Goa, the little pocket of India, stretches along the laid-back loamy Arabian sea, with a bustling mix of people, food, music, and all-night beach parties, is the most preferred tropical paradise of the travellers. The fusion of Portuguese heritage along with diverse religions is best seen in the form of cuisine.
If you want to spend some time in Goa that will last a lifetime, We would highly urge you to try these mouth-watering local dishes. It’s worth the trip.
5 Signature Dishes of Goa
Goan Fish Curry
Also known as Xitti Kodi, is the deeply aromatic curry loaded with a handful of local spices along with fresh tomatoes and coconut-based sauce on virtually any fish. The use of raw mango adds a touch of tang to it. Now, you have got a brand new exciting recipe do try it with rice or pao[Goan bread].
Goan Pork Vindaloo
The customary blend of pork with onions, chillies, garlic, vinegar and other spices is a piquant explosion of flavours. It leaves your taste buds tingling for more. The Portuguese method evolved with time when Chillies found their way in, and wine was swapped out for the more widely available palm vinegar.
Crab Xec Xec
A classic Goan dish, comprised of coconut milk, tomatoes, green chillies, onions. Along with dry roasted strong coriander seeds, peppercorn, red chillis and tamarind, the curry is mildly spicy but without overpowering the flavours of the crab, served along with rice or bread, is a perfect blast for seafood lovers.
Prawn balchão
A spicy shrimp based masala pickle, that has a sweet, spicy and tangy flavour is comprised of fiery tomatoes and chilli sauce. The unique ingredient that makes the prawn even more appetising is the Goan Toddy Vinegar. They are highly addictive so, why don’t you do as the Goans do and serve it with plain hot rice?
Goan Sanna
As sweet as the name sounds, Sanna is a spongy steamed rice cake, that has a soft texture and pleasant flavour better known as Goan Idli. Traditionally fermented with the use of Toddy, now substituted with yeast, are glaced with coconut milk for a rich sweetness. This Goan delicacy often eaten with a bowl of piping hot Goan pork sorpotel curry is a must-try.
Food is a way of life everywhere, but Goa, with its mix of European and Indian culture, celebrates this diversity. Try these lip-smacking local recipes the next time you’re in town.
5 Signature Drinks of Goa
Kokum Juice
With vibrant red colour, kokum berries are an essential element of the Konkan food culture. These red lovelies are a combination of sour taste and sweet aroma is the best natural coolant for the body. Add some ice while serving for the chill effect, and enjoy the summer with this perfect beach drink.
Sol Kadhi
Primarily made from kokum extract churned with coconut milk, and Indian spices, adds a savoury tone, which is a perfect combination to the spicy Goan grub. An excellent antidote for acidity, tagged as a natural digestive to sweet, sour and tangy aftertaste is a must-try.
Kaju Feni
After fermentation and distillation of coconut sap or cashew, results in the finest manifestation of strong alcohol i.e., Goan Feni. With a strong aroma, this high-quality Goan Feni is mostly enjoyed with lemon-lime soda. With a plethora of cocktail drinks on the horizon, you’ll be able to get drunk without a hangover. So, wanna grab a drink?
King’s Beer
So far only brewed and sold in Goa, these stimulating clean drinks have a smoky malt-scented, a light pint steals the show. With a crisp refreshing aftertaste, it goes well though preferably with a side of fried fish. So, Cheers!
Port Wine
Also known as ‘Vinho do Porto’, brought by the Portuguese, is now served as a dessert wine, must have voyaged a long distance. Because of its sweet flavour and spicy aroma, with flavour varying with notes of berries, chocolate, caramel, cinnamon etc, it is widely popular throughout Goa.
Goa has, undoubtedly, something for everyone, so sit on a sunbed at one of the beach shacks and sip on these authentic drinks while soaking in the breezy Goan vibes. Watching the sunset on these serene beaches are the heart-catchy moment of life.
Cover Photo Credits : Terje Sollie
