woollens, affordable silver jewellery, handlooms, singing bowls, leather goods like leather notebooks, accessories and unique souvenirs. 

Prices may be on the higher side and you may need to bargain a lot. If you’re lucky, you can get real silver jewellery, although there’s no means to establish its authenticity. 

Macrame Jewelry, Stone Jewelry & Other Accessories

Macrame Jewellery- You won’t find this kind of jewellery everywhere. Goan flea markets are also popular for exclusive handmade jewellery. Each design is different because it’s hand-woven. Some have intricate designs while others have pretty jewels embedded among designer knots. Plus, you’ll be supporting local businesses. It’s a part of sustainable tourism, which is clearly the need of the hour. 

Stone Jewellery- You’ll also come across numerous stalls selling stone or beaded jewellery. These come in a lot of different colours, stones and patterns. The stones range from artificial to semi-precious and precious. The prices vary accordingly as well. Nevertheless, you are sure to find some statement pieces to add to your jewellery collection. 

Some other items that you can expect to find in almost every second shop are earrings, rings and ear cuffs. 

Don’t worry men, the flea market has jewellery for you too. Bracelets, rings and necklaces are available if you’re into men’s fashion. 

Purses, Wallets & Hand Bags 

Soon as you enter the Anjuna market and pass through 2-3 shops, you’ll come across handbag shops that sell bags of all kinds. From small wood-woven purses to spacious tote bags made of jute and shimmery potli bags for fancy occasions. They start at Rs 200 but there’s always a scope for bargaining. You’ll notice that the bags come in bright colours and varying designs which makes them very eye-catching. Most shops also sell other trinkets like bracelets, jewellery boxes and rings for as low as Rs 50. 

Tapestry & Home Decor 

If you need to spice up your house and add a touch of exotica, the Anjuna flea market is just the place for it. The shops here sell colourful tapestries with interesting designs and psychedelic prints. A tapestry on a plain wall can really change up the look and add a touch of vibrance to a drab room. 

Apart from tapestries, you can find beautiful dreamcatchers as well. Native Americans believed that dreamcatchers provide protection from bad dreams and evil spirits. You’ll find a variety of dreamcatchers, laden with beads and feathers. Even if you don’t believe in its cultural significance, you can still get it as a decorative piece for your home. 

Besides this, cushion covers and bedsheets with mirror work and tribal prints are also sold widely. 

Clothing & Fashion

There’s no way we couldn’t have included clothes in this list! You’ll be surprised to see the array of fashion in the Anjuna flea market. This is the place for all hip clothing and international tourists love to shop here. The best part is that everything is super budget-friendly. Here’s what you can buy from the clothing stalls at Anjuna market: 

• Sarongs 
• Beachwear, swimwear and cute crocheted bikinis
• Ladies’ dresses- long and short gowns, skirts and funky summer tops 
• Dresses made from old sarees 
• Kids’ dresses
• Shorts and Tshirts for men 
• Hats and caps 
• Baggy Tshirts with Hippie Graphics & Psychedelic Prints
• Cool badges to customise apparel 
• Footwear 

The crocheted bikinis are definitely a star. You can spot a petite woman handknitting them in her quaint shop that is adorned with vibrant bikinis and long tops. They’re priced at only Rs 500 a set, which is a good deal. She also sells long tops (also crocheted) for Rs 550. Most of the clothes start at Rs 200 and don’t go beyond Rs 1000. 

Body Art

If you’re feeling a little crazy and spontaneous, you could get a tattoo or piercing or have your hair braided on the beachside. A lot of people love having their hair braided in colourful strands. They look pretty and you don’t have to worry about them getting stuck while combing either. Tattoos and colourful dreadlocks add to the Goan vibes. Inksanity Tattoo & Piercing in Anjuna is a reliable place to get inked. 

Additional Tip: Shops that are deeper into the market are cheaper than the shops at the beginning of the market. 

Eateries in and Around Anjuna Flea Market

After a long day of shopping, you need to relax and recharge. What better way to do that than enjoying traditional Goan shack food with live music in the background? Sipping an icy drink to some live retro music is an experience worth having in Goa. Anjuna is a very happening place for this very reason. 

