Authentic Goan cuisine is a distinctive mix of richness and subtlety
Goa = Tourism. And, what do tourists enjoy the most other than sightseeing? Food. Trying out the various dishes and specialties forming the local cuisine. Goa is a land of diverse cultures with a hint of Portuguese, Arab, Brazilian, African, French, Konkani, Malabari, Malaysian and Chinese.
Goan cuisine is highly influenced by the Portuguese roots and overlaps with the Konkan and Maharashtrian food palette.
The use of Kokum instead of tamarind is a very distinct feature. The spices and flavours are intense while the prolific use of coconuts in various forms is highly delectable. Authentic Goan cuisine is a distinctive mix of richness and subtlety.
Now, here’s the thing about being a Goan and living in Mumbai. You crave the food and you got to indulge in it. What do I do? I swear by Jai Hind Lunch Home, Gomantak Maratha Brahmin, and Goa Portuguesa.
Jai Hind Lunch Home
Lip-smacking affordable Goan seafood defines Jai Hind Lunch Home and its speciality. From their bombil sandwich to prawns koliwada and neer dosa, kombdi vade, and sol kadi, everything is just delicious.
In fact, the best Goan desserts and sweets are also available at their Vakola branch in Santacruz East. And a full meal will just cost you Rs 500, which is a steal for the authenticity this place maintains in their servings.
Gomantak Maratha Brahmin
This Mangalorean-Goan food joint, located in Dadar West, has been around since 1999. You’ll enjoy the generous portions available at the low cost.
Gomantak Maratha Brahmin is a restaurant that offers scrumptious traditional Goan food items, that are not just non-veg, such as Goan potato curry, patoleo (a dish made of turmeric or banana leaves into which rice, dal, coconut and jaggery are stuffed) and my personal favourite Kadio Bodio (tiny Maida sticks dipped in sugar syrup and dried).
Goa Portuguesa
What’s so special? Goa Portuguesa has a whole separate menu dedicated to Jain, vegetarian and vegan fare. For a Goan restaurant, this is a first.
Goans love to experiment with their food palette, but they also hold their bebinca dearly. It may surprise you but all kinds of kheer are famous in Goa, especially sweet potato kheer. Goans also believe in ending the meal on a sweet note and after a magnificent yet spicy meal at Goa Portuguesa, this kheer is a must try.
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