Four-day multi-cuisine food carnival kick started in Goa

A four-day multi-cuisine food carnival kickstarted in Goa, tickling the taste buds of gluttons with savoury appetizers and mouthwatering recipes, serving a perfect platform for speciality restaurants, hotels, lifestyle and beverage brands across the globe.

Showing off their culinary skills, budding chefs have also enrolled for the cooking contest held at the biggest food festival in Goa.

A special Bollywood float of stars and celebrities were present at the opening ceremony of the colourful extravaganza and were thrilled to experience a unique blend of food, fun, classical and live music performances and fashion shows lined-up for the event.

The Deputy Chief Minister of Goa, Francis D'Souza inaugurated the Food and Cultural festival on Saturday.

Food lovers in huge numbers thronged the festival and were indulged in one of the main entrees of Goan cuisine that consists of popular regional foods of the west coast along the Arabian Sea. Seafood, coconut milk, rice, and local spices were the major highlight at the carnival.

Visitors from Spain and Russia were seen starting off their meal with some of the delicious starters.

The food carnival is the best bet for foodies who are planning their lunch, dinner, or just a quick bite with their favourite cocktail along with some tangy appetizers, which are the perfect way to fire up the taste buds.

Michelle, a tourist visiting Goa for the very first time, was thrilled to take a sneak peak at the range of mouthwatering appetizers showcased at the carnival.

"It's a lot of variety of food, way too much Mughlai food. I was looking for some ice creams but could not find it. But it's nice out here," she said.

Portuguese cuisine clubbed with the sounds of the waves crashing and the feeling of cool sand at your feet provides the perfect ambience to try out the delicacies.

Another glutton, Brijesh a resident of Goa appreciating efforts of the tourism department said such events provide an opportunity to boost business.

"I got to see new things here and I find it very interesting that the Government of Goa is doing such a nice festival for local people. And I wish very all the best for all local people," he said.

Goa is today a potpourri of cultures and the food available also reflects this mix. However, no trip to Goa is complete without tasting its traditional food which is a mix of Konkani and Marathi flavours with a strong Portuguese influence.