Beach Shacks Amidst the Flea Market

You may come across several tiny food places while roaming around in the market. Some of the popular ones are Sea breeze restaurant, San Fransisco’s, and Maria Lobos. 

Here you can have drinks like juices, lassi and shakes paired with some Goan seafood. 

Ocean Pirates Cafe

A famous restaurant & bar near the flea market that is abuzz with people till 3 am! It lights up in the dark and is the go-to place for locals and tourists alike. After the beach, you can head here for cocktails, snacks and parties. 

Pisco- by the Beach

Pisco by the beach is one of the top-rated restaurants in Goa. A scenic view, salty air and fine dining, what more do you need!? According to most visitors, this is the best place for witnessing an enchanting sunset. While most restaurants in Goa shut down in monsoons, Pisco doesn’t. One thing about Pisco by the beach is that the interior and the colour palette are very tasteful (as is the food). 

Oasis Cafe Anjuna

Quality dishes at reasonable prices. This cafe near Anjuna beach has received multiple 5-star reviews and a long list of satisfied customers. The Virgin Mojito and the French toast here are a must-try.

Other Activities 

Yes, that’s not it! The day doesn’t end here. Besides its flea market, Anjuna has an array of activities for you to enjoy. One of Goa’s most beautiful locations, it’s a great area for sightseeing, watersports, outdoor activities, and much more. Here are some of the pastimes that you can partake in:

Paragliding

One of the most popular adventure sports that will enhance your trip to Anjuna Beach is paragliding. Paragliding in Anjuna beach is an excellent idea for anyone interested in seeing this area’s picturesque splendour from above. You’ll have the safest and most memorable outdoor experience ever, thanks to authorised experts.

Price: INR 700-1000 for 15 minutes to 1 hour (duration of 1 session may vary)

Timings: 7:30 am to 10:00 pm

Shiva Valley 

Shiva Valley hosts psytrance parties every Tuesday, which is why this beach hut on Anjuna Beach is referred to as the “temple of trance.” Even on Sundays, festivities go until four in the morning. The most romantic activity to do in Shiva Valley is to watch a beautiful sunset in the shack’s outdoor area, which is one of the top party spots in Goa for couples. 

It’s also open on Wednesdays from 9:30 am. 

This is one of the prime locations in North Goa for parties, and it’s right close to the Curlies, another well-known spot for Goa nightlife.

Fee: Free for single ladies, 500 for stag and INR 1000 for couple

Timings: 9:30 am to 4:00 am (Tuesdays), 3 am to 3 am (Sundays) and 9:30 am to 11:30 am for the rest of the days of the week. 

Scuba Diving

Given the fascinating underwater tours that visitors may do here on this beach, scuba diving is regarded as one of the most thrilling activities on Anjuna. You can delve into the undersea world through scuba diving. Professionals that hold PADI certifications will be in charge of you and will be able to fuel your adventurous side.

St. Anthony Chapel 

It’s one of the many ancient churches of Goa. An architectural beauty, it was constructed around the start of the 17th century. During the Portuguese era of dominance in India, the statue of St. Anthony was treated as the army’s captain, and the staff of the Treasury Office would keep the wage amount on the statue’s hand. This chapel’s façade is unlike any other church or chapel in Goa.

Fee: No fee

Timings: 9 am to 12 pm, 4 pm to 7 pm

Reader’s Note 

Well now that you know everything that there is to know about Anjuna shopping, you can use the information from this blog to carve out a fun day full of activities and adventure in Anjuna. Remember, the Anjuna flea market is located on the Anjuna beach and is held every Wednesday from 9 am. You’ll find a variety of hippie merchandise from clothing, home decor, trance music cassettes and jewellery to handbags and body art. Grab a bite from one of the food shacks if you want and spend some time on the serene Anjuna Beach. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen! 

This vlog gives the perfect all-encompassing glimpse of Anjuna flea market

Happy Shopping!

