Tag: Goan Cuisine

Events in Goa

The Spirit of Goa Festival 2025 – A Resounding Celebration of Goa’s Distilling and Culinary Heritage

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Panjim, 29th April 2025 – The Department of Tourism convened a press conference with the Director Tourism Shri Kedar Naik, General Manager, Marketing GTDC Shri Gavin Dias, Deputy General, Marketing and PRO Shri Deepak Narvekar, and Assistant Director, Department of Tourism Shri Jayesh Kankonkar for the Spirit of Goa Festival, which will be held from 2nd to 4th May 2025 at the scenic SAG Grounds, Colva.

Director Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik stated “The Spirit of Goa Festival is more than just a celebration — it is a tribute to Goa’s legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and community spirit. By blending tradition with creativity, the festival presents a vibrant showcase of our rich heritage to the world. We are committed to strengthening such platforms that empower local artisans, distillers, and culinary talent, while also offering visitors an authentic taste of Goa’s evolving story.”

The three-day event will showcase 40 stalls and a wide spectrum of locally distilled beverages — from the traditional and GI-tagged Cashew Feni, to innovative Feni infusions, premium gins, craft beers, and exotic spirits crafted from both imported and indigenous raw materials. Distillers will also present exciting new ventures in wines and agave-based spirits, highlighting the dynamic future of Goa’s beverage industry.
The festival will offer a rich culinary journey. Moving beyond coconut and cashew-based dishes, the food curation will embrace ingredients such as banana flower, kokum, raw jackfruit, Bimla (bimbli), and mango, bringing together authentic Saraswat, Konkan, and Christian cuisines, alongside contemporary Goan fusion creations. Innovative cocktail pairings will further enhance the gastronomic experience.

Festivalgoers can engage in a host of immersive activities, including masterclasses on traditional food preparation and mixology, a curated Feni Experience Centre featuring Goa’s top distillers, live demonstrations of Goan arts and crafts, vibrant photobooth with props and the lively cashew stomping sessions which will delight participants of all ages.
The entertainment setup will feature a world-class audio system by Coda (Germany), showcasing Goa’s local talent on a globally benchmarked stage.

The Spirit of Goa Festival
continues to be a cornerstone in the Department of Tourism’s initiatives to promote Goa’s cultural, culinary, and artisanal heritage while supporting the state’s regenerative tourism vision..

Spotlight

Siya: The Cheesy Goan Foodie | Exploring the Flavors of Goa

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Siya, aka @thatcheesygoan, is a passionate food content creator who has been making waves in the culinary world with her authentic Goan recipes and restaurant reviews. With a deep connection to her roots, Siya’s journey with food began at a young age, inspired by her mother and grandmother’s cooking.


During the pandemic, Siya started documenting her food explorations on Instagram, sharing traditional recipes and highlighting local food joints. Her content quickly gained popularity, and she became known for her engaging storytelling and mouth-watering visuals.


Siya’s content primarily revolves around Goan cuisine, highlighting its rich flavors and traditions. She sources authentic produce from local vendors and uses time-honored recipes passed down through generations. Her “Ranchikud” series is a testament to her love for Goan food, where she showcases authentic recipes from local home cooks.


Siya’s hard work and dedication have earned her recognition as Goa’s Top Food Content Creator 2023 and Big Impact Creator 2025. These accolades motivate her to continue creating meaningful content that showcases the beauty of Goan cuisine.


Siya believes in building a strong community with her audience and guiding them to discover the best culinary spots in Goa. She engages with her followers through comments and daily updates, sharing her passion for food and culture.


Siya is excited to collaborate with local chefs, restaurants, and brands that celebrate Goan culinary traditions. She aims to continue showcasing the authentic food culture of Goa and beyond, inspiring others to explore the rich flavors and traditions of Indian cuisine.

#food

Preserving Goan Cuisine and Culture: The Inspiring Story of Sonika Lotlikar, Founder of SouthMouth

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In a world where traditional recipes and cultural heritage are often lost in the midst of modernization, Sonika Lotlikar, founder of SouthMouth, is on a mission to preserve the authentic flavors and traditions of Goan cuisine. Her journey, which began with a passion for cooking and a desire to showcase her cultural heritage, has inspired countless food enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike.

Sonika’s journey into the world of food entrepreneurship was not a conventional one. With a background in government and media, she never thought she would end up cooking for a living. However, after quitting her job, she decided to take the plunge and start her own business. With the encouragement of her mother, who shared her passion for cooking, Sonika began experimenting with traditional Goan recipes and ingredients.

SouthMouth, which gets its name from the fact that the chefs and recipes are from South Goa, was born out of Sonika’s desire to create a brand that showcased the essence of Goan cuisine and culture. Starting with packaged pickles and masalas, Sonika soon expanded her product line to include traditional Goan delicacies, salads, and snacks.

For Sonika, preserving traditional recipes and culture is not just about business; it’s about passion and love for her heritage. She believes that food is an integral part of any culture, and that it has the power to evoke emotions and create nostalgia. With SouthMouth, Sonika aims to take people on a culinary journey through Goa, showcasing the state’s unique flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques.

Sonika is committed to using only the freshest and healthiest ingredients in her products. She believes that food should not only taste good but also be good for you. With a focus on sustainability, Sonika ensures that her business practices are environmentally friendly and socially responsible.

