Culture & Tradition

Cuisine – A Blend of East and West

Goan cuisine reflects the state’s coastal geography, Hindu roots, and Portuguese legacy.

Staples:

• Rice and fish curry (called Xit Codi) is the staple food.
• Coconut, kokum, and spices are commonly used.

Popular Dishes:

• Fish Recheado: Spicy, masala-filled fried fish.
• Pork Vindaloo: Portuguese-origin dish made with vinegar, garlic, and spices.
• Chicken Xacuti: Rich curry made with poppy seeds and roasted coconut.
• Prawn Balchão: Spicy prawn pickle-like dish.
• Sorpotel: Pork offal dish, mainly during Christmas.

Sweets and Desserts:

• Bebinca: Layered coconut milk and egg-based cake, a Christmas specialty.
• Doce: Chickpea-based sweet.
• Perad: Guava cheese.