Goa is famous for its beaches and laid-back life but most tourists miss out on the rich history that this place possesses. To make sure you’re not one of those tourists, we’ve curated this blog sharing interesting insights on one of the most popular beaches of Goa, Anjuna. Often known as the “Freak Capital of the World,” it is the ideal location for lazy vacationers. Visitors revive themselves in the pleasant ambience of the lucent full moon casting a magical spell and the smooth frothy waves cuddling their feet on the beach of Anjuna. So, if you want to enjoy the true beauty of landscapes, luxury accommodations, serenity, nighttime celebrations, authentic seafood delicacies, and fashionable shopping, a vacation to Anjuna is well worth it.

About Anjuna History

Anjuna is a small settlement on the coast of the Arabian Sea in north Goa. In the 1960s, hippies frequented Anjuna Beach, a sandy cove with palm trees and black rocks. It is now notorious for its electronic trance music parties. Anjuna comes alive with its ever-famous full-moon parties and the Wednesday flea market to take one on a trance trip, aside from the calm waves of the Arabian Sea lapping softly on the Indian shore. Panaji, Goa’s capital, is 18 kilometres away. 

Location

Anjuna Beach is located 18 kilometres west of Panaji and 8 kilometres west of Mapusa in North Goa. It is nestled in the Bardez taluka of North Goa, in the village of Anjuna. The beach is part of a 30-kilometre stretch of expanded beachfront along the Arabian Sea’s west coast of Goa.

Why is Anjuna Beach So Famous?

The beach is known for its gorgeous ambience of swaying palm trees and an odd rocky formation that juts out into the sea beyond a pocket of white sand and black rock. Anjuna Beach in Goa is among the pristine beaches that attract a large number of hippies from across the world.

Major Attractions of Anjuna

Wednesday Flea Market – Anjuna Flea Market in Goa is a hippie’s paradise where you may find a treasure trove of souvenirs, handicrafts, hippie clothing, and collectables for a fraction of the cost. This weekly market began in the 1960s as a means for hippie tourists to trade their distinctive wares. 

Fun fact: According to legend, this market was founded in 1975 by eight-finger Eddie. Following the path across Eastern Europe, the hippies eventually arrived on the shores of Anjuna. They had also burned their passport by accident and were cash-strapped. They began selling their one-of-a-kind goods to alleviate their financial difficulties. Anjuna Flea Market has been tempting tourists and consumers to come and be enchanted by its alluring appeal since then. The market is known for its dance events, food vendors, music, and night parties. It’s one of those dreamlike places that the visitors never want to leave!

The Acid House Party – Full-moon (acid house) events are also popular at Anjuna. Thousands of vacationers have attended these events, which are held for and by young tourists. Aside from the fire, the trance party with dance, merriment, and joy lasts all night.

Water Sports – Other than parties and exciting food spots Anjuna is a famous spot for water sports. One can participate in a variety of thrilling water activities and have the time of your life. Take part in parasailing, banana boat rides, and more. The activities are carried out under the supervision of qualified guides. 

Now that we’ve introduced you to Anjuna and all its specialities, it’s time to dive deeper and take a peek at the roots of this culturally colourful and exciting place on the west coast of India. 

Portuguese in India

The Portuguese arrived in Goa in 1510, captured the Panjim fort with the support of the overtaxed Panjimites, and held it until it was liberated on December 19, 1961. The Dutch staged a few unsuccessful attacks, but the British East India Company preferred diplomacy with the Portuguese, who wanted to control the spice route and gained access to Goa’s port and trade. 

In 1542, a group of Jesuit missionaries led by St. Francis Xavier arrived. By the middle of the 16th century, Portuguese rule had expanded beyond Old Goa to include the districts of Bardez and Salcete, and active conversions were fast spreading Christianity throughout this newly acquired colony. Goa became the most valuable Portuguese province as the Portuguese wrested sovereignty from the Turks, who controlled the trade routes across the Indian Ocean.

Portuguese Goan Society 

It is unknown how many people lived in Goa before the European takeover. Over the next few decades, the first few hundred Portuguese migrants grew to a population of about 2,000 homes, including Europeans and mixed European-Indian families. 

