Events in Goa

FIERCE Markets Brings Goa’s Next Food Wave to Margao


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Goa’s growing foodpreneurship ecosystem is set to enter an exciting new chapter with the launch of FIERCE Markets in Margao. Envisioned as a community-driven marketplace, the initiative aims to provide emerging food entrepreneurs with a practical, low-risk platform to test concepts, build visibility and engage directly with consumers in a real-world setting.

An extension of the FIERCE Kitchens ecosystem, FIERCE Markets brings together home chefs, student chefs, professional chefs transitioning into entrepreneurship and early-stage food startups under one roof. The platform has been designed to address two of the biggest challenges faced by food businesses today — high capital investment and limited market access. By offering ready-to-use food trucks and carts equipped with commercial-grade kitchen infrastructure, the market significantly reduces entry barriers for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The initiative is supported by the Kamaxi College of Culinary Arts, Verna, in collaboration with the Atal Incubation Centre at Goa Institute of Management. Together, they aim to nurture culinary talent in Goa by offering not just space, but also mentorship, operational guidance and real-time customer feedback, allowing entrepreneurs to refine their offerings and business models.

Operating daily from 5 pm onwards on the Margao–Colva road at Mungul, FIERCE Markets has also been envisioned as a complete experiential destination for the public. The space features thoughtfully designed seating, warm ambient lighting, integrated sound systems and live entertainment on weekends, creating an inviting social hub for families, food lovers and tourists alike. Regular pop-ups by renowned chefs and food influencers further add to the energy of the marketplace.

At its core, FIERCE Markets celebrates collaboration, creativity and community. It creates an environment where culinary diversity thrives alongside entrepreneurship, allowing ideas to evolve organically while building sustainable food brands. With this launch, Margao positions itself at the heart of Goa’s next food wave, supporting a new generation of food entrepreneurs ready to make their mark.

Spotlight

Lily Catering Services: Redefining Wedding Experiences Across Goa with Flavor, Warmth, and Passion


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey for Lily Catering Services, traveling across every corner of Goa and curating unforgettable experiences for weddings and events. Each event brings new learning, new people, and the joy of sharing good food. What has touched the team most is the warmth and acceptance they’ve received from clients all over the state. Along the way, they’ve discovered Goa’s many cultures and traditions, and with each event, they’ve grown more connected to the people they serve.

The menu at Lily Catering Services reflects a perfect balance of Goan heritage and global influence. Signature dishes like BBQ Pork Ribs, Pork Belly in Hunan Sauce, and Shepherd’s Pie bring together comfort and creativity, while desserts such as the Dark Chocolate Marquise, Baklava Cheesecake Roll, and Tender Coconut Kheer add a distinct and memorable finish to every celebration.

When planning a wedding, the goal is simple—to create a menu that stands out. Whether it’s a Goan celebration or a modern themed event, the team curates dishes that surprise and delight guests. They often suggest fusion menus that mix Goan favorites with international flavors, and the joy on guests’ faces as they try something new makes it all worthwhile.

Each menu is personalized to reflect the couple’s taste and personality. Tasting sessions help finalize dishes, and dietary requirements like vegan, gluten-free, or Jain meals are handled with utmost care. The team works closely to customize dishes, brief the service staff, and ensure every guest feels included and cared for.

Some of the most memorable experiences have come from large-scale weddings—events that feel like organized chaos but end in triumph when everything flows seamlessly. Behind the success is a well-trained team, many of whom have worked together for years. Their shared experience and chemistry make the service smooth, efficient, and professional.

Communication is key, and the team maintains constant contact with wedding planners and venues through WhatsApp and calls to ensure every detail is aligned. Alongside food, Lily Catering Services also offers bar services, featuring cocktails and mocktails customized to the couple’s story—sometimes even recreating the first drink they shared together. Popular choices like the ‘Busy Bombay’ cocktail and their rotating seasonal creations keep guests delighted year after year.

Behind every dish is a skilled culinary team personally trained to uphold high standards. With flexible catering packages, including special discounts for upcoming seasons, Lily Catering Services ensures that great food is accessible without compromising on quality. Regular training sessions and workshops keep the team sharp, ensuring service that’s both warm and professional.

Feedback from clients has been overwhelmingly positive, with guests often praising the unique flavors and presentation. Even small, detailed feedback is valued—it reflects the company’s commitment to perfection. From the first consultation to the final event, clients receive hands-on support, ensuring that every element runs smoothly and stress-free.

When asked what makes the team special, the founder says they’re like a Shepherd’s Pie—a blend of many ingredients coming together to create something comforting and satisfying. The same spirit drives their work ethic and passion.

With new dishes and services launching every season, and a dream of catering beyond Goa, Lily Catering Services continues to grow. Their ultimate vision is to take their love for food and hospitality global—ensuring that no matter where they go, every meal carries a little bit of Goan warmth and a whole lot of heart.

#food

NRAI to Host 4th Indian Restaurant Summit 2025 in Goa: Spotlight on “Serving the Future”


The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has announced that the 4th edition of its flagship Indian Restaurant Summit 2025 will take place from September 15–17 at Taj Cidade De Goa Horizon.

The three-day summit promises to be the largest gathering of its kind in India, with 2,000+ delegates, 500+ brands, and 300+ partners engaging in workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.

Theme: Serving the Future

Reflecting the dynamic growth of India’s food services sector – currently valued at ₹5.69 lakh crore and expected to reach ₹7.76 lakh crore by FY28 (Indian Food Services Report 2024) – this year’s theme emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and the evolving tastes of India’s diners.

Dignitaries and Speakers

  • Inauguration by Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, IT, E&C, and Printing & Stationery, Goa.
  • Keynote Address: Roni Mazumdar, CEO of Unapologetic Foods & Board Director of the National Restaurant Association (USA).
  • Star Speakers: A.D. Singh (Olive Bar & Kitchen), Ashneer Grover (The Big Chill Café), Anurag Katriar (Indigo Hospitality), Riyaaz Amlani (Impresario Entertainment), Ashish Tulsian (Restroworks).
  • Celebrity Chefs: Manish Mehrotra, Ranveer Brar, Saransh Goila, Vicky Ratnani, Avinash Martin.

Key Topics

  • Regional cuisines going national
  • India’s cocktail and café culture
  • Experiential dining
  • Culinary tourism & Goa’s role as a global hub

Quotes from Industry Leaders

Sagar Daryani, President of NRAI, said:

“The Indian Restaurant Summit is not just an industry event but a movement to unify voices, foster innovation, and unlock growth for the sector. Goa, as an emerging hospitality hub, provides the perfect backdrop to explore new opportunities.”

Prahlad Sukhtankar, NRAI Goa Chapter Head, added:

“This edition will also address Goa’s transformation into a global culinary hub, tackling challenges like seasonality and licensing while highlighting its tourism-driven potential.”

Legacy of the Summit

Previously held in Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai, the Indian Restaurant Summit has grown in scale and influence, serving as a key platform for policy advocacy, industry collaboration, and next-gen growth models in India’s food services sector.

With Goa hosting for the first time, the 2025 edition is expected to set new benchmarks for the industry’s future.