A Guide To Food in Goa, India
Goa – a south western Indian state located along the coast on the shore of Arabian sea. It is generally referred to as “Tourist’s Paradise” for being famous across the globe for its splendid natural beauty including pristine beaches, lovely waterfalls, dense forest and tropical climate.
It has popular holiday destinations that are well renowned worldwide despite being one of the smallest states in India.
Goa is the home of the best variety of cashew nuts available in India and the world. Among various essential spice plantations, cashew orchards and coconut groves are cultivated extensively.
Like in Malabar and Malnad cuisine coconut has been widely used in Goan cuisine and the dishes are not just spicy like in Chettinad, Khatiyawadi, Rajasthani cuisine but tangy as well due to the use of tamarind and kokum.
Seafood has always been synonymous with Goa due to its coastal location. However, contrary to popular conception that the Goan cuisine is all about seafood and meat, there are a wide range of vegetarian dishes that are available in roadside stalls and small food outlets but they may not make their appearance in restaurants and luxury hotels, these hidden gems are the staple food of Goan people and are a part of everyday meals.
List of a few popular vegetarian dishes
Sol Kadi: A very popular savoury beverage made of dried kokum. This refreshing drink is relished as an appetiser or the end of the meal for its digestive properties. Unlike the Maharastrian version the coconut milk is not used. Sol kadhi is entirely different from Punjabi or Bhojpuri or Malwani kadhi.
Feni: The pride of Goa is this local alcoholic drink made from coconut or cashews. Kaju feni made with cashew apples is quite popular among locals and tourists. It is abundantly available during the cashew cultivation season.
Sannas: The Goan version of popular South Indian dish Idli. These soft and fluffy steamed rice cakes are served with assorted chutneys for breakfast, with curries for light dinner.
Tambdi Bhaji: A healthy and nutritious stir-fry made with amaranth leaves (red spinach), served with dal and rice or with chapati.
Kat Kathe: Mixed vegetable and lentil stew spiced with freshly ground coconut and red chillies. It goes well with locally grown red rice.
Almi Tonak: A typical Goan dish prepared with mushrooms and coconut based gravy. The word Almi means mushrooms and Tonak means gravy. In some parts of Goa it is also called Xacuti. It is usually served with rice, roti or pav.
Sorak: Classic Goan curry made of onion tomato masala. This spicy curry is a staple in Goan households and thali is incomplete without it.
Moongachi Gathi: Delicious sprouted green gram curry in a coconut gravy. It pairs well with rice and poori.
Tavasali: A delicious and mildly sweet cucumber cake.
Atwal: Pudding made with fenugreek seeds, rice, jaggery and coconut milk.
Dodol: A delicious dessert made with coconut milk, jaggery and rice flour.
Alle Belle: A popular tea time snack made with just a few ingredients. The coconut and jaggery stuffed crepes rolled and served with tea. It is as popular and favourite among Goans as Jalebi for people from Malwa region and Narikol pitha from Assamese cuisine.
Are you looking to expand your culinary horizons? Then check Kumaoni, Garhwali, Andhra, Odia, Haryanvi, Kashmiri and Awadhi cuisine.
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