Under Portuguese dominion, the city was much like any other in India, with a fort, governor’s home, bazaars, several sectors of housing based on religion and occupation, a tangle of little twisting lanes, and one major boulevard, the Rua Direita. Churches and other European-style structures were constructed, however, the ones that exist now originate from the 17th century.

As the Portuguese attempted to convert the indigenous, Christian organisations had a strong presence in the colony. There were over 70 churches, as well as numerous monasteries and convents. Religious persecution increased after 1540, and the Inquisition arrived in Europe in 1560. As a result, temples were demolished, all Hindu ceremonies were outlawed, including marriages and cremations, and even traditional clothes and delicacies were barred.

Portuguese Culture in India

Portugal enhanced Goa in a variety of ways, the most evident of which is in its architecture. Velha Goa, the old capital, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site with churches, chapels, and convents. They are India’s only specimens of the Baroque architectural style.

Built on the foundation of earlier Konkani society, Goan culture is the result of centuries of intermixing of Europe and India. Goa evolved a distinct blend of local Konkani customs and Catholic traditions brought by Christian missionaries. Imports from the Portuguese Empire, which were dispersed around the world, were also a factor. These disparate influences melded together throughout time to create a culture that is distinctively ‘Goan.’ 

The culture of Goa would be incomplete without mentioning its spicy cuisine. Vasco da Gama, after all, initially travelled to India in pursuit of spices! The Portuguese, on the other hand, not only exported spices from India to Europe but also introduced new spices to India from their South American colonies. Some of them are potato, peanut, pumpkin, tomato, maize and chilli peppers which have now become an inseparable part of Indian cuisine. 

Despite their differences, Goans manage to live together as a single community, speaking the same mother tongue, Konkani. The daily lives of the locals in the villages reflect this melting pot of customs and traditions, with communities participating in each other’s festivals, rituals, food, sports, theatre, dance, and music.

Goa is often stereotyped for ‘booze, party and beaches’ and many Indians fail to acknowledge Goa’s eccentric and eclectic culture that stems from a blend of different traditions. 

Goa’s Gastronomy

The city most influenced by the Portuguese presence was, of course, Goa, where the cuisine is known as Indo-Portuguese cuisine, as well as the cities of Damo and Diu. This gastronomy, which has been around for five centuries, is unique in that it combines parts of Portuguese cuisine with Indian culinary ingredients. 

During their time in India, the Portuguese introduced new ingredients and products to Indian cuisines, such as chilli peppers, which led to the creation of curry and other spices, which are now considered an essential part of Indian cuisine, as well as traditional Portuguese dishes that have been adapted to Indian techniques and tastes.

Vindaloo is a very famed Goan dish which was derived from the Portuguese dish of “Carne de vinha de alhos”. It was modified to match the Indian tastebuds and is served by many Portuguese/Goan food places in Goa. 

The confectionery incorporates features of Portuguese origin, notably conventual confectionery from Portugal. The widespread usage of eggs demonstrates this impact, as evidenced by the well-known Indo-Portuguese bebinca, made with egg yolks, sugar, cardamom, coconut milk, flour, and butter, which is served with vanilla ice cream.

Anjuna houses some of the top food places where you can delight in exquisite Goan and Portuguese cuisine. One such place is Nata Goa, a cafe that serves authentic Portuguese food. 

The Hippies of India

The first hippies arrived in Goa towards the end of the 1960s and spent a lot of time on the beaches of Anjuna, Vagator, and Baga, which intrigued them. The cultural isolation, beauty of the tropical environment, and spiritual atmosphere that prevailed in Goa attracted young people. They felt liberated, free of the shackles of old Europe’s orthodox morals.

Initially, Goa’s hippie tourism consisted of many groups of young people playing music and smoking marijuana around a campfire on the beach. According to an old Goan from Vagator, the inhabitants of Goa were “if not indifferent, then slightly interested” about “naked white golden-haired folks on a beach.”

Meetings and parties organised by the increasing number of hippies began to draw young people from all over the world. In the 1980s, massive full moon parties replaced small fires, psychedelic rock replaced electronic music, and hashish was replaced by opium and heroin from North India. Goa has gained notoriety as a haven for techno music lovers and fans.

