The last few adventures at Goa

My last few days at Goa were an absolute blur. I havent had any time left for updating my blog considering how much I ate. Today's Times of India carries an article called Try some quantity control, which talks about how food freaks like me should keep a check on their weight. I've got to learn something from there.



Oh, well. My destination on Thursday was Sahakari farms; listed by Outlook Traveler as one of the "must do" food trips. The farm is one of Goa's oldest spice plantations and has in the last decade opened itself up to tourism, as have many of its counterparts/ competitors. A visit to the farm costs Rs 300/- which includes a tour of their demonstration plot and a buffet lunch. You can visit at any time between 9AM and 4PM but I'd advise that you plan the visit as close to lunchtime as possible; preferably at about 11AM. Once you enter, you're treated to some lemongrass tea/ or the traditional kokum sherbet, a handful of cashews and some homemade cake. Feel free to ask for more if you desire. With this safely tucked into you, the farm guides take you around the plot to show you where the spice in your food comes from. While I've seen stuff like this before, what particularly interested me was the elephant bath which I saw a few foreigners take. Now this is especially funny 'cuz it involves you climbing onto an elephant in the middle of a small pond. Once you do this, the elephant sprays water onto you with such vengeance, that you almost get knocked of your perch. Seeing is believing and this is really hilarious.



Once we'd been through the plantation, it was time for lunch which was a buffet consisting of the ubiquitous Goan pao, some dal, a prawn curry, rawa fried fish, a vegetable dish, chicken cooked Goan style, some kokum curry and a sweet. While I dont say that this is the best food you can sample, its an above average representation of what Goan village food is like. Eat your food off a plate made of dried banana leaves, and the experience is complete.



Goan cuisine is a mixed bag really and I cant really categorise the food as mild or spicy. While the Vindaloo and Recheado are spicy concoctions; the Caldine and Cafrial curries are a lot milder. I find Goan food extremely rich in balance and no dish is complete without the traditional, brown Goan rice. If you have a sweet tooth then the Goan bebinca (a 10 layered cake) is just the remedy. You cold try dodol too, which is another of those sweetmeats that Goa specializes in.



You really cant be short of places to eat in Goa. While these are really nice, big joints I wouldnt consider the next few places that I'm about to mention as excellent food "adventures". Having said that, these places are famous enough to merit the one visit at least. The first in line, is the famous, Martin's Corner. Purportedly one of Sachin Tendulkar's favorite places for food, this is an old time favorite restuarant for many Goan families, politicians and Bollywood celebrities. Situated at the Sunset beach at Betalbatim, this isnt too far from North Goa and easily accessible if you're in the South. I must say though, that despite all the hype, the food is average and the service, extremely slow.



Joecons is another seafood speciality restaurant, located near the beautiful Taj Exotica. Dont miss the lobster here. Its worth every penny that the joint charges you. Fisherman's Wharf at the Holiday Inn by River Mandovi and the Dune Shack at Club Mahindra are two other delightful restaurants serving the choicest of seafood. Be mindful that these restaurants are quite pricey, with the exception of Joecons which is quite reasonable.



Overall, Goa's a great place for food. Its a pity I had to leave before the Goa Carnival. Maybe the next time round, I can stay longer at Goa. As of now, its TWU time.