Updated: January 2026 – Best Kebabs in Goa
Here’s an interesting piece of food trivia for you: a tikki/tikka and a kebab are two very different things. Tikka are small, marinated pieces of meat that may be cooked in a tandoor, while a kebab typically involves minced meat, grilled or roasted on skewers. Tikka comes from the Persian word for ‘pieces,’ while kebabs are always made of minced meat.
What’s more? Kebabs have roots in Turkish kitchens as far back as 1200 AD, whereas tikka (or tikki, for plural), is a relatively newer invention said to be from Britain. Every Indian restaurant in Goa serves both, kebabs and tikki, and people sometimes use the words interchangeably. Nevertheless, here are some noteworthy places to find Goa’s best kebabs.
Best Kebabs in Goa
Mabrouk, Anjuna
Looking to jazz up your weekend meal? I loved the Chicken Malai tikka and Chicken Seekh kebabs from a little stall called Mabrouk in Anjuna. Their kebab rolls are winners and worth trying out. They also have paneer options (call or DM to confirm before you order.). Hope they introduce mutton kebabs too.
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Royal Afghan, Cansaulim
The Royal Afghan at ITC Grand Cansaulim is big on kebabs and tikka – so much so, that 80% of their menu is dominated by it, with only 20% having a handful of mains and dessert items. This beachside restaurant with ocean views in Cansaulim boasts of an open kitchen where you can watch chefs hard at work, crafting the most tantalizing array of kebabs – Malai kebabs, Seekh kebabs, and more. You are encouraged to eat with your hands here, and cutlery is only available upon request. Read more about where to get great Mughlai food in Goa.
Sukkha, Assagao
I already have Sukkha listed as one of my top restaurant picks in Assagao, so naturally, here they are again. Sukkha stands out for its North Indian focus in a sea of beach shacks and fusion restaurants. Formally a garden restaurant, they have now moved to a cozy, intimate place with warm lighting, wooden accents, and a relaxed vibe that’s perfect for lingering over a meal. The menu leans heavily into tandoori and grill classics, and the kebabs are what keep people coming back. Kebabs and tikka ranges from fish, prawn, chicken, mutton, and veg options, and the dahi kebabs are soft, succulent, juicy, and packed with flavor. The seekh kebabs are a hit here – that firm exterior and juicy core – yum! The portions are alright, and the spices are bold but balanced, although this may be a tad on the expensive side for Goa standards, the quality and freshness make it worth it.
Jungle Cafe, Sangolda
Jungle Cafe in Sangolda doesn’t scream “kebab specialist,” but their grill game holds its own in a menu full of global comfort food and cafe fare. Set amid lush greenery with rustic wooden seating and open-air vibes, it’s more about relaxed jungle hangs than fine dining – pet-friendly, free WiFi, and open long hours.
The kebabs and grilled items are solid standouts – juicy and flavorful, with tandoori-style options to match. The portions feel hearty, flavors are bold without overkill, and the grill adds that perfect outdoor touch. The fact that the kebabs and tikka are prepared in the open and not in the back of the kitchen gives you the feeling of having a lovely backyard BBQ. The kebabs range from Chicken Banjara, Malai Broccoli, Paneer Tikka, Mushroom Tandoori, Tandoori Chicken Wings, and more. Again, this is not a dedicated kebab joint, but when the craving hits amid the trees, Jungle Cafe’s grill delivers.
CopperLeaf, Porvorim
I actually order from CopperLeaf quite often, and it is a safe bet! With its flagship restaurant in Porvorim (and a branch in Panjim), this is a reliable chain in Goa for when you’re craving authentic North Indian and Mughlai fare. The ambiance is cozy and family-friendly, and it has a menu that dives deep into tandoori grills – making it a standout for kebabs that balance spice, tenderness, and smokiness. Their Hara Bhara Kebab is a veg favorite, and non-veg options like chicken tikka kebabs or mutton seekh are consistently juicy and flavorful. Pair it with their naan or biryani for the full spread.
What are your picks for the best kebabs in Goa?
These killer kebab joints won’t disappoint when you’re looking to jazz up a weekday meal or when you want to enjoy something snack-y. For more light bites, you may like my blog on Goa’s best food trucks
