Cuisine:
The food of Daman and Diu is a delicious blend of Indian, Portuguese, and tribal flavors, with a strong emphasis on seafood and Gujarati influences.25
- Seafood Delicacies: Given its coastal location, seafood is a staple. Popular dishes include:
- Fish Koliwada: A spicy fried prawn dish, believed to have originated in Daman.
- Crabs and Lobsters: Major delicacies, especially in October.26
- Goan Fish Curry (Xitti Kodi): Features aromatic spices, grated coconut, and raw mango.
- Butter-garlic tiger prawns, Rohu, Mrigal, Katla.27
- Gujarati Influence: A predominance of vegetarian dishes is found, similar to Gujarat.28
- Dhokla, Kadhi, Khakra: Popular Gujarati snacks and dishes.
- Undhiyu or Ubadiyu: A mixed vegetable dish.29
- Khatta Meetha Bhaat.
- Portuguese Influence:
- Chicken Xacuti: A spicy chicken curry with coconut and aromatic spices.30
- Pork Vindaloo: Marinated pork cooked in a spicy sauce.
- Bebinca: A famous multi-layered Portuguese dessert made with coconut milk, egg yolks, and sugar.31
- Vegetable Caldin: A mild vegetable curry cooked in coconut milk.32
- Local Snacks and Staples:
- Papri: Boiled sweet and salty peas, a popular evening snack.33
- Chokha with saag and curry: A common dinner.
- Tribal dishes often feature local ingredients like pulses, vegetables, bamboo shoots, and wild mushrooms, usually served with rice, ragi, or jowar roti.
6. Attire:
