Read this if you love Goa’s ‘bebinca’, the ‘Queen of desserts’
Evelyn Siqueira
THE ROYAL TREATMENT
Bebinca, the popular and much-loved Goan dessert, often called the ‘Queen of desserts’ is traditionally prepared in Goan Catholic homes on festive occasions such as Christmas.
Christmas | Goa | Photo: Rohan Fernandes
THE BEBINCA STORY
Nuns of the Convento da Santa Monica, in Old Goa, are believed to have created bebinca.
Convento da Santa Monica | Old Goa
WHAT’S IN A NAME
The sweet derived its name, bebinca, from the nun, Sister Bebiana, who is credited with inventing it.
bebinca ingredients | Goa
A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME…
Among Goans, it is called bibik in the local language.
This pudding is multi-layered with anything from 6 to 16 layers or even more.
Goa | sweets |bebinca
INSIDE STUFF
Although seemingly exotic, it is made using basic ingredients – egg yolks, flour, coconut milk, sugar and ghee (clarified butter), and a dash of nutmeg powder.
bebinca ingredients | Goa
TASTE MAKER
It is traditionally cooked on a wood fire, while burning hot coconut husks are placed on top of the lid, all of which impart a distinct smoky flavour to the dessert.
coconut husk | Goa
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
Bebinca got a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2023.
GI | Goa
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