Cuisine of Goa is as eclectic as the diverse attractions in the land. We assure you that food in Goa is going to be an important part of your Goa travel. As the culture of Goa is a beautiful blend of various different cultures, food of Goa is also a delicious blend of many cultures. It is a mix of Konkani cuisine, Portuguese cuisine and Bahamani Nawabi traditions.

The most important ingredients of Goa’s food are fish, rice and feni. Most of Goans have food prepared out of these three things. Goa’s original cooking style is greatly influenced by various groups who ruled Goa at different times; Portuguese, Hindu and Muslim kingdoms. Goan food is the exotic mix of these great cuisines. Any Goa travel Guide would vouch for it.

Goa being a coastal region, sea food is unavoidable part of meals of Goa’s people. On your Goa travel, you should not miss some popular Goan sea food items like lobsters, Prawns, ladyfish, mussels. For Goans, cooking style is as important as the menu. However, traditional styles of cooking are taken over by the modern conveniences in the urban areas at least.

A large potpourri of ingredients is used while preparing the Goan dishes as the Goans love spicy, hot and pungent food. These spices are used give the tantalizing flavor to the food. Some of the spices used in daily food are red chilies, Kokum (this is red colored sour tasting fruit), tamarind, coconut milk and the palm vinegar. Many sauces prepared from the native ingredients and pickles are part of routine food of Goans.

The cooking styles carry great importance in Goa cuisine. These different and carefully done cooking styles lend that aromatic flavor to the dishes. In contrast to cities, people in villages, still cook in traditional style in the clay pots over the firewood. This style of cooking gives unique smoky flavor to the food. Grinding of ingredients is important part of cooking. Tastier dishes take longer to get cooked.

You need not go to five star restaurants only to have that exotic flavor of Goan food. Instead, you should try some lip smacking delicacies at the small roadside restaurants. The tasty food is served with great hospitality. Your Goa travel is surely incomplete without trying some popular Goan dishes like Pork Vindaloo, Sorpotel, Chicken Xacuti, Fish Curry, Bibinca. Some vegetarian delicacies are Mushroom Tondak, Khatkhatem, Sushelle and Karathiacho Kuval.