Panjim: Feni & Tapas Food Trail with Tastings & Drinks

Summary

Goan flavors, feni cocktails and old Panjim’s lively corners

You’ll wander through Panjim’s old streets tasting Goan tapas, sipping local Feni cocktails (some surprisingly smooth), and hearing stories from your guide between stops. Expect laughter over shared plates, unexpected flavors—both Portuguese and Hindu—and a sense that you’re part of something local for an evening.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect from this Feni & Tapas food trail in Panjim. I’d only tried Feni once before (and honestly, it hit me harder than I thought), but walking through the old city with our guide, Devika, felt different. The air was sticky-sweet with the smell of ripe fruit and something smoky from a street grill nearby. She led us past the white façade of the Immaculate Conception Church—kids running around, their laughter bouncing off the steps—and straight into a tiny tavern where the walls were yellowed from years of stories and spilled drinks.

The first sip of cashew Feni was sharp, almost medicinal at first, but then it mellowed out when paired with this spiced prawn dish I can’t pronounce (Devika tried teaching me—she laughed at my attempt). There were locals at the next table arguing about football in Konkani, waving their hands so much I nearly ducked once. We moved from one spot to another, each place older or quirkier than the last. By the time we reached what used to be an old colonial building—now a museum—the sun had dipped low and everything looked gold and kind of unreal.

I kept thinking about how Goan food isn’t just “beach shack” stuff; there’s this whole mix of Portuguese and Hindu flavors that surprised me. The pork sorpotel was tangy and rich, but the vegetarian dishes were just as bold. At one point someone handed me a cocktail made with coconut Feni and some herb I still can’t name—it tasted like summer rain smells after a hot day. We talked about how Feni is made (Devika knows everyone who makes it here), and she told us little things about her own family’s recipes. It all felt less like a tour and more like being invited along for someone’s evening out.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Panjim's historic sites

• Visit Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church
• Attend mass in English, Konkani, or Portuguese
• See the colonial Portuguese Baroque architecture
• Explore Goa State Museum in oldest Panjim building

Top questions

How long does the Feni & Tapas food trail in Panjim last?

The duration isn’t specified, but it covers several stops for tastings and dinner in central Panjim.

Are alcoholic beverages included on this tour?

Yes, alcoholic beverages including Feni tastings and cocktails are included.

Is dinner part of the Goan food trail?

Yes, snacks and dinner are included during the tour.

Where does the tour take place?

The food trail takes place in Panjim, Goa, visiting iconic local spots near landmarks like the Immaculate Conception Church.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to where the tour happens in Panjim.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to alcohol tastings.

Are vegetarian options available on this food trail?

The description mentions both Portuguese-style and traditional Hindu Goan cuisine, which includes vegetarian dishes.

What’s included

Your evening includes tastings of classic Goan snacks paired with both raw and cocktail-style Feni at several stops across Panjim’s historic center, plus dinner—all guided by a local who shares stories along the way. Alcoholic beverages are provided throughout the experience.