Exploring Goa's unique local flavours and culinary traditions

Danuska Da Gama

EXPLORING GOA

There’s so much to explore in Goa. A visit to any market will showcase Goa’s rich heritage and our love for all things Goan.

Goan Culture | Goan Heritage | Local Flavours and Traditions | Markets | Photo: Danuska Da Gama

1. VINEGAR

A staple in Goan kitchens, tangy, fermented vinegar made from coconut sap adds a distinct zing to traditional dishes like Sorpotel and Balchao.

Vinegar | Goan Culture | Goan Heritage | Local Flavours and Traditions | Markets | Photo: Danuska Da Gama

2. GOAN SAUSAGES

These spicy, pork sausages are packed with the bold flavours of garlic, vinegar and Goan spices, perfect for a hearty Choris Pão or a rich Sausage Pulao.

Goan Sausages | Choris| Goan Culture | Goan Heritage | Local Flavours and Traditions | Markets | Photo: Danuska Da Gama

3. EARTHENWARE TREASURES

From clay pots and budkules to money banks and other interesting items, handcrafted earthenware is essential for slow-cooked Goan curries, and lend an authentic taste to every meal.

Clay pots | Earthenware | Goan Culture | Goan Heritage | Local Flavours and Traditions | Markets | Photo: Danuska Da Gama

4. SPICE OF LIFE

Fresh spices like cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg bring warmth and depth to Goan cuisine, making every dish a flavourful delight. You can also purchase readymade, ground masalas – that’s the easy way out.

Local spices | Cinnamon | Cloves | Nutmeg | Goan Heritage | Local Flavours and Traditions | Markets | Photo: Danuska Da Gama

5. BIBE

Bibe is the raw cashew seed. Before it becomes the beloved Goan cashew nut, this raw seed is available in Goan markets. An expensive affair, it’s certainly worth trying.

Bibe | Cashew seed | Goan Culture | Goan Heritage | Local Flavours and Traditions | Markets | Photo: Danuska Da Gama

6. THE HEAT IS ON

From fiery Goan chillies, like the 'Partagali' and 'Pernem' varieties, to milder ones, chillies add heat, colour and flavour to everything from Xacuti to Recheado masala.

Goan Chillies | Goan heritage | Market | Local flavours and traditions | Goan culture | Photo: Danuska Da Gama

7. LENTILES AND PULSES

A vital part of the Goan diet, pulses are used in comforting curries, hearty stews, and even traditional sweets like Mangane. Support local when you buy it from those who grow such crops.

Lentiles and pulses | Goan Culture | Goan Heritage | Local Flavours and Traditions | Markets | Photo: Danuska Da Gama

8. SAVOURY AND SWEET

From local chiwdas, chakris, roce cookies and other Goan snacks, there’s a lot to understand about Goan flavours and celebrate our culinary heritage.

Savoury and sweet delights | Chiwda | Chakri | Local Flavours and Traditions | Markets | Photo: Danuska Da Gama

9. DRIED FISH

A means to survive during the rains in the good old days, kharem or dried, salted fish is sought-after by locals as well as Goans who want to give a Goan touch to their meals while living in foreign lands.

Dried prawns | Goan Culture | Goan Heritage | Local Flavours and Traditions | Markets | Photo: Danuska Da Gama

NEXT: Walk on the wild side of Goa