Diya PadiyarIf you’ve ever been to North Goa and skipped a trip to Mapusa Market, let’s just say—you missed out on a big slice of real Goa. Not the beach shacks, not the resort brunches, but this. Mapusa Market (pronounced Map-sa, by the way) is not just a market, it’s a weekly ritual, a cultural potluck, and a treasure chest rolled into one chaotic, colourful maze.
Every Friday, locals from nearby villages and towns gather here to sell everything from spicy choris(pork sausages) to handmade crockery, fresh veggies to cashew feni. But honestly, even on non-Friday days, Mapusa Market is worth a detour if you want to go shopping in Goa that doesn’t just involve kaftans and fridge magnets.
So, what should you actually buy when you’re here? Let this local guide walk you through the must-haves, the hidden gems, and a few things you didn’t know you needed.
1. Goan Choris (Spiced Pork Sausages)
Let’s start with the big one—choris. If you catch even the slightest whiff of smoky, spicy, vinegar-laced sausage in the air, follow your nose. Mapusa Market is the best place in North Goa to get your hands on authentic Goan pork sausages—coiled into fat garlands, dangling from hooks, and sold by aunties who’ve been making them since before WhatsApp.
Pro Tip: Ask for “home-made” ones—they’re more flavourful and don’t have preservatives. Carry a zip-lock pouch or airtight container if you’re planning to travel with them.
2. Fresh Spices (The Best Ones!)
Shopping in Goa? Spices should top your list. At Mapusa Market, you’ll find stalls stacked with fresh cinnamon bark, cloves, black pepper, cardamom, and fiery Goan red chillies (the kind that give vindaloo its kick). The turmeric here is shockingly yellow, and the masala mixes smell like someone’s grandmother still grinds them with love.
Must-buy: Goan garam masala and recheado masala (perfect for stuffing fish or prawns).
3. Cashews – Not Your Airport Kind
Yes, Goa = cashews. But the ones you get at airports are mass-produced and overpriced. At Mapusa Market, you get to sample different grades—W180, W240, baby bits, roasted, salted, peppered, peri-peri… and even feni-infused ones if you’re feeling adventurous.
Hot Tip: The ‘brittle’ cashew toffees sold in little plastic packets are addictive. You’ve been warned.
4. Feni & Urrak (Local Spirits)
No, you won’t find these at your city wine shop. Feni (distilled from cashew or coconut) and urrak (the lighter, seasonal cousin) are part of Goan DNA. Mapusa Market has local vendors selling small-batch feni in reused glass bottles—no labels, no branding, just liquid sunshine. Ask for recommendations and don’t be shy, they love sharing the good stuff.
Important: Carry this carefully—it’s potent and the smell will announce your arrival at security checks.
5. Konkani Pottery & Clayware
Tired of factory-made décor? Mapusa has earthy red clay pots, moddki (pickle jars), dive/pantyo (oil lamps), and old-school matka water pots that are still used in Goan homes. Perfect souvenirs if you want something that actually feels Goan.
You might even spot artisans shaping the clay right there—don’t hesitate to ask questions or click a picture (after asking, of course).
6. Handwoven Baskets & Cane Crafts
From coconut-leaf trays to beautifully knotted palm baskets, these aren’t just eco-friendly, they’re also seriously aesthetic. Ideal for storing onions, fruits, bread, or even as a beachy home décor.
Pro Tip: These make great carry-home gifts that won’t weigh your luggage down.
7. Locally Grown Produce (Fruits, Veggies, and the Weirdly Wonderful)
Mapusa’s vegetable section is like a Konkani food glossary in 3D. Ever seen tendli, tambdi bhaji, karela, or bilimbis? Probably not all in one place. During mango season, it’s a fruit-lover’s heaven—Alphonso, Mankurad, Hilario… take your pick.
Local Favourite: Bimbli pickle—sour, salty, and perfect with rice.
8. Bread & Bebinca – A Carb-Lover’s Heaven!
Yes, you’ll find fresh pão, poie, and even sweet kankonn (hard bangle-shaped bread) early in the morning. But the real desert prize is Bebinca—Goa’s iconic multi-layered coconut milk cake. Buy from a local bakery counter (avoid the vacuum-sealed supermarket kind) and eat it chilled with a spoon. Trust me.
Pro Tip: Ask for doce (chana dal fudge) and pinagr (rice jaggery coconut sweets) if you’re a dessert nerd.
9. Traditional Goan Jewellery (and Nose Pins That Slay)
Forget factory bling. Mapusa has old-school goldsmiths and silver vendors who stock ethnic Goan jewellery—think kharik, todde, bangdi, and chunky nose rings. Some of it is real silver, some imitation, but all beautiful.
Ask for: Kashti-style bangles and coin necklaces—great for gifting or styling with Indo-western fits.
10. Clothing & Fabric Stalls (Beyond Tie-Dye Sarongs)
Sure, there’s the usual beachwear. But dig deeper and you’ll find hand-block printed cotton, local dye techniques, and even tailors who’ll stitch up a shirt or dress in a day. Aunties also sell second-hand silk sarees at a bargain—pure vintage heaven.
Bargaining tip: Be respectful but firm. Most vendors are used to tourists but warm up to those who speak kindly.
11. Ayurvedic Products & Local Remedies
From amrut tulsi oils to kokum butter balms and homemade balms for joint pain—Mapusa is a mini apothecary if you’re into natural wellness. You’ll also find kasturi manjal (wild turmeric), massage oils, and soaps made from jackfruit seed, vetiver, and lemongrass.
12. Flowers, Plant Saplings & Garden Gyaan
If you’re a plant parent, don’t leave Mapusa without checking out the florists and garden section. Marigolds, jasmine, tulsi, and even kokum saplings are on sale, along with expert advice on how to grow them. You might even get a story or two about someone’s grandmother’s curry leaf tree.
A Few Handy Tips from a Local:
- Go on a Friday if you want the full power Mapusa Market experience. That’s when rural vendors come in and the market spills over into the streets.
- Wear comfy shoes and carry a bottle of water—it gets crowded, especially around noon.
- Carry cash—while UPI has caught on, many smaller vendors still prefer hard currency.
- Pack light because you’re going to want to carry things back.
Come for the Chaos, Stay for the Culture
Mapusa Market isn’t just about shopping in Goa. It’s about soaking up a different side of the state—one where life isn’t filtered through a travel influencer’s lens. It’s loud, messy, generous, and full of flavour. Just like Goa itself.
Mapusa market is literally for everyone, it’s for spice hoarders, sausage snobs, beachy home décor lovers, and even just for curious wanderers. There’s something for everyone here! Take a morning, skip the resort breakfast, and come get your hands a little dirty. Who knows, your best Goan memory might just be from this bustling market in the heart of North Goa.
