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Visitors
to Goa tend to think that food and drink in Goa means the famous
fish, curry, rice and feni package. And for most Goans these are
indeed the three basic necessities of life -- fish, curry and rice.
They combine to make a heavenly daily meal for the average Goan. But
Goan cuisine, like the land itself, has many flavours and tastes
with its vast treasure trove of culinary delicacies. The long period
of Portuguese rule, besides that of the Muslim and Hindu kingdoms,
has left an indelible influence on the original style of Goan
cooking and this has led to an exotic mix of truly tasty and spicy
cuisine. Most people who sample Goan cuisine, enjoy this different
and unique style of food which has a distinct and unique combination
of spicy flavours. A Goan values his food as much as he does his
daily siesta (break). And in his daily meal, seafood always has a
pride of place is some form or the other. From fried fish to exotic
concoctions like ambot-tik, sea food is usually a must on the menu,
except for the occasional break for some religious observance. Goans
take pleasure not only in what they eat, but also how they cook it.
Although modern conveniences have almost completely taken over in
urban areas, the traditional way of cooking in clay pots on firewood
continues in most rural areas of Goa. This style of cooking adds an
additional smoky flavour to the food, highly valued by Goans.
Despite the two schools of cuisine traditions influenced by the
respective religions of Hinduism and Christianity; there are some
meeting points that present an interesting harmony. This blend of
various cooking styles and influences is what makes Goan food so
unique among the cuisines of India.
With a wide variety ranging from prawns to sausages, chicken to
beef, and numerous vegetarian dishes, Goan cuisine is able to
satisfy even the most finicky gourmet appetites. Goa has some
magnificent culinary delicacies like the prawn balchão and sorpotel
which have become famous around the world.
While Hindu Goan food does not seem to have picked up any major
Portuguese influence, the Christian food has been influenced not
only by the Portuguese, but also by its overseas colonies.
Traditional Goan cooking calls for plenty of muscle and time.
Grinding is always part of the recipe and the nicer the dish the
longer it takes to make.
Goan food is simple but most, though not all, of it is chili hot,
spicy, and pungent. Items made from rice, fish, and coconut abound
in nearly every Goan meal.
Seafood such as prawns, lobsters, crabs, pomfrets, clams, ladyfish,
mussels, and oysters are used to make a variety of curries, fries,
soups and pickles. Besides fresh seafood, dried and salted fish
dishes are also highly prized by Goans.
In this section we provide a selection of Goa's famous dishes with
detailed descriptions of ingredients and cooking methods so you can
reproduce the exotic flavor of the dishes in your very own kitchen.
So here is a taste of Goa and if you are travelling to Goa don't
forget to pack a healthy appetite. |
