We all know that the nightlife and the booze in Goa are an integral part of the hippie culture of the Goan vibes, but there’s more to it than you’d think. Even the food they serve has a huge influence of its Portugese history and Konkani culture. However, if you feel like sticking to your favorite, you can be assured to find everything from Mexican to Italian and everything in between.
As much as these international cuisines are favored, everyone loves the traditional Goan food here, including the foreign tourists! The world is full of food-loving people, and everyone wants to try out new gourmet dishes; and Goa surely doesn’t disappoint. The staple food of Goans, the ‘fish curry and rice’ remains people’s favorite. The local restaurants serving traditional Goan food are just as popular as the international food chains in Goa!
The origin of the Goan cuisine can be traced back to its various ruling empires, from Portuguese, French, Kokani, Malabar, Malaysian and so on. Let’s just say the Goan cuisine is a perfect blend of Eastern and Western influence!
The art of cooking in Goa extends to a wide range of menu, which usually leaves people confused as to where to start and what all to try. Goa feels a completely different heaven when looked at from the Foodie’s point of view. So here’s a list of the traditional Goan cuisine which will help you decide!
Rice, seafood, coconut, vegetables, meat, pork and local spices contribute to the magic of Goan cuisine. Since Goa has a seaside, the people highly rely on seafood for their diet. Some people even believe that a Goan meal is incomplete without fish! Goan meals also include Kokum in a lot of their recipes which bring out a special flavor to the dish. The Goan seafood constitutes of Kingfish, which is pretty common in their meals. Other seafood meals include prawns, pomfret, shark, tuna, crabs, lobsters, squids, etc. The Goan seafood is highly influenced by the Portuguese culture.
Since Goa is a multi-ethnic state which mostly comprises of Hindus and Christians, there are two distinct types of Goan cuisines to try out: The Hindu cuisine and the Catholic cuisine.
The Hindu cuisine is majorly pescetarian, and mostly comprises of rice and curries. It is comparatively mild, and involves heavy use of Kokum in it. Popular dishes involve Fried Fish, Daangar, Solkadhi and so on. On the other hand, The Catholic cuisine is a fusion of Indian and Portuguese cooking styles. Popular dishes involve Balchao, Croquettes and so on.
Here’s a list of all the top dishes to try out in Goa!
GOAN CUISINE
Top Dishes Of GOA
Goan Fish Curry
Also known as Xitti Kodi, it is the staple food of Goan people. It is loaded with coconut and spices. Kokum is used to give it a tangy flavor. Instead of pomfret, Kingfish or prawns are also used.
Pork Vindaloo
After the fish-curry-rice, this is probably the most iconic dishes in the list of traditional Goan cuisines. Vin stands for vinegar and Aloo (aloh) stands for garlic. The dish comprises of a red hot gravy with pork meat.
Shark Ambot Tik
This is a Portuguese influenced dish. Ambot means sour and Tik means spicy. The Shark fish is minced in the gravy.
Chicken Xacuti
Made up of chicken, potatoes, onions and coconut, this is yet another Portuguese influenced dish with loads of spices in it. Kashmiri chilies are used to give it a spicy taste.
Goan Prawn Curry
Made in coconut milk, the Goan Prawn curry will satisfy your seafood hunger!
Crab Xacuti
This dish is pretty similar to Chicken Xacuti, except the chicken is replaced with a crab. This is a very popular dish amongst the foodie travelers!
Sannas
Goan Sannas are basically Idlis, but taste a bit sweeter, includes coconut and are entirely made up of rice. Sannas usually compliments all the other Goan
Bebinca
Bebinca is the most popular Goan desert. It is essentially a multi-layered cake made of egg, coconut milk, sugar and ghee. It is also traditionally served during Christmas.
Sorpotel
Soro translates to alcohol or liquor. Pork or lamb meat is used to make this dish. The meat is parboiled and the fat is fried, along with the traditional spices to give it a Goan feel.
Goan Feni
Goan Feni is not a dish but it is a popular, locally-brewed alcoholic beverage. Feni are of two types, one is made from coconut and the other one from cashews. It is a pretty strong beverage and must try for all the food enthusiasts!
There are many more food options to explore while in Goa. Multiple local restaurants invent their own dishes which are equally tasty and worth visiting. So for the next time you visit Goa, you’d know where to start exploring food! And if you’re planning a trip to Goa and are looking to explore Goan food like never before, we can help you chalk out a plan and suggest you some of the best restaurants. To know more, visit us.
