Must-Try Dishes and Where to Find Them, When in Goa - “When in Goa, Indulge Your Tastebuds”                

Before embarking on your culinary adventure in Goa, selecting the right type of accommodation is essential and can enhance your overall experience. Your choice of accommodation can greatly influence your culinary experiences, allowing you to learn more about Goa’s food culture from locals.

Apartments: For those looking for a stay that incorporates a high level of amenities and facilities, it is recommended to stay at hotel apartments in Goa. Apartments such as the Citadines Arpora Nagoa Goa offer a homely atmosphere and have their own restaurants providing all-day dining options offering you a wider range of options when it comes to trying dishes.  

Homestays: Staying at a homestay allows you to experience Goan culture more intimately. Some homestays include home-cooked meals, where you can enjoy Goan dishes like Sorpotel or Vindaloo made by local families.

Boutique Stays: For a more personalised experience, boutique stays are a great option. They often blend modern comforts with Goan heritage and can provide unique dining experiences, such as private dinners featuring Goan specialities.

Prawn Balchão is a fiery and tangy dish that traces its roots to Portuguese influences in Goan cuisine. The dish consists of prawns cooked in a thick, spicy sauce made from dried red chillies, vinegar, and a blend of spices. It's typically served as a pickle-like side dish but can also be enjoyed as a main course with rice. Prawn Balchão is often found in small family-run eateries and local joints, especially in the areas of Old Goa. Visiting a local spice market in Mapusa or Vasco da Gama can be a great way to buy the Balchão masala and try making it yourself when you get back home.

No visit to Goa is complete without tasting Bebinca, a traditional Goan layered dessert that’s a treat for the senses. Made with eggs, coconut milk, sugar, and ghee, this dessert is slowly baked layer by layer to create a rich and decadent treat. Bebinca has a unique, caramel-like flavour and a dense, custard-like texture that makes it a favourite during festivals and celebrations. Look for traditional bakeries and sweet shops across Goa that specialise in Goan desserts, particularly in areas like Panaji. Local markets and artisanal shops also offer pre-packaged Bebinca, which can be a perfect gift to bring back for family and friends.

Goan Fish Curry, also known as Xitti Kodi, is the signature dish of Goa and is a must-try for any seafood lover. This dish is made with fresh fish, typically mackerel or kingfish, cooked in a coconut milk-based curry spiced with turmeric, red chillies, and tamarind. The tangy and spicy flavour of the curry, combined with the creaminess of the coconut, makes it a perfect accompaniment to steamed rice. Goan shacks and beachside eateries often serve this dish, allowing you to enjoy the meal with a view of the sea. Markets in coastal towns like Margao or Panaji often feature small stalls that serve homemade versions of Goan Fish Curry, giving you a truly local experience.

Goa is known for its unique local liquors, Feni and Urrak, which are made from cashew apples or coconut palms. Feni is a strong spirit that is double-distilled, offering a potent and complex flavour profile. Urrak, on the other hand, is a lighter, first-distilled version, often consumed during the summer months. Both drinks are integral to Goan culture and are enjoyed in various cocktails or simply on their own with lime and soda. Look for local taverns and bars in the villages, where you can experience these drinks in an authentic setting. Small distilleries in areas like Ponda and Salcete allow you to learn about the distillation process and sample different varieties of Feni and Urrak.