Snacks are an important part of everyday life in Goan households. From local delights to traditional Goan snacks, these are at carts and small eateries. With the use of intense flavours, spices, a plethora of non-vegetarian dishes like beef, pork and seafood, there is Portuguese influence.
The Goan custom & cuisine has a Portuguese influence of over 450 years. Here are some dishes from sweet to spicy, having a unique blend of Goan cuisine.
Here Are 8 Favourite Dishes of Street Food in Goa.
Croquettes
Made with beef mince, onions, tomatoes, pork sausages, eggs, and loaves of bread. They are easy to carry around, with spicy flavour, it carries the hint of tanginess with it. These mixtures are a real treat for your taste buds.
Pork Vindaloo
One of the most popular street foods in the state, known for its spiced up nature enriched with vinegar. Made with boneless pork, with a variety of Indian spices such as cloves, cumin, cinnamon, Kashmiri pepper and many others. Served along with hot plain rice or Goan Pao.
Bhaath
Bhaath or Batica is the traditional Goan Coconut Cake, also a lovely accompaniment for tea due to its dense, moist nature. Its main ingredient is semolina, coconut, eggs, butter that needs to rest for at least 6 to 8 hrs. Bake in a moderate oven till done.
Patoleo
Also known as Patoli –they are steamed sweet turmeric cakes that are wrapped in turmeric leaves then coated with rice and stuffed with the mixture of jaggery, coconut and cardamom powder. The aroma of the Turmeric leaves while steaming would be pleasant.
It is made mostly prepared during festive occasions such as Ganesh Chaturthi festival, Nag Panchami, June 24th Sao Joa Feast etc offered as Prashad or Bhog.
Ros Omelette
Ros in Konkani stands for gravy, a classic Goan breakfast dish. It is a masala omelette dunked in a spicy gravy, made with onion, coconut milk, curry leaves, mustard seeds and spices. Traditionally, ras omelette is made in a special Goan chicken curry made with poppy seeds, coconut and a pool of spices. Nowadays, the methods used are simpler with no impact on authentic taste. Ras omelette is best enjoyed with chopped onions, some lemon juice and pao.
Empadinhas
These are savoury mini pies. A small shortbread pie stuffed with spicy pork and the ground masala that is wrapped in a rich, sweet crust. This dish has a Portuguese influence in flavour. Every Goan feast or special occasion is incomplete without Empadinhas.
Chorizo (Goan Sausages)
A flavourful reflection of Indo-Portuguese cuisine is seen in Goan Sausage. This can be used as a breakfast item or evening snack. These spicy pork meat sausages flavoured with spices and onions/potatoes are usually served in a curry, boiled or fried, accompanied by white rice or baked potatoes or with boiled eggs.
Prawn Rissois
Rissois De Camarão in Portuguese means patties of shrimps. Served as appetizers, these are made up of creamy cheesy fillings that are irresistible.
Cover Photo by cottonbro
