Monday 9 December 2013

Goa & Fresh Fish!! The types of Fish most consumed in Goa

Fresh Fish, a chilled beer and Goa, ah! What else could wish for! Goa being by the sea fish is a staple food of the locals and consumer by the many who travel to Goa. So, what are the most popular types of fish and how are they best prepared, here a quick guide to get you going.

The masala and the preparation:
Fried fish is very popular across Goa and is consumed as a snack with the a drink or even during the main course. The alternate way of cooking it would be in a curry usually found in a fish curry rice served across the state.

Fried fish is served best with a ranceiodo masala, that is a combination of red chillies and vinegar ground to a thin paste as a main ingredient and applied to the fish and fried. Alternatively curries are prepared with  coconut juice, chillies as well.

Choice of Fish.
Prawns, Kingfish, Red Snapper, Mussels, Pomfrets, Squids and Crabs are the most popular types of fished served in most restaurants. You will see a lot of local flocking at places that serve up fresh fish described as ‘Tajjhe kitne hai’ (what is fresh today) in Konkanni.

Prawns, Squids and Crabs are best consumed in a butter garlic preparation, Prawns are fried first and the tossed in a mixture of garlic and butter. The two blend in a perfect  combination of flavors that will make you want more! Crabs are boiled first in hot water with a pinch of salt, once cooked, the shells are cracked and then tossed in a mixture of butter and garlic.

Fish such as the Kingfish, Red Snapper, mackreals are served best with a ranchiodo masala. The fish is marinated first with salt, ginger-garlic paste and then coated with the masala which is then is rawa fried.

Typing this out has made my mouth-water, the local preparation is excellent and a must try here when you are in Goa. There are a plenty of places to choose from to try fish but keep in mind there are on a few that really know how to serve it the way it should. Some place to mention would be Sea Pebble, Dona Paula, Mickey’s- Colva, Ritz Classic- Panjim,  Martins, Betalbatim, Sheela, Vasco  to name a few.  Every local would also have his/her preferences to that perfect place that serves up fresh and tasty fish, so if you have the option of asking a friend, don’t miss out the chance.

Monday 9 September 2013

Green trails you could visit besides the Goan beaches

Mollem National Park
The wildlife park is a 240 square kilometre area sanctuary  that is rich with flora and fauna and is in the village of Mollem. You can explore the many options of bird safaris, jungle safaris that the park has to offer. The sanctuary nears the Dudhsagar waterfalls as well

Cotigaon Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary is in the Canancona District of Goa east of Pallolem, and is Goa’s second largest wildlife sanctuary that is widely spread across 86 squiare kilometers. There are watch points and watch towers you can trek to to get a glimpse of the animals in the forest

Dandeli Wildlife Santuary
Dandeli has evolved as a popular tourist destination over the last few years for the adventurous few providing activities such as white water rafting across the raging rapids. The sanctuary rests by the river Kali and has a lot to offer to nature lovers


Netravali Wildllife Sanctuary
Spread across 211 square kilometres of forestation this sanctuary was is a major attraction for nature enthusiasts. Animals such as hornbills, panthers, loris and snakes are a common sight.

There is no doubt the night clubs in Goa are what really attract the crowds but, they is so much more that Goa has to offer and visiting these sanctuary's is a great way to explore more in Goa.

The monsoons in Goa are the best time to visit these sanctuary and parks as they are covered in greenery and cool weather and you can experience a different side of Goa apart from the beaches that its is so famous for. The monsoons see visitors wanting to enjoy the rains, weather and is very popular among nature lovers.