Chosen purely for the quality of their beans, the smooth delicious flavour of their brews and overall ambience that they offer, here's the list of our top picks for your daily caffeine kick in Goa.
Blue Tokai | Panjim
Definitely a team favourite, the Blue Tokai cafe in Panjim is our safe haven on a busy day. We've been hooked ever since they started showing up with coffee carts at selected events and we're beyond thrilled when the company finally set up shop in our fair Goa. It's small front room is kept cool in the heat but fills up fast whereas its little back courtyard is perfect in Goa's cooler climate. Making it the ideal spot for a meeting, a quiet moment to yourself, or an afternoon catch up with friends. Not at all what you would expect to find stepping into the little back lane behind the Panjim Post Office. Plus, if you're in the north, they recently opened a second location at The Project Cafe Goa, Assagao.
@ The Hostel Crowd
Who doesn't love rolling out of bed to a quality cup of coffee? Now thanks to the brilliant collaboration between the folks at Bombay Coffee Roasters & The Hostel Crowd, this is one luxury you won't have to give up even when travelling or waking up in a dorm room bunk. Their Vagator location at Jungle Hostel is by far our favourite as they've done the place up really nicely and it's large enough that you don't feel you are impeding if not a guest at the hostel itself. Plus, the upstairs a/c section is the perfect place that side of Goa to get in a good day's work or cool down in a quiet corner.
Cafe Bodega | Altinho, Panjim
Found within the Sunaparanta Centre for the Arts atop Altinho Hill in Panjim, Bodega is one of the city's most popular brunch, lunch & late afternoon spots. As well as one of our team's strongholds ever since it opened back in 2012. Not only is the coffee good but the space itself is a treat as you stroll through the garden to the entrance of this grand old home. Head up the staircase and into the galleries before finding a seat around a leafy inner courtyard, welcomed by the smell of fresh baked goods at the counter.
HOOPS Cafe | Mandrem
Tucked into the front corner of Wellness Inn in Mandrem, HOOPS cafe is definitely worth a stop when searching for a fresh cup of coffee in the north Pernem region of Goa. Their menu consists of delicious hot drinks, fluffy waffles and vegan treats. What more could you ask for!?
Side note: They also make the best Golden (turmeric) latte we've had so far, in case you're taking a break from caffeine...
*Closed in the monsoons (May-Sept)
Prana Cafe | Mandrem
In house cafe & restaurant to Vaayu Village, an eco-conscious and creative hub situated right off the beach. The space itself comprises of everything from the cafe to guesthouse, a surf & water sports school, artist residency & gallery, event space and more.
We certainly love them for their coffee but more importantly for their commitment to the environment and the betterment of society at large.
*Closed in the monsoons (May-Sept)
Daily Roast | Colva
An absolute gem for coffee lovers in the south Salcete area. Not only is espresso delicious but they've also taken the time and extra effort to make the space comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Classic wicker chairs, low tables and a ton of plants greet you upon arrival creating a nice little retreat despite the main road which it's found upon. Inside a large mural and rotating artwork grace the walls, along with a shelf full of books, a quality menu and kind, attentive staff.
Hideaway | Vagator
Ran by the same fellow who in fact started Daily Roast sometime before, Hideaway carries a similar menu and therefore we trust a similar standard of brew. Occupying a laid back outdoor space attached to a friendly little guesthouse called IRKU, this spot is well worth the visit when exploring Vagator's inside lanes.
The team are also huge music fans, many of them musicians themselves and regularly host live events, movie nights & more.
Mandala Cafe | Agonda
By far Agonda's best cup of coffee. Rich, flavourful and perfectly paired with one of their delicious raw, vegan & sugar free treats!
Mandala Cafe is our go to spot when down in the south Canacona area. Brightly painted walls and plenty of multi-coloured cushions, tables & chairs, this place has a super laid back vibe, light, healthy food and friendly staff.
*Please note all of the cafes listed above do offer vegan, plant-based milk alternatives incase you like your coffee a little creamy but prefer to go dairy-free! They also all serve teas & non-caffeinated drinks. So no need to hesitate when inviting a friend who is less of a coffee addict than yourself!
For all the other great cafes in Goa that didn't quite make the list, along with all of our favourite restaurants & eateries, head on over here!
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