Cuisines of Goa

The Portuguese presence in Goa began in 1510 (and ended in 1961), when Afonso de Albuquerque conquered it from the Muslim rulers. At that time, Goa was a very big city, with good houses, well surrounded by strong walls, towers and cubicles. Around the city, many vegetable gardens and orchards, with many beautiful trees and tanks of good water with mosques and houses of prayer of gentle Hindus were present. The whole land was very much harnessed. Thus one can see that the bases of good food existed, with rich soil, abundant water and a sea to lose sight of. It was on this basis that Goan cuisine was born, a marriage (at the table) of Indian and Portuguese traditions.

Throughout the centuries there has been miscegenation of the cultural traditions of both peoples as a result of crossed marriages and isolation from the metropolis, which has led some of the traditions, especially the culinary traditions, to adapt to the climate, availability of ingredients and local tastes. This fusion of cuisines created gastronomy of its own identity, with contributions coming from both the colony and the distant territories of Portuguese dominion, as well as some contributions, mainly from products from other parts of the Portuguese world, namely the East African coast where Portugal had a solid presence. Relative proximity meant that there were regular trade routes between Goa and Mozambique, which was the reason for this sharing.

Goan cuisine assimilated things from its Portuguese lineage like soups, some vegetables (okra, spinach, cauliflower, aubergine, green beans), and beef and pork. Here it was noted the religious traditions, which in Goa did not inhibit (contrary to the Hindu and Muslim religion) the consumption of these animals. These meats gave life to dishes such as vindaloo (coming from vine of garlic), the balchão, the sarapatel and even the chorizo Goês, similar to Portuguese but more spicy.

The cuisine of Goa is a perfect and admirable mixture between two cuisines, Portuguese and Indian. Thus was born a unique gastronomy appreciated all over the world by all the people who taste it.

This unique blend of tastes and thus evolution of various dishes are result of five centuries of continuous modification and specialization. One of the secrets of the unique tastes lies in the variety of spices. Goan cuisine is essentially characterized by the spices, some with a strong flavor (for example the spicy) and also by the strong (but pleasant) odor.

Main characteristics of the Goan cuisine

Catholic Influence: Various types of curry made from cow meat, pork, lamb, fish, seafood and vegetables like Sarapatel, Chacuti, chicken giblets, etc.

Confectionery: Bebinca; Sweet grains; Coconut slices; Sweet of dates; Papaya candy; Bout Jagrada; Coconut spiders; Children; Oddés; Mandarés and various types of cakes.

Hindu Influence: Sacarbat; Chicken chacuti ; Biriani; Puran-poly; Various types of bhaji; Bogins and chapatís.

Confectionery: Alvan; Gellebis; Dudpenddés; Mashed xiró; Sesame candy; Neurês; Laddús; Narcantís; Great variety of xêv, xiuddó, gelebís; etc.

Islamic Influence: Rice pulau and stew lamb with rice.

Goan food is hot, making good use of the bird's -eyes chilling grown locally. The dishes show a strong Portuguese influence, although local flavors are also apparent. The signature dish is the spicy pork or beef Vingaloo. The Goan sausage-chorizo-is 'hot', literally. Other notable dishes include sorpotel (Pickeled pig liver and heart) and chicken xacuit. The juice of the cashew fruit is fermented to produce feni, the potent local brew. Goa is one place that knows how to party, where people come for their bit of fun and sun. The best time to be here is around New Year, when the wildest parties in the country are thrown all over Goa. It's an experience few can forget.

Goa Tour Packages

North Goa Day Tour

North Goa Day Tour

0 Nights / 1 Days
Destination : North Goa

Incredible India with Diwali Tour

Incredible India with Diwali Tour

15 Nights / 16 Days
Destination : Delhi-Udaipur-Jaipur-Abhaneri-Fatehpur-Sikri-Agra-Orchha-Khajuraho-Varanasi-Mumbai-Goa

Goa Honeymoon Tour

Goa Honeymoon Tour

3 Nights / 4 Days
Destination : Goa

Goa Beach Tour

Goa Beach Tour

4 Nights / 5 Days
Destination : Goa

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