As a Goan who’s spent all my life surrounded by the aromas of spicy sorpotel, coconut-laced curries, and smoky choris pao, I know how hard it is to find authentic Goan food once you step outside Goa. But if you’re living in the UK or planning a visit and you’re craving a taste of home (or just curious to discover Goa through its food), you’re in luck!
From Hounslow to Manchester and Birmingham, there’s a growing number of restaurants and takeaways proudly serving true-blue Goan flavours. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best spots to find Goan food in the UK – whether it’s pork vindaloo that reminds you of your grandmother’s kitchen or a kingfish thali that transports you straight to the beaches of Calangute.
Why Goan Food is Special (And Rare!)
Goan cuisine is a unique blend of coastal Indian and Portuguese influences. Think vinegar-spiked pork, fiery red masalas, sweet coconut gravies, and a deep love for seafood. But it’s not as mainstream in the UK as North Indian or even South Indian food. That’s why when you stumble upon an eatery doing justice to Goan flavours, it deserves to be celebrated.
Luckily, over the last few years, Goan-owned businesses in the UK have been making waves – some run by ex-chefs from 5-star hotels in India, others by passionate families keeping tradition alive in new soil.
Let’s dive into where you can find them!
| City | Top Places | Must-Try Dishes |
|---|---|---|
| London | Olde Goa, Casa de Goa, Vailankanni, Dias, Bernie’s | Vindaloo, Sorpotel, Kingfish Thali |
| Manchester | Bardez, Liv’s Takeaway | Chicken Xacuti, Prawns, Beef Cutlets |
| Birmingham | Estado da India, Goa Goa | Iberico Ribs, Caldinho, Fish Curry |
| Leicester | Heritage Cafe, Goan Delights | Prawn Curry, Xacuti, Bebinca |
Best Places for Goan Food in London
1. Olde Goa, Norbury
This one’s got soul. Olde Goa isn’t just a restaurant – it’s a nostalgic journey. The owner has even bottled traditional Goan curry pastes for those who want to take the flavour home.
Must try: Pork Vindaloo, Sorpotel, Choris Pao, Goan sausages
Location: 1336 London Rd, Norbury, SW16
Vibe: Goan decor, old-school feel, very welcoming
2. Casa de Goa, Hounslow
Family-run, coastal vibes, and all the essentials of Goan cuisine done right. Their Fish Thalis and Sannas are especially praised by locals.
Must try: Shark Ambot Tik, Pork Sorpotel with sannas, Choris Pao
Location: 113 High St, Hounslow, TW3 1QT
Available on: Just Eat
3. Vailankanni Imperial Lounge, Hounslow
This Goan-owned bar-lounge serves what’s arguably the best Fish Thali in the UK. Guests say it “transports you back to Goa.”
Must try: Kingfish Thali, Bombil rawa fry, Chicken Lollipops
Location: 259 Bath Rd, Hounslow, TW3 3DA
Order via: Deliveroo
4. Dias Goan Restaurant, Southall
A newer addition with rave reviews from the Goan community. Run by the Dias family, it offers everything from Fish Curry Rice to Pork Chilli Fry.
Must try: Kingfish Thali, Prawn Balchao, Pork Chilli Fry
Location: 96 The Green, Southall, UB2 4BG
Watch a sneak peek: YouTube
5. Bernie’s Goan Kitchen, Streatham
Founded by former Taj Hotels chef Bernie Fernandes, this is more of a home kitchen/catering service. Pre-order required.
Must try: Chicken Xacuti, Pork Assado, Goan bebinca
Note: No dine-in. Collection or pop-up only.
Goan Cuisine in Manchester
1. Bardez, Rusholme & Didsbury
Named after Bardez (my home taluka in Goa!), this Goan-Indian fusion spot does justice to Xacuti and seafood curries. Interiors are modern but the flavours are true.
Must try: Chicken Xacuti, Goan Prawn Curry, Pork Vindaloo
Locations:
35 Wilmslow Rd, Rusholme, M14 5TB
784-788 Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury, M20 2DR
2. Liv’s Goan Takeaway, Blackley
This one is a gem! Voted “Manchester’s Best Takeaway 2022.” Run by the Dias family from their own kitchen.
Must try: Mutton Xacuti, Pork Sorpotel, Beef Croquettes, Recheado Prawns
Order via: Website or Uber Eats
Note: No dine-in, but delivery across Manchester.
Goan Eats in Birmingham & Midlands
1. Estado da India, Harborne
A stylish fusion restaurant by the renowned Lasan Group. Think tapas-style Goan plates with modern flair.
Must try: Iberico Pork Vindalho Ribs, Sorpotel Naan, Octopus Caldinho
Location: 42-44 High St, Harborne, B17 9NE
Vibe: Classy, contemporary, cocktails with Goan touches
2. Goa Goa, Rednal
A simple neighbourhood curry house with Goan soul. Not fancy, but heartwarming.
Must try: Goan Fish Curry, Goan King Prawn Curry, Goan-style Vindaloo
Location: 404 Groveley Lane, Rednal, B45 8UQ
Leicester’s Goan Food Scene
1. Heritage Cafe
Perfect for a casual Goan breakfast or light lunch.
Must try: Goan spiced omelettes, Prawn curry rice, Cutlets
Location: 10 Carts Lane, Leicester
2. Goan Delights
Specialist takeaway spot with a loyal customer base.
Must try: Pork Vindaloo, Chicken Xacuti, Bebinca
Order via: Website or Uber Eats
Final Thoughts (from a Goan Heart)
There’s something so comforting about biting into a sorpotel that tastes like your mum made it. While Goa might be miles away, these eateries and events make sure its taste lives on – in every spoonful of curry, every crunchy croquette, and every swirl of bebinca.
So whether you’re a Goan settled in the UK, or someone eager to explore our coastal flavours, I hope this guide helps you discover a slice of our susegad life – one dish at a time.
Dev Borem Korum and happy eating!
Want more insights like this? Follow me at GoanTales.com
What are some must-try Goan dishes available in the UK?
Some must-try Goan dishes you’ll find at UK restaurants include:
Pork Vindaloo
Chicken Xacuti
Fish Curry Rice
Kingfish Thali
Goan Choris Pao
Prawn Balchao
Bebinca (dessert)
These dishes are often available at top-rated places like Olde Goa and Bardez Manchester.
Is Goan food available for takeaway or delivery in the UK?
Yes! Several Goan eateries offer takeaway and delivery services across the UK. For example, you can order online from:
These services are available via their websites or platforms like Uber Eats and Deliveroo.
What is the most authentic Goan restaurant in London?
Many consider Olde Goa in Norbury and Vailankanni Imperial Lounge in Hounslow to be the most authentic Goan dining spots in London. These are Goan-owned and praised for their home-style flavours and welcoming ambiance.
Which city in the UK has the best Goan food scene?
London leads with the most variety, but Manchester is catching up with places like Bardez and Liv’s Goan Takeaway. Birmingham and Leicester also offer niche options with fusion and home-style Goan dishes.
Can I find vegetarian Goan dishes in the UK?
Yes, many restaurants offer vegetarian Goan options like Cauliflower Xacuti, vegetable curry with coconut, and Goan-style cutlets. Check menus at Estado da India, Birmingham and Heritage Cafe, Leicester.
