From the delicious coconut-based curries to the seafood delicacies, there is a reason why people around the world go gaga over Goan cuisine. However, it still remains largely underrated having to lay low amongst its competitors.
If you haven’t had the experience to try out the deliciousness of Goan food culture, fret not! Dubai is home to some great Goan restaurants where you can check out some of their most popular and authentic dishes. These are filled with intense flavours from the meat, fish and rich in spices such as kokum. Bon Appetit!
Grub Shack
Grub Shack, much like the name suggests is a little corner that reminds you of cafes in Goa (if you have had to chance to be there). This Goan restaurant is jazz music in the background while you relish some great dishes. The ambience is very cosy, well lit and the service is warm and friendly. Their seafood menu manages to stand out well amongst their pan Indian counterparts. You shall find some great crabs in a sweet gravy with “Gemma’s Chilli Crab”, have a bite of their “Fire Cracker Prawns” which is a serious competition to the infamous Dynamite shrimp and of course, one cannot leave without indulging in some Goan Fish Curry with Rice. Foodies around cannot stop gushing about this place and there is an evident reason why.
Location: Building 41, Health Care City, Umm Hurair, Dubai
Contact: 04 5260673
Cost for two: AED 180
Omidivan
A feel-good Goan restaurant serving some great food – that is what Omidivan stands fore. While the restaurant is pretty minimalist when it comes to their interiors – with monotones – the picture frames and seating gives a cosy outlook to the place. While they serve some great gravies such as the infamous Vindaloo, Xacuti etc- they also serve Ros Omelette, something you’d seldom find around here at its a delicacy straight from the streets of Goa. The special thali called “Pathrao Thali: has some great mix of seafood and veggies making a wholesome meal. You can also check out some of their seafood/meat coated and fried with Rawa (Semolina). Furthermore, we also highly recommend their Cutlets to start of the meal.
Location: Club India, Al Wasl Hub, Al Karama, Dubai
Contact: 04 2753071
Cost for two: AED 100
Erics
When it comes to Goan Restaurants, the heavy influence from Portuguese merging well with Indian culture cannot be missed. The laid back ambience, cosy furniture and warm comfort food can give a strong stand-off with most fine dining spots around town. That is what Erics has earned its badge for since its inception. Featuring well known, authentic Goan cuisine – treat yourself to some great seafood cooked in rich gravies, exotic flavours and spices. Dishes are quite reasonably priced and the place is perfect if you are looking for a lazy Friday meal that reminds you of home-cooked food. The uncrowned reign over Goan Restaurants lies with this little place.
Location: Mardoof Building, Al Safa / Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Al Karama
Contact: 04 3965080
Cost for two: AED 125
Hungry Hut
This is a yet to be discovered Goan Restaurant in Dubai Silicon Oasis. If you are an aficionado for curries, this place is for you. They have the best of fish curries and some great veg/chicken xacuti to your delight. The authentic flavours manage to stand out in times of generic dishes you’d find at every new-age cafe concept in Dubai. With exotic flavours in the extensive menu – there is absolutely no compromise on the quality or taste. Moreover, if you wish to have a one-shot idea of what Goan cuisine is – have a serve of their Hungry Platter consisting of some bestselling Seafood and meat delicacies, some delicious Rava fried fish, succulent croquettes and of course – some great potato chops you cannot miss. You can end the meal with some melt-in-the-mouth Creme Caramel or Bread & Butter Pudding. We are salivating already!
Location: Ground Floor, IT Plaza, Dubai Silicon Oasis
Contact: 04 2667603
Cost for two: AED 125
Goan Shack
Goan Shack has changed the game for most restaurants serving Goan cuisine. Having the quite elaborate menu – they also go the extra mile with the ambience, making it a perfect hangout destination with good food and drinks for the weekend. There are some great tunes played while you enjoy a bite of their Goan specialities such as their crabs, prawns and chicken – with some great cocktails/mocktails to go with it. There is a lot of bright colours and funky Grafitti that gives an uplift to the place in terms of the overall funk factor. If you are looking to go a little luxe on the food – you must try the Lobster Goan Masala which is the ultimate flavour explosion in every bite. Their Chicken Cafreal is also something you must try with some white rice. They also serve some great Goan Thali at lunch, every day.