Pic credit: Falafel Plate at Artjuna.
World Vegan Day is celebrated on the 1st of November each year. So where can you tuck into some appetizing vegan delights in Goa? In Anjuna, there are many vegan friendly businesses catering to the tourists that visit Goa. This delicious food is not just for people who don’t eat meat, but also for those who like to try something a little different while on holiday. Here are five places in Anjuna you can do just that:
1. Bean Me Up
Bean Me Up is a purely vegan restaurant where you can also enjoy a delightful bed and breakfast menu. It has a chilled out vibe with cool music. You can try out the Tofu Burger, Tempeh, Seitan and other vegan offerings. You can also devour the Buddha bowl, Hummus with Pita Bread, Bean Lasagne or Vegan Omelette. The pastas, smoothies and desserts (too many to mention) will also satiate your taste buds. It’s worth noting that a lot of the organic ingredients is grown by the team. The Bean Me Up owner has also started a newer cafe called Ma Cafe in Ashvem, just off the beach at Leela Cottages.
2. Artjuna
Artjuna is a vibrant lifestyle cafe which is set in an open air garden. It is focused on cuisines from the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Hummus, Falafel and Tahini are very popular on the menu. Soups, salads and fruit smoothies are made using fresh ingredients, making you feel light and healthy. There are also opportunities to do activities such as yoga or martial arts, or you can simply read a book from the library and indulge in some retail therapy in the niche shop.
3. Kefi Cafe
In the middle of all the action in Assagao, Kefi is a happy retreat. Located right on the main road, we're open all day for coffee and yummy Mediterranean mezze! Stick to your guns and choose from many vegan options, like our Arugula Salad or Humshuka. Low on calories but high on taste.
4. Baba au Rhum
Baba au Rhum is a popular French restaurant, known for its delicious freshly baked pizzas and vegetarian options. The Spinach and Feta Quiche and Flaky Croissants are a must try. The Vegan Tofu Thin Crust Pizza is yummy. There are also many gluten free options. One can even enjoy coffee with soy milk.
The vegan movement has gathered pace in the last few years, as people have become more conscious about the foods they consume. There are various challenges online to encourage a vegan diet. This year you may want to make a lifestyle change and try something from the vegan menu. Anjuna is a good place to start!
Called a conscious living cafe on their Instagram handle, this is a relatively newer vegan restaurant with raw options as well. Run by Jeet and assisted by Shawn, the owner of Bean Me Up, it's off to a good start, receiving support from Goa's vegan community. They recommend trying their Mediterranean Wrap, Tempeh curry Quinoa Bowl, Tofu Curry Wrap, Massaman Curry and Daydreamer smoothie.
Do you know of any other fantastic vegan restaurants in Goa? Do let us know!