Japanese cuisine encompasses the regional and traditional foods of Japan, which have developed through centuries of political, economic, and social changes. The traditional cuisine of Japan is based on rice with miso soup and other dishes; there is an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Side dishes often consist of fish, pickled vegetables, and vegetables cooked in broth. Seafood is common, often grilled, but also served raw as sashimi or in sushi. Apart from rice, a staple includes noodles, such as soba and udon.
Japanese cuisine has transcended boundaries and has become very popular in different parts of the world. Dishes like sushi, ramen, and tempura are very famous and have found favour with Japanese food lovers in different countries. In Goa too, Japanese food has gained a lot of popularity over the years. This has led to several restaurants offering authentic Japanese cuisine opening up in different parts of Goa. For all you Japanese food aficionados out there, here is a list of the best Japanese restaurants in Goa.
Yazu Restaurant, Candolim
Yazu Restaurant at Candolim (Image Credit: instagram.com/yazugoa)
First on our list of the best Japanese restaurants in Goa is Yazu restaurant. This is a lovely shack located at Marquis Beach Resort, right on the shores of the beautiful Candolim beach in North Goa. Its ideal location on the beach provides a very pleasant ambience and the lovely music playing in the background adds to the overall vibe of the place. You can spend your entire day here and not feel bored. The food offered over here is good. For starters, you can try ordering the turnip cake and signature yazu chicken. The turnip cake is a must for veg lovers and is worth ordering. It is made with radish and loads of garlic. The yazu chicken is very juicy and is tossed with lots of cashew nuts and different sauces.
For the main course, you must try the charcoal-infused baos, which is chicken mantou with pulled chicken and spicy cheese. It is infused with light sauces and has got lots of stuffing in it. The spicy ramen noodles are another nice comfort dish you can try. As the name suggests, it is spicy and nicely done with chicken and eggs. The restaurant has got a pretty good selection of drinks to offer. You can try their strawberry and orange muddle mocktail with mint leaves and ice cubes or their orange fusion mocktail served with basil leaves, sour mix, and soda.
You can end your meal with any one of their delicious dessert offerings. Their apple crumble, served with vanilla gelato is a very good choice for dessert. The apple crumble has a good amount of sweetness in it and is very crunchy
Sakana, Vagator
Sakana Restaurant at Vagator (Image Credit: instagram.com/sakanagoa)
Next on our list of the best Japanese restaurants in Goa is a nice and simple restaurant called Sakana. Situated in a large green garden near the Vagator beach, this restaurant serves authentic Japanese food in a no-frills setting. The ambience of the place is very calm and pleasing. The space is airy, spacious and has a very high ceiling. There are lovely paintings and posters on the walls. For starters, one must try the smoked salmon avocado spicy rolls, followed by pork and shrimp gyoza, a Japanese dumpling dish. Their wasabi is also fresh and gives you the required taste. For the main course, one can try the beef yakiniku, which is beef cooked to the doneness of your liking with a thick sauce poured over it. The beef is served with miso soup and rice. Teriyaki chicken with sticky rice is another combination you must try. For dessert, you should try the frozen tiramisu, which is very sweet and delicious. You can also try their Japanese cheesecake. The service provided here is very good and the staff is very courteous. The food and drinks are also very reasonably priced.
Tataki, Panaji
Tataki Restaurant at Panaji (Image Credit: www.instagram.com/tatakigoa/)
Last on our list of the best Japanese restaurants in Goa is the Tataki restaurant in Panjim. This beautiful Asian restaurant, which is tucked in a nice spot in the main old market of Panjim, offers excellent Japanese fare. The restaurant is near the Mandovi River and offers beautiful views of the lit-up Atal Setu Bridge. The ambience of the place is very nice with interiors decorated in typical Asian style. The food served here is very authentic and delicious. Each dish is exquisite and is served in good portions. Everything on their menu is very tempting and delectable- their sushi, their skewers, curries, everything. And their cocktails are just too good! But best of all is their delicious range of desserts. Their jaggery cheesecake is very tasty and is the perfect choice to end your meal on a sweet note.
So what are you waiting for? Head down with your friends to one of these amazing Japanese restaurants in Goa and have a nice time feasting on some delicious sushi, ramen, and other Japanese dishes. Bon Appétit!