However, another transition was taking place at the same time. The hippy was destined to provide a significant impetus to the growth of Goa’s tourism economy. The first luxury hotel was built in Goa in 1971. The western coast of India is progressively taking on the appearance of a huge marine resort. Direct charters from Europe have been more common since the 1990s, paving the stage for mass cheap travel.

Eight Finger Eddie

Born on 8 March 1924, Yertward Mazamanian was the first American hippie to settle in Goa. He had only 3 fingers on his right hand, hence the name ‘Eight Finger Eddie’. An immigrant of Armenian descent, he worked menial jobs before he was fired from an electrical company. Mazamanian despised the work lifestyle. He wanted to be free and spend his life doing whatever he wanted. Thus his ‘hippie life’ journey began. He lived on the edge- playing jazz music, consuming illegal drugs, performing in clubs, getting married, divorced and moving from place to place. 

Eddie took a trip around India, Nepal and Iran in 1964. He finally settled at Anjuna Beach in Goa in 1966, which was then a small hamlet with numerous tea stalls and a sandy beach. To make ends meet, he opened up a soup stall for Westerners who visited Anjuna and eventually came to be known as Hippies. He also set up a flea market for the foreigners to barter their goods and make some money since they had none. Eddie loved his life here so much that he spent the rest of his life in Goa, partying, dancing and drinking. He died on 18 October 2010 and his ashes were scattered on the beach. Eddie died a legend. 

Goa Brewing Co. pays tribute to the man with their IPA, Eight Finger Eddie, which is made in the style of traditional Goan brews. It’s a double dry-hopped oat cream ale with tropical fruit notes and a smooth, richer mouthfeel and creamy finish thanks to the oats. It has a velvety finish with a tinge of bitterness from the hops.

Anjuna Village

Anjuna village is in North Goa, India, on the coast. It is a Census Town and one of Bardez’s twelve Brahmin communities. Anjuna, like the rest of Goa, was long colonized by the Portuguese. According to historian Teresa Albuquerque, the village’s name comes from the Arabic term ‘Hanjuman’ (meaning merchant guild). Others claim it is derived from an Arabic term meaning “change,” as people arriving from the sea needed to exchange money.

Hippies discovered it in the 1960s, it became a popular destination for backpackers and trance party goers, and it has recently become a favourite destination for young Indians from big cities.

Anjuna’s Beloved Beach

Anjuna beach, located between Ozran beach, also known as Little Vagator beach, and Baga beach in the north, is one of Goa’s most popular beaches. Anjuna Beach was Goa’s first and most well-known beach. For many international visitors, this beach has become a popular location. Anjuna Beach, on the other hand, is a popular tourist destination in India. This beach is well-known among European tourists and visitors who plan to stay for a long time. Anjuna Beach is also popular with tourists who wish to witness a stunning sunset. October to March is the ideal time to go experience all that Anjuna has to offer. 

Which is the Best Beach? 

Each beach in Goa has its own unique character, and the one you choose will be determined by your preferences for a beach trip. 

Anjuna or Vagator are wonderful options if you’re looking for a party beach. If you want to witness some fantastic sunsets, go to Ozran, and if you want to see some amazing natural scenery, go to Arambol.

Although, it’s important to note that Vagator’s seas are rougher than those found on several of North Goa’s other beaches, making them unsuitable for swimming.

Places to Stay in Anjuna 

Anjuna is loaded with some of the most luxurious hotels that specialise in diverse cuisines and impeccable service. Take a look at these places in the heart of Anjuna the next time you’re planning a trip to Goa. 

• The Westin Goa
• Fairfield by Marriott
• The Ivy Anjuna
• Casa Anjuna

Summary

With limitless options for exploration and entertainment paired with a vast history, Anjuna Goa makes for the perfect vacation spot for all kinds of tourists. There’s history, art, music, adventure, culture- the list goes on and on. No wonder this place is beaming with tourists from all over the world! Now that you’re aware of how Anjuna came to life, you’re all set to discover and enjoy Goa in its entirety!

Happy Vacationing!