When one thinks of Goa, the mind often drifts to beachside shacks, seafood curries, and tropical cocktails. But nestled within the vibrant online food community is @vegfoodtrails, an Instagram page run by Ankita Nagvekar, that’s bringing a quieter, greener revolution to the plate — one post at a time.
What started as a simple attempt to highlight vegetarian food options in a state famous for its non-vegetarian delicacies has evolved into a dynamic platform that resonates with food lovers across India.
“I grew up in Goa, surrounded by evolving vegetarian cuisine,” Ankita says. “But veg options were rarely highlighted. I started @vegfoodtrails to showcase that side of Goan food — from home-cooked comfort to local thalis.”
In its early stages, the page was filled with charming photos of meals cooked at home and visits to humble eateries. But as Instagram shifted towards reels, Ankita adapted.
“Now I focus on shooting engaging, snappy content with strong visuals, trending audio, and meaningful CTAs,” she says. This pivot helped the page grow without compromising on authenticity.
Her creative process follows a clear routine: visit, shoot, edit, post. She uses tools like InShot and Instagram’s native features, and always seeks that one standout moment — a hook that’ll stop users mid-scroll.
Every caption, every hashtag, is chosen with care. “I want my audience to not just double-tap but also relate, learn, and maybe even cook or visit the place.”
When asked about her take on fusion food, Ankita offers a balanced view. “Fusion should enhance, not distort. While I enjoy creative reinterpretations, my heart leans toward traditional recipes rich in culture and memory.”
Through her lens, @vegfoodtrails has brought attention to overlooked gems like Kapa Pao, Mirchi Pao, and Goan Bhaji Pao — dishes that are rich in history, flavour, and community memory.
Her personal favourites? “Rice, dal, and rava-fried batata kappa — that’s comfort on a plate. And for breakfast? Mix bhaji pav with mirchi and chai. No menu needed.”
Perhaps the most moving part of Ankita’s journey has been the audience feedback. “Many vegetarians messaged me saying they finally found a page that understands their food — not just features it. That trust means everything.”
While Goa remains the heart of @vegfoodtrails, Ankita is gradually exploring India’s vast veg offerings. “Indore blew my mind. North India has so much veg diversity. I’d love to bring more of that to my page.”
For Ankita, @vegfoodtrails is more than an Instagram page. It’s a living archive — a space to preserve regional food wisdom, amplify underrepresented communities, and inspire mindful food choices.
“I want people to cook more, travel more, eat consciously, and fall in love with veg food all over again.”
Discover more from Allycaral
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
