Goa Cuisine

Goa Cuisine is a blend of different influences, and although the staple diet is fish, true for Hindus and Catholics, a vast difference in the foods consumed by these two communities exists.

This is mainly because Christians eat beef and pork which are taboo for followers of Hinduism. Many Christian dishes are also influenced by the long period of Portuguese rule, and that of Middle East and Hindu Kingdoms, while the Hindu dishes seem to have remained true to their original form.

Goan Cuisine is largely non-vegetarian. The meal typically consists of seafood, pork and chicken. Portuguese influence is visible in the dishes of Caldeirada, Racheiado and Cabidela. Pork is a must for any Christian festive occasion with Pork Vindaloo being the most famous preparation. It is a spicy concoction with plenty of red chillies, garlic, cooked with chunks of pork, Goa vinegar, hard palm jaggery, and is best enjoyed with rice.

A wide choice of dining options exists throughout Goa, ranging from restaurants in the five star hotels to numerous little family run eateries and beach shacks that offer mouth-watering cuisine in both local and western styles.