Goencho Swaad! How Goa’s Home Chefs and Students Rocked World Tourism Day
Goa just wrapped up its World Tourism Day celebrations, and let me tell you, it was a spectacular showcase of what makes this state so special—its incredible food and drinks! On September 22nd and 23rd, the Department of Tourism, in collaboration with industry partners, hosted two amazing culinary events that put the spotlight on Goa’s rich gastronomic heritage and its rising stars. If you’re a food lover, this is the kind of news that gets your taste buds tingling and makes you want to book a flight right away.
The celebrations kicked off with “Susegad Spirits – A Beverage Craft Competition for Hoteliers of Goa” on September 22nd. Eight teams from some of Goa’s top hotels battled it out, showcasing their mixology genius. The competition was fierce, with participants concocting innovative drinks that captured the laid-back, “susegad” spirit of Goa. In the end, Soham Tiwari took home the first prize, followed by Anish Naik and Kirtan Tamang. It was a fantastic display of creativity and a testament to the high standards of Goa’s hospitality industry.
The main event, however, was the “Goencho Swaad” (The Taste of Goa) All-Goa Culinary Competition held on September 23rd. This event was particularly heartwarming because it brought together two very different groups of people: homemakers and culinary students. It was a beautiful blend of traditional knowledge and youthful innovation, all celebrating the authentic flavors of Goa.
In the student category, the energy was infectious. Young, aspiring chefs teamed up to create dishes that were both a nod to tradition and a leap into the future of Goan cuisine. Samiksha Gauda and Durva Parab clinched the first prize, while Tiya Pai Lotlikar and Chaitanya Arolkar came in second, and Ashish Sharma and A. Ayyangalai secured the third spot. It was inspiring to see the next generation of chefs so passionate about preserving and reinventing their culinary heritage.
The homemaker category was just as exciting. These are the guardians of Goa’s culinary soul, the keepers of age-old family recipes passed down through generations. Prashanti Sawant and Prakash Sawant were crowned the winners, with Razia Begum and the team of Riha Malik and Bina Vernekar taking the second and third prizes, respectively. Their dishes were a testament to the fact that the best Goan food is often found not in fancy restaurants, but in the heart of a Goan home.
The Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Rohan A. Khaunte, praised the initiative, stating, “Goa’s culinary heritage is one of its greatest strengths. It reflects our traditions, our people, and our way of life.” He emphasized that these competitions are crucial for fostering creativity and positioning Goa as a top culinary destination. Kedar Naik, the Director of Tourism, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of nurturing young talent to carry forward Goa’s rich culinary traditions.
These events are more than just competitions; they are a vibrant celebration of Goan identity. They remind us that food is not just about sustenance; it’s about community, culture, and connection. It’s about the stories behind the recipes, the love that goes into preparing a meal, and the joy of sharing it with others.
For tourists, this focus on culinary excellence is fantastic news. It means that when you visit Goa, you’re not just getting beautiful beaches and historic churches; you’re also getting a world-class food experience. Whether you’re sipping a creative cocktail at a high-end hotel or savoring a traditional fish curry at a family-run shack, you’re tasting the very essence of Goa.
As Goa continues to promote its culinary scene, we can expect to see more such events and a greater appreciation for the state’s food heroes—the chefs, the home cooks, and the mixologists who are putting Goan cuisine on the global map. So, the next time you’re in Goa, make sure to embark on a culinary adventure. Explore the local markets, try the street food, take a cooking class, and don’t be afraid to ask for the story behind the dish. You might just discover your new favorite flavor and a deeper connection to this incredible place.
