Visitors
to Goa tend to think that food and drink in Goa means the famous fish, curry,
rice and feni package. And for most Goans these are indeed the three basic necessities
of life -- fish, curry and rice.
They combine to make a heavenly daily meal for the average Goan. But Goan cuisine,
like the land itself, has many flavours and tastes with its vast treasure trove
of culinary delicacies.
The long period of Portuguese rule, besides that of the Muslim and Hindu kingdoms,
has left an indelible influence on the original style of Goan cooking and this
has led to an exotic mix of truly tasty and spicy cuisine. Most people who sample
Goan cuisine, enjoy this different and unique style of food which has a distinct
and unique combination of spicy flavours.
A Goan values his food as much as he does his daily siesta (break). And in his
daily meal, seafood always has a pride of place is some form or the other. From
fried fish to exotic concoctions like ambot-tik, sea food is usually a must
on the menu, except for the occasional break for some religious observance.
Goans take pleasure not only in what they eat, but also how they cook it. Although
modern conveniences have almost completely taken over in urban areas, the traditional
way of cooking in clay pots on firewood continues in most rural areas of Goa.
This style of cooking adds an additional smoky flavour to the food, highly valued
by Goans.
Despite the two schools of cuisine traditions influenced by the respective religions
of Hinduism and Christianity; there are some meeting points that present an
interesting harmony. This blend of various cooking styles and influences is
what makes Goan food so unique among the cuisines of India.
With
a wide variety ranging from prawns to sausages, chicken to beef, and numerous
vegetarian dishes, Goan cuisine is able to satisfy even the most finicky gourmet
appetites. Goa has some magnificent culinary delicacies like the prawn balchão
and sorpotel which have become famous around the world.
While Hindu Goan food does not seem to have picked up any major Portuguese influence,
the Christian food has been influenced not only by the Portuguese, but also
by its overseas colonies. Traditional Goan cooking calls for plenty of muscle
and time. Grinding is always part of the recipe and the nicer the dish the longer
it takes to make.
