Traveling is not only enjoyable for the cool emotions and new photos on Instagram. Who wouldn’t want to treat themselves to local culinary delights? For example, let’s take Goa, where the cuisine is diverse. If you find yourself in this amazing place, feel free to explore their culinary offerings. The dishes are not only cheap but incredibly tasty and varied. The prices are as attractive as the most stunning sunsets.
In Goa, a province of India, there are no such food taboos as in mainland India. Here, alcohol and pork are allowed. There is a misconception that Indian cuisine, particularly Goan, is overly spicy and pungent. This is not true. The taste of local dishes leans more towards sweet-and-sour and is much “milder” than in northern and eastern parts of India.
Wherever you order food, whether it’s a seaside shack, a downtown café, or a corner “shawarma” place, you can always say “not spicy” and get a less seasoned dish. It’s important to know that you shouldn’t always eat at the same place and should always choose those places where locals eat. Because you want to try as much new cuisine as possible, and in establishments for native Goans, the risk of food poisoning is minimal.
Regarding culinary traditions, there are none in Goa. All food is served together — on one large tray with several dishes in bowls on it.
Almost every meal includes an essential component — rice. It is eaten with meat or fish curry, as a “pilaf” dish, or the Goan dish “oddo” — a steamed rice bread. They often order alu paratha — a potato flatbread, and cheese naan — a cheese flatbread, along with these.
The most popular dishes for tourists are local seafood dishes. They are mainly grilled or cooked in a clay tandoor oven, with curry sauce added. Kingfish (mackerel) is in high demand, but tuna, bream (a type of perch), and shark meat are also ordered.
Among shellfish, there is a rich selection: crabs, shrimp, tiger prawns, lobsters, squid, mussels, and oysters. To treat your stomach to fresh seafood delicacies, there’s no better place than Goa. Highly recommended establishments include “Copperleaf Porvorim,” “Spice Goa,” or “Joecons Beach Shack.”
A traditional dish for Indians is vindaloo, brought to Goa by Portuguese sailors in the form of pork marinated in vinegar, stewed with garlic, and seasoned with Indian spices. You can enjoy it at “Hospedaria Venite Restaurant & Bar” or “Mish-Mar.”
A Goan dish, as in all of India, is thali, which is served in small metal bowls on a tray and contains meat or fish, rice, various vegetables, sauces, flatbreads, and dessert. Traditionally, thali is a vegetarian dish, but for tourists, they will prepare a meat version at a place called “Country Kitchen.”
How can you not pass by another component of Indian cuisine — coconut? Goans make coconut oil, which is used to prepare less fatty food. It adds an unusual, sometimes exotic, flavor to dishes. To add sweetness, locals use jaggery — natural palm sugar. Desserts are made from it and rice.
Coconuts grow in large quantities here. And it’s not surprising that many sweets use coconut milk. The “queen” of Goan desserts is bebinca — a multi-layered pudding made from chicken eggs, ghee, flour, nutmeg, coconut milk, and sugar. You will find it at “Fishka” café opposite the Alila Diwa Goa hotel.
Among the popular fruits in Goa are pineapple, melon, watermelon, passion fruit, guava, and papaya, but none surpass the frequency of consumption of coconut or mango. At Goan markets like “Saturday Night Market” and “Margao Market,” you can also buy pomegranates, dragon fruit, lychee, and sweet tamarind grown on local plantations.
The choice of drinks is also quite diverse. There is a popular local beer brand — King’s Black Label Premium. For port wine lovers, there is also plenty to enjoy. The variety of this drink is affordable and wide-ranging. Port wine is served chilled in large goblets with a slice of lemon. As a gift, you can buy Indian rum Old Monk or local vodka Fenny. It is made from cashew fruit or coconut palm sap.
As for non-alcoholic drinks, you can always get lassi. It is based on yogurt with added water, sugar, and fruits. In Goa, banana, strawberry, mango, and pineapple lassi are popular. You can also order masala, made by brewing tea with a mixture of spices and herbs.
The cost of dishes and drinks depends on the level of the establishment where you decide to eat in Goa. According to tourist reviews at the beginning of 2023, food and alcohol costs ranged from $15-40 per day. The products and dishes here are fresh and diverse. What to try in Goa? It’s up to you to decide. As you can see, there is plenty of choice, and everyone can eat to their heart’s content.
