Goan cuisine consists of regional foods popular in
Goa, located along
India's west coast along the
Arabian Sea. Seafood,
coconut milk, rice and paste are main ingredients of Goan delicacies. The area is located in a tropical climate, and spices and flavors are intense. Use of
Kokum is another distinct feature. Goan food cannot be considered complete without fish. It is similar to the
Malvani cuisine/ Konkani cuisine.
The cuisine of Goa is influenced by its Hindu origins, four hundred years of
Portuguese colonialism, and modern techniques. The state is frequented by tourists visiting its beaches and historic sites, so its food has an international aspect.
Seafood
The cuisine is mostly seafood based, the
staple food is rice and
fish.
Kingfish is the most common delicacy, others include
pomfret,
shark,
tuna and
mackerel. Among the
shellfish are
crabs,
prawns,
tiger prawns,
lobster,
squid and
mussels.
The
Hindu food of Goa is unique, and the
Christian food is influenced by the Portuguese.
Introduction of new edibles to Goan cuisine
The Portuguese brought
potatoes,
tomatoes,
pineapples,
guavas and
Cashews from
Brazil to Goa. Of these tomatoes and potatoes were not accepted by the
Hindus until the late 20th century. The most important part of Goan spices, the
Chillies were introduced to Goan cuisine by the Portuguese which became immensely popular. All these above mentioned ingredients were not used in Goan cuisine before the advent of the...
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