Goa is a state that is culturally rich. From festivals to dances, from languages to its cuisine, each part of the Goan culture is beautiful and fascinating. Goan cuisine is one important thing why tourists flock to this state. It is a combination of both seafood and non-vegetarian dishes. Goan food consists of various local spices, its very own coconuts, and most importantly the fish. Being on the west coast of India, it is rich in marine ecosystems. Thus fish is easily available and is the staple food here along with rice and curry locally known as xitt koddi that most Goans cannot do without. Goa has a rich, diverse cultural heritage and therefore the Goan food is completely different from the other states.

Seafood lovers have a variety of fish delicacies to enjoy here. Kingfish is one such type of fish that tops the Goan list of fishes. Then we have mackerels, pomfrets, sharks, tuna, sardines, etc. In the shellfish category we have crabs, prawns, lobster, tiger prawns, squid and mussels. If you can enjoy fishing make sure you visit a fishing store in Goa to bring the necessary tools with you 

Crab

Xec xec is a famous and unique traditional dish made from crabs along with spices and coconut. A little bit of its gravy along with the crab meat and a spoonful of rice aside will make your day. Crabs are generally found in marshy mangroves areas in Goa. 

Kingfish

Kingfish is the most preferred and most eaten fish in Goa. It can be relished either with curry, i.e. by adding kingfish into the curry and being often eaten with rice or surmai fry where the fish is fried and served with curry and rice. The size of these fish is huge which is why you will need to use the best fishing rods Goa to catch them. Kingfish can be found on the west coast of Goa 50 to 60 Km offshore. 

Mackerels

Mackerels are everyone’s favourite. You can enjoy them with recheado which is a spicy masala paste that can be easily made at home with dried Kashmiri chillies, vinegar and different spices. The paste is later stuffed into the mackerels by adding a slit to it and fried. You can enjoy it both the ways, plain shallow fry or semolina fry. Mackerels are found in reefs like Grand Island, Bat Island, and Sail Rock.

Shark

Shark is mainly served in gravy form. This curry is made from red chillies and kokum and is given the name ‘ambot tik’ meaning sour-spicy wherein the chillies add to the spiciness and the kokum makes it sour. Polem beach is a great place to fish for sharks. 

Pomfrets (white and black)

Trying recheado pomfrets is a must. Giving the pomfrets a slit and stuffing it with recheado masala and later shallow frying it. Try it once and it will never leave your taste buds. They can be even added to curry too.

Tuna

In Goa, tuna fish mayonnaise is a sure-shot dish on the menu for Goan functions. It is made by removing chunks of flesh and adding mayonnaise and onion to it, served on a platter. Also, tuna can be fried with semolina by slicing them. Tuna is also found on the west coast of Goa. 

Prawns

Samarachi kodi- specially eaten during the monsoons where dried prawns are added along with onion, coconut, tamarind, coconut milk, and spicy masala. People also love frying it with resheado masala, semolina, or just plain. Another dish found only in Goa is Balchao which was first introduced by the Portuguese. It is a spicy, sweet, and tangy dish made from oil, vinegar, onions, garlic-ginger, and spices. It replaces pickle which can be stored and relished for months and eaten as a side dish.

Sardines

Sardines are said to be very healthy because it is highly rich in proteins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Goans love eating them shallow fried or fried with semolina. A better option is ambot tik which is made with kokum and chillies.

Also read:  Best Places To Fish In Goa This Season

Conclusion

Goa offers a ton of places like River Tiracol , blue waters around Fort Aguada, Sunchi Reef, and River Zua where you can find amazing fishes. And if you plan on going fishing make sure you use the best fishing equipment in Goa.