Seven Delicious Ways to Eat Fish in Goa
While spending time by the sea when in Goa is fun, experiencing the state’s one-of-a-kind seafood delights is out of this world. The blend of local spices and flavors served to you on a platter along with the ‘catch of the day’ can make your stay here all the more memorable. Don’t believe us? Well, build up your appetite and see for yourself as you head on a gastronomic journey. Here are a few ways you can truly relish the fish in Goa to the fullest.
Butter Garlic Squids
Served at almost every beach shack in Goa, squids served with hints of garlic, pepper, chilies, herbs, and lemon all mixed with oodles of butter are sure to be a hit no matter how fussy an eater you are.
Fish Thali
If you are looking for a hearty meal that is sure to make you feel well-sated, the fish thali is your best option. This typical Goan thali consists of rice, fish curry, fried fish, Goan bhaji, kismoor (dried prawns with coconut salad), and kokum water.
Recheado Fish
Recheado fish is simply a must-try. Mackerels (Bangdo) are usually stuffed with a spice paste that is equal parts sweet and sour. You can eat it as a dish in itself or even have it as an accompaniment with rice and curry.
Rawa Fried Mussels
If you find that you like recheado masala, you will love mussels marinated in this masala and shallow fried with rawa. The result is all about biting into golden brown colored, crunchy fried mussels.
Fish Cooked in Straw
Now fish cooked in straw is not something that you can order off the menu of a popular restaurant. You can, however, ask the locals to cook hay-smoked mackerels for you or show you how it’s done.
Mackerel Parra
Speaking of mackerels, if you prefer it better sun-dried, you can taste mackerel parra. It is a pickle made from sun-dried mackerels that is savory, sweet, spicy, and sour. If you want it, you can buy a packet from the local markets.
Dried Bombil
You can also try out dried bombil (dry and salted Bombay duck) which is available in the local market just before the rainy season. It is usually eaten during the monsoons as no other fresh fish is available at the time. You can fry them as they are or even stuff them with masala before putting them in the pan. You can also make a ‘chilli fry’ out of it where you fry them with onions, ginger-garlic paste, green chillies, and spice powders.
Other than this, you can try out fillets of Modso, Kingfish, and Chonak or even get your fill of rawa fried prawns. Be sure to also taste tisreo sukhem, which are clams in their half shelves mixed with delicate spices. There are also popular restaurants that serve sushi although they don’t really bring out the flavor of the local food much. So there you have it. Check these seafood options out. We can assure you that you don’t really know the authentic essence of the state until you have tasted its seafood.
Visiting Goa for the first time? Here’s a quick guide to the beaches of North Goa, some of Goa’s most popular attractions, and how to make the most of a short trip if you have only a few days to spare.
