Maxwell Godinho’s parents were excited to drop their son to the airport.
He was travelling abroad for the first time, flying to Portugal, where he and 10 other classmates from VM Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE), Manora-Raia, would be honing their skills to become hospitality professionals one day.
Back from the student exchange program in Portugal, which provided them with an unparalleled journey of cultural immersion and culinary exploration, the students are excited after having learnt a lot.
“Since it was my first time, my mother packed many things, especially medicines. And, I learnt a lot of cooking too,” says Maxwell, a second-year student, who learnt to cook the traditional pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tart), cataplana (a traditional shellfish stew from Algarve) and more on his month-long trip.
In the culinary industry, it is believed that chefs need to travel as it provides opportunities and experiences, focusing on communities, and, the perception of food, tastes, cultures and traditions.
And so, the students, accompanied by Chef Sandip Madkaikar, Assistant Professor of Food Production, at the college, embarked on an enriching experience, visiting renowned schools of tourism across Portugal.
In the culinary industry, it is believed that chefs need to travel as it provides opportunities and experiences, focusing on communities, and, the perception of food, tastes, cultures and traditions.
Thierry Peregrino de Souza, a Second Year BSc (Culinary Arts) student at VMSIIHE, says the trip was a transformative experience for him.
“From immersing in Portuguese culture and hospitality to exploring the beautiful regions of Portugal and tasting authentic dishes like bacalhau and chourico, each day brought new cultural insights and personal growth," he says.
"Interacting with fellow students from diverse backgrounds deepened my understanding of global perspectives, making my time in Portugal truly unforgettable,” he adds.
During their stay, the students visited Escola de Turismo Setubal, Escola de Turismo Algarve (Faro), Escola de Turismo Coimbra, Escola de Turismo Douro Lamego and Escola de Turismo Lisboa.
Each location offered unique insights into Portugal’s rich culinary heritage and its hospitality industry. The highlights included a pastry session on making pasteis de nata, a masterclass on regional gastronomy and a visit to the EVA Senses Hotel.
The students also dined at local restaurants, enjoying traditional Portuguese dishes like choco frito and chargrilled fish.
“This trip was important as it helped us understand the hospitality industry better. The culture in Portugal is very similar to Goa and so is the food,” says Keeifer Virginia De Souza, Second Year, BSc (Culinary Arts) student, who visited distilleries and cheese factories along with her classmates.
"I was amazed when I ate chanfana, a traditional food of Portugal. This dish is a goat stew served along with roast potatoes,” she says.
From immersing in Portuguese culture and hospitality to exploring the beautiful regions of Portugal and tasting authentic dishes like bacalhau and chourico, each day brought new cultural insights and personal growth.
Thierry Peregrino De Souza, Second Year BSc (Culinary Arts) student at VMSIIHE
Escola de Turismo Douro in Lamego featured state-of-the-art kitchens with modern equipment, and Chef Alexander provided a glimpse into traditional wood fire cooking.
The theme dinner, ‘Douro on Fire,’ was presented as a farewell party to the students.
At Escola de Turismo Coimbra, Dora, local guide and teacher of English, took the students to the oldest university of Coimbra, where they visited the 12th century library and the botanical garden, which boasts the largest collection of orchids and some carnivorous plants.
In addition to culinary classes, the students explored local attractions such as the Mercado do Livramento, Forte de São Filipe, and Faro's city center.
They visited the Douro Valley vineyards, learning about the history and evolution of vinho porto (port wine), and had wine tasting sessions that deepened their understanding of food and wine pairings.
The trip was not just about learning, but also about building lasting memories and friendships.
The students enjoyed numerous city walks, historical site visits and gourmet dinners, culminating in a farewell dinner, prepared by students in Portugal, filled with gratitude and camaraderie.
This student exchange program was the result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Turismo de Portugal and VMSIIHE, strengthening the relationship between the Escolas do Turismo de Portugal and VMSIIHE.