Welcome to Gunpowder, a name that’s become synonymous with soulful South Indian cuisine, heritage ambience, and the culinary heartbeat of Assagao. Housed in a 100-year-old Portuguese bungalow, this legendary restaurant invites you to indulge in bold spices, comforting flavors, and the warm hospitality of the South—all under a canopy of trees and stars.
Since its opening, Gunpowder has redefined the Goan dining scene with its regional authenticity, offering dishes from Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Telangana, served with a modern, artistic touch.
If you're searching for where to eat in Assagao, best South Indian food in Goa, or restaurants that reflect Goa’s evolving gourmet culture, Gunpowder should be at the top of your list.
📍 Location: In a colonial-era home in Assagao, surrounded by nature
🍛 Cuisine: South Indian classics—Kerala beef fry, Andhra prawn curry, Coorgi pork
🌳 Ambience: Alfresco dining, vintage Goan charm, tree-laden courtyard
🥃 Bar: Full-service bar with feni cocktails, sangrias, craft spirits
🎨 Bohemian Vibe: Artistic, open-air, rustic yet refined
🌱 Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly: Dosas, curries, and seasonal sides
🧑🍳 Celebrity Favorite: A regular haunt of artists, actors, and chefs
📸 Instagrammable Spot: Gorgeous colonial decor, plant-filled spaces
📡 No WiFi by Choice: Designed for slow dining and real conversation
Originally founded in Delhi’s Hauz Khas Village by filmmaker and entrepreneur Sreejan Shandilya, Gunpowder relocated to Goa in 2013, embracing the tranquil village of Assagao—often dubbed the "Beverly Hills of Goa"—as its new home.
It didn’t take long for Gunpowder to become a cult favorite, celebrated not just for its food, but for its unhurried experience, its intimate courtyard, and its celebration of India’s southern flavors in their most rustic, authentic form.
Set inside a restored Portuguese villa with high ceilings, tiled floors, and heritage arches, Gunpowder oozes old-world charm. The large, shaded courtyard features:
Wooden tables under mango and frangipani trees
Hanging fairy lights and vintage lanterns
A charming outdoor bar
Eclectic music ranging from jazz to Carnatic fusion
Whether you're visiting for a romantic dinner, a long boozy brunch, or a slow lunch with friends, Gunpowder’s atmosphere encourages you to take your time, disconnect, and dive into each bite.
Gunpowder’s menu celebrates the diverse spice palette of Southern India, going beyond just dosas and idlis. The dishes are inspired by home-style recipes, regional spice blends, and age-old traditions from:
Kerala (coconut-rich, pepper-spiced)
Andhra Pradesh (fiery, tangy, and masala-heavy)
Tamil Nadu (tamarind, curry leaves, and rice-based)
Coorg (robust pork dishes, Kodava style)
Telangana & Karnataka (spicy meat stews and lentil-forward plates)
Let’s take a closer look at the Gunpowder menu:
Kerala Beef Fry – Tender beef slow-roasted with curry leaves, coconut slivers, and black pepper
Coorg Pork – Smoky, spicy, and deeply flavorful—an ode to Kodava cuisine
Andhra Prawn Curry – Spicy and sour with a tamarind-coconut base
Mutton Curry with Malabar Parotta – Fragrant, melt-in-mouth mutton paired with flaky parottas
Jackfruit & Bamboo Shoot Curry – A vegetarian favorite with seasonal produce
Gunpowder Potatoes – A cult favorite; baby potatoes tossed in the house gunpowder spice mix
Appams & Stew – Soft hoppers with coconut milk-based vegetable or chicken stew
Vegetarians are more than welcome at Gunpowder.
Pumpkin Erissery – Kerala-style pumpkin dish with coconut and mustard seeds
Tomato Pappu – Andhra-style lentils with a tangy tomato punch
Vegetable Poriyal – Stir-fried seasonal vegetables with mustard seeds
Rasam & Rice – Classic South Indian comfort food
Filter Coffee Panna Cotta – Yes, even dessert has a South Indian twist
Gunpowder has an impressive bar menu that complements its earthy cuisine:
Feni & Kokum Spritz – A Goan twist on aperitifs
Tamarind Whiskey Sour – Tangy, spicy, and bold
Sangria with Tropical Fruit – Fresh, fruity, and perfect for brunch
Craft Gin Cocktails – Using Indian craft gin and fresh herbs
Filter Coffee Martini – A must-try for caffeine lovers
You’ll also find Indian beers, natural wines, fresh juices, kokum sodas, and house-made coolers.
Gunpowder – Assagao, North Goa
H.No. 6, Saunto Vaddo, Assagao, Goa 403507
📍 Landmark: Near People Tree Store & Villa Blanche Café
🛵 Just a short drive from:
Anjuna Beach
Vagator
Mapusa
Siolim
Ample two-wheeler and limited car parking available.
Gunpowder attracts a beautiful mix of:
Travellers and foodies
Writers and artists
Entrepreneurs and chefs
Families and date-night couples
It’s a place where deep conversation, laughter, and great food go hand-in-hand. Don’t be surprised to spot familiar faces from Bollywood or the design world, quietly enjoying their rasam and rice.
Gunpowder also shares its space with the boutique People Tree, where you can shop for handmade clothing, jewelry, books, art, and quirky decor.
Every element—from crockery to cushions—is curated to tell a story. It’s not just about eating; it’s about immersing yourself in a slice of contemporary, yet nostalgic, India.
Gunpowder is more than a meal—it’s an experience that brings together food, history, design, and hospitality in a way few places can. Whether you're a foodie hunting for regional gems, a traveler in search of slow luxury, or a local revisiting old favorites, Gunpowder never disappoints.
✅ Perfect for date nights
✅ Great for family lunches
✅ Pet-friendly vibes
✅ Great music, better mood
✅ And food that stays with you, long after you’ve left
🕐 Visit for lunch for shorter wait times
📸 Bring your camera—the aesthetics are unreal
🌿 Be open to trying lesser-known South Indian dishes
🍸 Don’t skip the cocktails—they’re as memorable as the mains
🥘 Share plates—it’s the best way to explore the menu
Gunpowder stands as a celebration of Southern India in the heart of Goa. It’s where old-world charm meets bold spices, where each dish tells a story, and where you can lose track of time without losing your appetite.
So if you're in Goa and looking to discover something local, soulful, and unforgettable, Gunpowder in Assagao is calling.
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