The
cuisine of Goa is an eclectic blend of mouthwatering delicacies that are
a legacy of its rich heritage. Like many other aspects of Goan culture,
the influence of the Portuguese era is very much conspicuous in the
traditional Goa food. Add to that the rule of Hindu and Muslim kingdoms,
albeit for brief periods, and you have an exotic mix of truly tasty and
spicy cuisine of Goa. Even though the Goa cuisine encompasses a vast array of culinary delicacies, fish, curry, rice are the basic ingredients of a typical Goan meal. Sea food is a must have on the menu be it exotic concoctions like ambot-tik or mundane preparations like fried fish. Seafood such as prawns, lobsters, crabs, pomfrets, clams, ladyfish, mussels, and oysters are used to make a variety of curries, fries, soups and pickles.
Even without the celebrated seafood delicacies, the cuisine of Goa is a gourmet's delight with delicacies ranging from prawns to sausages, chicken to beef, and numerous vegetarian dishes. Food connoisseurs in different parts of the world swear by exotic Goan fares like the prawn balchão and sorpotel.