Sonika’s journey has not been without its challenges. From facing financial difficulties to managing a one-woman show, she has had to overcome numerous obstacles to keep her business afloat. However, her passion and commitment to her vision have kept her going. Sonika’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to stay true to their vision, do their research, and never give up on their dreams.

As SouthMouth continues to grow and expand its product line, Sonika remains committed to her vision of preserving Goan cuisine and culture. With plans to launch new products and collaborate with other food enthusiasts, Sonika is excited to take her business to the next level. For her, the ultimate goal is to make SouthMouth a household name, synonymous with authentic Goan cuisine and culture.

#food, Spotlight

Discovering the Flavors of Goa with Anushka from Goa Food Journal

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Goa, a state known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and mouth-watering cuisine. To delve deeper into the world of Goan food, we spoke with Anushka, the talented influencer behind Goa Food Journal. Her passion for food, travel, and photography has led her to create a stunning online journal that showcases the best of Goa’s culinary scene.


Anushka’s love affair with food began during her college days in Goa. Alongside her sister, she would explore the state’s many restaurants, initially drawn to their aesthetic appeal but eventually falling in love with the local cuisine. This passion for food and travel led her to start Goa Food Journal, a platform where she shares her culinary adventures with the world.


When asked about what makes Goan cuisine unique, Anushka emphasized the bold flavors, rich masalas, and distinct cooking techniques that set it apart. From the spicy kick of the xacuti gravy to the delicate flavors of the Goan thali, every dish is a testament to the state’s rich culinary heritage. Anushka recommends visitors try the Chicken Cafreal, Ross Omelette, and Seafood Delicacies to experience the true flavors of Goa.


Anushka’s insider knowledge of Goa’s food scene led us to some hidden gems and underrated restaurants. River Touch Bar & Restaurant in Revora, North Goa, offers stunning views of the river, while Jess Family Restaurant and Sawant Restaurant in Verna, South Goa, serve up delicious local cuisine. These recommendations are a must-try for anyone looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.

Anushka’s strategy for creating engaging content involves exploring both high-end restaurants and local eateries. By showcasing the diversity of Goa’s food scene, she provides her audience with a one-stop destination for all their culinary needs. Her consistent posting schedule and stunning visuals have earned her a loyal following, and her detailed reviews ensure that readers can make informed decisions about where to dine.

Anushka has exciting plans for Goa Food Journal, including collaborations with new restaurants and cafes. She’s eager to feature newly opened spots and hidden gems, providing her audience with fresh recommendations. With her influence set to expand in the coming years, Anushka aims to explore different food cultures beyond Goa and create more travel-food content.

As our conversation came to a close, Anushka shared a heartfelt message with her audience: “Find something you truly love doing and invest time in it—you won’t regret it. Passion and consistency will always lead to something fulfilling.” These words of wisdom encapsulate the spirit of Goa Food Journal, a platform born out of passion and dedication to showcasing the best of Goan cuisine.

Stay tuned for more updates from Goa Food Journal, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey through the flavors of Goa!

#food

Upgrade Your Hobby: Learn to Cook French, Goan Cuisine and Baking 

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Panaji, February 2025 – Culinary enthusiasts looking to pick up new tips in French and Goan cuisine and refine their pastry skills can register for the newly unveiled culinary hobby courses jointly hosted by Kamaxi College of Culinary Arts (KCCA) and Kamaxi Skills. Designed for food enthusiasts of all levels, the courses begin on February 10.  

The hands-on hobby courses will be held across two locations, namely, the KCCA campus in Verna and Kamaxi Skills culinary centre in Margao and aim to teach people a mix of traditional and innovative culinary techniques, with three renowned chefs imparting their expert knowledge over four-hour classes, each commencing at 2 PM. Participants can look forward to mastering over 10 dishes in Goan, French cuisine and the pastry section. 

Chef Patrick Albert, Maître Cuisinier de France and Head Chef Faculty at KCCA, will guide participants in the art of French cooking, ensuring adeptness in creating classics like flavourful ratatouille (an iconic vegetable stew comprising eggplant, zucchini, peppers, tomato), hearty cassoulet (a stew of beans, sausage, and a confit of duck or pork), and decadent mousse au chocolat (chocolate mousse), among others. Chef Patrick’s modules will take place on February 10, 17 and 24.

Chef Anjali Prabhu Walavalkar, an award-winning home chef known for her mastery of Saraswat and Goan cuisine, will introduce the heady flavours of coastal Goan cuisine – aromatic chicken shagoti (xacuti), rich bhikanacho ros (a gravy of jackfruit seeds cooked with tur dal), mangana (a dessert made from chana dal, sago, cashews, jaggery, coconut milk) and more. Chef Anjali’s sessions will run on February 12, 19 and 26.

Chef Playton Dias, Master of Pastry and Bakery at KCCA, will train participants to bake fluffy genoise sponges, springy and savoury focaccia, sugary cinnamon rolls and other treats. Chef Playton’s courses will be held on February 14, 21 and 28.

Parixit Pai Fondekar, the founder of the Kamaxi Group, which operates KCCA and Kamaxi Skills, highlights the importance of cooking as an art form that connects us to our culture and history. “Cooking is more than just a skill—it’s a way to connect with our roots and share joy through food. These chefs bring a wealth of knowledge and creativity to the table, and this hobby course is a fantastic opportunity to learn from their expertise while exploring new culinary horizons,” said Parixit Pai Fondekar.