Assagao, North Goa is an enchanting village in Bardez. Huddled between Mapusa and Anjuna, Assagao, North Goa is the perfect balance between a quiet, peaceful life typical of North Goa and a more lively life that visitors to Goa desire. Assagao, North Goa is a Portuguese-influenced village thanks to years under Portuguese rule. Between Anjuna’s beach resorts and the local Mapusa market, Assagao is Goa’s best-kept secret. This Portuguese-style village is still heavy on the influence, as can be seen by the many historic buildings still standing, built in a Portuguese style. These buildings, while some are still private residences, have become government buildings, institutes, seminaries and more.
Today this village has become one of Goa’s most exclusive neighbourhoods. Gorgeous cafes, restaurants, and boutique stores with exciting local products on sale have all made Assagao one of the most visited areas in Goa. A dynamic mix of restaurants in Assagao, serving everything from Indian cuisine to the most delectable international cuisine, makes it a must-visit stop for all foodies in Goa, local and travelling. This quaint area is now home to many of the best restaurants in Assagao and even Goa, earning multiple culinary accolades and fame. The heritage, food, and retail scene have all made Assagao a village that must be on everyone’s itinerary when visiting Goa.
Restaurants in Assagao to explore
1. Avo’s Kitchen
Avo’s Kitchen is one of the most popular Assagao restaurants. The word ‘Avo’ means grandmother in Portuguese, which explains this restaurant perfectly. Serving traditional, much-loved Goan food in a chic, new way, this restaurant has been winning hearts right from its inception. The restaurant mixes elegance and homely comfort, making for a delightful experience.
Where: House No: 47, Saunta vaddo, Anjuna Mapusa Rd, Assagao, Goa
Timings: 12:30 pm – 4 pm and 7 pm – 11 pm
Cost for two: Rs 1,400 (approx.)
2. Mustard Café
Another part of the popular Assagao restaurants and cafes, this cosy café is the definition of comfort. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this café is renowned for its scrumptious food It is especially famous for its fresh and delicious seafood. Aesthetic visuals and a calm vibe have made this café a favourite of the locals whenever they want to de-stress.
Where: H 04, Saunta Vaddo, Assagao, Goa
Timings: 12 pm – 11 pm
Cost for two: Rs 1,900 (approx.)
3. The Barfly
Famously known as India’s first Agave bar, this restaurant is one of a kind. Situated in a 150-year-old Portuguese-Goan style bungalow, the history and heritage of this place will leave you in awe. Creating classic luxury that brings together all the different parts of the location into a harmonious tale, this restaurant is as much a heritage walk as it is a restaurant visit. This is by every means one of the best restaurants in Assagao.
Where: Anjuna Mapusa Road, Saunto Vaddo, Assagao
Timings: 1 pm – 1 am (Monday and Wednesday – Sunday) and 1 pm – 12 am (Tuesday)
Cost for two: Rs 1,000 (approx.)
4. Sukkha
Nobody quite does North-Indian food like the people at Sukkha. Natural, outdoor aesthetic and food that is the comfort food for many is the vibe this restaurant has – and is famous for. Head on over to this restaurant for one of the best North-Indian meals in Goa.
Where: House 264, Survey 222/13, Socol Wado, Assagao, Goa
Timings: 1 pm – 4:30 pm and 7 pm – 12 am
Cost for two: Rs 1,800 (approx.)
Places to visit in Assagao
1. St. Cajetan’s Church
Lovingly known as the ‘Assagao Church’, this old church on a hilltop is a symbol of the times when Goa was a Portuguese colony. This beautiful church, one of the most interesting places to visit in Assagao, is said to be among the twenty-three churches the Portuguese built to further their faith in Goa. Built in 1775, today this iconic white and blue church still stands as an active place of worship and a sign of the rich history of Goa.
2. Anjuna Beach
You cannot come to Goa and not visit its incredible beaches. Anjuna Beach, a beach near Assagao is perfect to visit if you want to explore Goa and its beaches in peace and without a boisterous crowd. North Goa is known to have comparatively more peaceful beaches, that make for just the spot to sit and relax and maybe catch a beautiful sunset.
3. Chapora Fort
The fort was made famous by the popular Bollywood movie, ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, and it is now one of Goa’s biggest tourist attractions. Built by the Portuguese in 1717, not only does the fort have exquisite views but its engaging history will have you spellbound. Passing through several dynasties, rulers and eras, the fort is worth a visit to walk down those historic paths and feel the history behind them first-hand.
Local delights
1. Shop at Rangeela
There are many different things to do in Assagao, Goa. This exclusive village is home to many boutique stores selling the best furniture, home décor, clothes and much more. One such popular store that warrants a visit is Rangeela. This beautiful and vibrant store will leave you mesmerised as soon as you step in. The store will surely spoil you for choice and make you feel hard-pressed to narrow down your choices.
Where: 13, Anjuna-Mapusa Road, Saunto Vaddo, Assagao
Timings: 10 am – 9:30 pm
2. Heritage and nature walks
The true beauty of Assagao lies in its beautiful lanes. These lanes are full of natural beauty as well as cultural beauty. Walk around the village and you will stumble upon lanes and lanes of beautiful, old-school Portuguese homes and rows of the most stunning flowers. Assagao is rightfully called the flower village, thanks to the colourful plants and flowers found here in abundance.
3. Jewellery hopping at Cheshire Cat Gallery
When it comes to exploring local Goan jewellery, there is no better name than the Cheshire Cat Gallery. As eye-catching as the name, the jewellery collection here will bowl you over. With so many different jewellery pieces glittering and pulling your attention, you will find it extremely difficult to just buy one.
Where: Hs 136, Opposite Crose, Bairro Alto, Assagao, Goa
Things to do in Assagao
1. Explore the Portuguese-influenced architecture
While exploring the lanes of Assagao, you will stumble upon many vintage Portuguese-style homes. These homes are a true wonder, holding centuries of history and heritage within their walls. You will be intrigued by the smallest details, like their mother-of-pearl detailed windows, which facilitated ventilation while ensuring privacy before glass made its way to Goa.
2. Try the local Goan cuisine
Nothing completes your Goa visit like a nice, filling ‘thali’ of homestyle Goan cuisine. Simple yet delicious, this food will make you feel warm from the inside. The simple but delectable flavours will make you a fan, making it hard for you to want to stop eating.
Where: Vinayak family restaurant, House No 278, Socol Vaddo, Assagao, Goa
Timings: 12 pm – 4 pm and 7 pm – 11 pm
Cost for two: Rs 700 – Rs 900 (approx.)
3. Explore the Mapusa local market
Exploring a local market is like getting a sneak peek into the daily life of a place. These places, a hub for some of the most interesting things like sculptures, local foods, spices, flowers, etc. are a wonder to observe.
Where: Mapusa, Goa
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