Monday, June 9, 2008

Goan Cuisine

Goan cuisine is a blend of different influences. The staple food in Goa is fish, both among the Hindus as well as the Catholics. But there is a vast difference in the foods of these two communities. This is because the Christians also eat beef and pork which are prohibited in most Hindu households. Hindu Goan food has not picked up any Portuguese influence. The Christian food has been influenced not only by the Portuguese, but also by its overseas settlements. However, it has not been a one way transfer. The Portuguese and other settlements have adopted many Goan recipes. An example is canjade galinha, which is a type of chicken broth with rice and chicken pieces, and is originally a Goan recipe. Another example is arroz doce, which is a Portuguese adaptation of pais or kheer (sweetened rice) found in India.

No comments: