Best food in Goa that you cannot miss!
If you are planning a trip to Goa, or have finally managed to have an uncancelled vacation to this coastal land, beaches, museums, and heritage walks must have already made it to your itinerary. But every travel destination, also has its own flavour palate to offer, and so does Goa! With a wide variety of dishes that are primarily based around staples like rice and seafood, the Goan tastes fills not just stomachs, but hearts with satisfaction too. Your trip to Goa would remain incomplete without experiencing some authentic Goan food. Which is why we, at Make It Happen, have curated the perfect guide of the best food in Goa, to satisfy your taste buds with the land’s flavour and give you an unforgettable experience!
Here are some listed food items, that you must try, to witness the magic of Goan food.
1. Recheado masala
Setting your taste buds on fire, the popular recheado masala is made of Kashmiri chillies along with a whole other spices and is prepared by grinding them together. Goa’s exclusive spirit, the Feni and Goan vinegar are two more important ingredients that are added, giving it the zing it’s known for!
Photo courtesy: Aromatic Essence
Photo courtesy: Pepper chilli and vanilla
This fiery and tangy marination paste is used for veggies or often stuffed in fish and simply enhances your plate of food. If you are a fan of spices, Recheado is something you should definitely go for!
2. Rissois
Looking for a lip-smacking evening snack? When in Goa, there’s nothing better than hot and fresh Rissois! A plate of crispy and aromatic rissois can make anyone’s mouth water. This popular snack is a Portuguese dish which made it into the Goan delicacies’ list post the Portuguese colonial rule.
Photo courtesy: Leite’s Culinaria
These are pockets, stuffed with a creamy filling generally of prawns, but are also popular with either vegetables, fish, or chicken, cut into crescent shapes, that ultimately melt in your mouth. These irresistible appetizers are a must try for anyone!
3. Forminhas
Forminhas are popular appetizers, served at almost every function in Goa, may it be a party or a wedding. They consist of a crispy canapé which is topped with delicious fillings, either savory or sweet in taste. It is usually light in intensity of flavours that acts as a perfect starter.
Photo courtesy: Polka Puffs
The filling could be salad-like to provide a freshness to your palate or zesty and flavor-packed with a choice of it being vegetarian or non-vegetarian. These undoubtedly are the best party starters and an appetizer you cannot miss!
4. Vonn
Besides the fancy delicacies, the Goan cuisine has depths of flavor traditionally too! Vonn, is a traditional Goan dessert relished by many on festivities like Ganesh Chaturthi or weddings.
Photo courtesy: Big Fat Tummy
Made with coconut milk and palm jaggery, this Channa Dal dessert, serves as a satisfying meal finisher. We think Vonn tastes best when served hot, but there’s always been a debate on which tastes better, chilled or hot Vonn. Why don’t you decide for yourself too?
5. Teias de Aranhas or ‘ Gon’
Coconut is an important ingredient for nearly all Goan recipes. But the tender coconut gives rise to a different flavour profile altogether. Used as an ingredient for various sweets, one such dessert is the ‘Teias de Aranhas’.
Photo courtesy: Celebration in my kitchen
Born from the Portuguese influence on Goa, ‘Teias de Aranhas’ or ‘Gons’ as it’s called in Goa, is a tender coconut sweet that’s made during Christmas season. Strips of tender coconut and sugar which are cooked together, become a delicious way to end your meal as it fills your mouth with goodness!
As you dig deeper, you will see an undending platter of food, embedded with Goan flavour that is still unknown to the crowd. Such dishes are a must try for anyone visiting Goa. If you wish to do so, the Feni and Tapas trail by MakeItHappen is the right activity to indulge in, when craving for some delicious food and exotic Feni-based cocktails.
MakeItHappen aims to bring to you, not just the Goa from famous itineraries, but also the authentic, rusticity of Goa and their stories, weaved within local streets. Join us on our tours and experience Goa from the vision you never knew you had! Stories, experiences and heritage, we have it all with our fantastic storytellers, only at MakeItHappen!
