Goa is known for its pleasant climate, lots of greenery, incredible heritage sites, a unique cultural legacy, delightful people and of course delicious seafood. In every nook and corner of Goa, one can find authentic Goan food but the same will vary in taste. One of the major reasons why tourists flock to this beautiful state is the cause of its food or rather the variety of SEAFOOD!
Seafood is an inseparable part of the Goan cuisine and can be found at every restaurant around town. Rice, fish curry and fish fry is the staple food of Goa. However, there are so many standalone seafood dishes that also contain the essence of Goan flavours. Every seafood dish is a palate pleaser, no matter what spices it is cooked with or what procedure has been used.
1. Mackerel Recheado
What is it: Mackerel Recheado is one of Goa’s favourite. The word ‘Recheado’ means stuffed in Portuguese. Recheado masala is a red paste which is stuffed into fish like Mackerel and Pomfret. The fish is slit on both sides and the Recheado masala is then stuffed inside. After which it is pan or shallow fried till it’s golden brown. Red Kashmiri chilies, garlic, cumin, peppercorns and tamarind is ground into a smooth but thick paste using vinegar to prepare this fiery-red Recheado masala.
How it tastes: Crispy, medium spicy and sizzling, can be eaten as a starter or fits perfectly into a lunch platter comprising of steamed rice, fish curry and a vegetable side dish.
2. Prawns Balchao
What is it: Brought to Goa by the Portuguese, Balchão originated in Macao, where it is called Balichao. Balchao refers to the method of cooking, where the prawns are pickled in a spicy and tangy tomato-vinegar based sauce. The Prawns are first stir-fried, then added to this pickled curry sauce which is then prepared from a variety of exotic Goan spices with the tanginess of tamarind and vinegar. This fiery dark red Prawn side dish can also be eaten as a pickle.
How it tastes: A lip-smacking spicy, tangy taste, with a mild vinegar flavour, can be enjoyed as an accompaniment to a rice dish or Poi (local bread). This delicious Prawn dish will make your taste buds tingle and leave you asking for more.
3. Squids (Calamari) Masala Fry
What is it: Squids Masala Fry is a popular appetizer and is one of the most preferred seafood snacks in Goa. The round, soft and spongy squids are stir-fried and cooked along with a little Recheado masala. This is cooked for about 5-7 minutes only to retain its tenderness, if overcooked it becomes tough or rubberish.
How it tastes: The mouth-watering fiery, light and tender masala fried squid rings is a widely acclaimed seafood dish in Goa and goes best when hot with a glass of chilled beer.
4. Crab Xacuti
What is it: Xacuti (pronounced as Sha-coo-thi) originated in Harmal (now Arambol) in the Pernem Taluka of Goa. This is yet another Portuguese influenced dish. Crabs are cooked in this coconut-based curry with white poppy seeds, dried chilies, pepper, fresh chilli, turmeric, onion, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and other spices. This curry can be mildly spicy or very spicy depending on the preparation of it. Either way it is super delicious.
How it tastes: A mild or pungent curry with an amazing, distinctive, sharp flavour that has a slight coconut essence, and is usually eaten with steamed rice, pulao, or local bread.
5. Mussels (Xhinanio) Rawa Fry
What is it: Mussels Rawa Fry is the all-time favourite snack of the people of Goa and tourists too. The Mussels are deep or pan fried in a light rawa batter. This popular seafood dish is a crunchy appetizer to the side snacks served with alcohol and is also served at several functions.
How it tastes: Crisp and crunchy from the outside and tender from the inside, it’s an extremely tasty dish. Mussels taste best with green chutney or tomato ketchup.
So, if you are a seafood person, you must try out these favourite dishes whenever you are in Goa. Give these dishes a try, it’ll definitely be worth your money and time. You might just come back for more!