The Goan Cuisine is a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese flavours. It is characterised by its use of spices, coconut, and seafood. Given Goa's coastal location, many seafood options are available, from Goan fish curry to grilled prawns and calamari. However, numerous vegetarian options, including traditional Goan vegetarian dishes, are also available.

Popular Goan Cuisine

• Portuguese Cuisine: Influenced by centuries of Portuguese rule, Goa offers authentic Portuguese dishes. Look out for options like Bacalhau à Brás (codfish), Caldo Verde (green soup), and Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts).
• Saraswat Cuisine: The traditional cuisine of the Saraswat Brahmins, a community in India with a rich culinary heritage. Saraswat cuisine is particularly popular in the coastal regions of Goa and Karnataka. The emphasis is on seafood and the use of coconut.

Popular Goan Dishes

• Goan Fish Curry (Xitti Kodi) is a delectable combination of various aromatic spices, grated coconut, and a tangy raw mango flavour. It is commonly served with rice and is a popular dish among the locals.
• Chicken Xacuti is a Portuguese-styled dish with chicken, potatoes, onions, coconuts, chillies, and other spices. Kashmiri chillies are used to give an intense hot flavour and also add colour to the dish.
• Sorak is a simple vegetarian curry made especially during the monsoon season. It consists of spicy masala with onions and tomatoes.
• Bebinca - One of the most famous desserts - Bebinca is a multi-layered cake (adding from 7 to 14 layers) with coconut milk, egg yolks, sugar and almonds to enhance the taste.