Festive Goa comes alive through elegant dining, heritage charm, and warm IHCL hospitality.
Healthy
Strawberry Cupcakes
Nutritionist Greta Fernandes shares a festive, healthy, low-cal strawberry cupcake recipe.
hotel Lua Nova
If holidays are inspired by nature and your thirst for rustic solitude and inner peace, Lua Nova is the hotel your heart was yearning for.
Located at Goa's celebrated holiday capital at Baga, it overlooks a beautiful Canvas of village Goa, just 5 minutes walk from the Baga Beach.
Editorial
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the December edition of Eat & Stay, a month wrapped in festive sparkle, heartwarming flavours, and Goa’s unmistakable coastal charm. As the year draws to a close, we celebrate the creators, chefs, storytellers, and culinary spaces that make Goa an unforgettable destination—especially during this magical season.
Our cover feature takes you to OG’s Cocktail Bar & Kitchen in Vagator, a community favourite known for its value-driven cocktails, comforting food, lively entertainment, and warm hospitality. A true neighbourhood staple, OG’s brings people together while dreaming of thoughtful future expansion.
Festive elegance shines at La Estoria and The Yellow House IHCL SeleQtions, where refined dining, sunset high tea, heritage charm, and warm hospitality capture Goa’s seasonal spirit. Perfect for intimate dinners or celebratory gatherings.
Next, we explore Footprints and Flavours by Vijeta Raikar, a software developer turned culinary storyteller. Her platform blends honest reviews, homestyle recipes, and heartfelt food memories, creating a space where her love for food is truly felt.
This month’s recipe comes from Mumbai-based nutritionist and food blogger Greta Fernandes—her guilt-free strawberry cupcakes made with whole wheat, monk fruit sweetener, fresh purée, and light pink icing, all under 150 calories.
We also explore Goa’s growing food truck scene— from Noronha’s and Heera’s Tasty Bites to Food Engine, Heavenly Crust, and Susegad. Serving everything from Goan snacks to global street eats, these affordable, fresh mobile kitchens reflect Goa’s evolving food culture.
We also spotlight Urth Organic Café & Eatery in Vagator, founded by Anvika Chaudhary. More than a café, Urth champions healthy, sustainable living with organic food, mindful workshops, and an ecofriendly marketplace that encourages balanced, conscious lifestyles.
And finally, no December issue is complete without celebrating Goan cuisine—a vibrant blend of Konkani soul and Portuguese heritage. From bold curries to delicate sweets, every dish tells a story, reflecting a rich culinary culture loved worldwide.
This issue is a tribute to those who are shaping Goa's culinary future, with dedication, creativity, and a deep respect for tradition. From indulgent desserts to mindful, nutritious creations, these individuals bring their unique talents and passion to the forefront, enhancing Goa’s vibrant food culture.
Well, that's all I have for you from my desk this month. I hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue of our magazine. Do share it with your friends all across the globe.
Until next time, cheers!
Jessyl Fernandez
Editor
01 OG’s Cocktail Bar & Kitchen
02 Footprints and Flavours
03 IHCL SeleQtions, Goa
04 Healthy Strawberry Cupcakes
05 Food Trucks in Goa You’ll Want to Try
06 Urth Organic Cafe & Eatery
07 A Food Lover’s Guide to Traditional Goan Cuisine
Introduction
Goa, the tiniest state on the western coast of India, boasts golden pristine beaches, palmfringed avenues, flavourful food, delicious Portuguese-influenced sweets, and warm, hospitable people. Also known as the Ibiza of India for its partying. A tropical paradise of flora and fauna, from the very famous 'almi' (mushrooms) endemic to its forests, that grow only on the red mud anthills, to the solar prawns that are fished immediately after the monsoons, Goa is unique. Tourists are also attracted to Goa for its cultural heritage - from the famous old Portuguese churches like Se Cathedral in Old Goa, the 16th Century Safa Masjid in Ponda and Shree Mangesha Temple in Mardol, the legendary Arvalem or Pandava Caves where the Pandavas of the Mahabharat fame lived, to its two unique festivals - Carnival and Shigmo. Goa plays host to many festivals - the International Film Festival of India that promotes cinema, the Serendipity Art Festival, Sunburn Music Festival, The Grape Escapade to name a few. To showcase this varied heritage of culture, art, tradition, food, and people, in 2015 ItsGoa was born. The main aim was to make it the premier portal for all things Goa. We were able to showcase Goa like never before. Soon our blogbased website transcended the virtual space, with the ItsGoa magazine – a sought-after resource for visitors to Goa from countries like Norway, Germany, UK, USA, UAE, etc.
Editorial Team
Chief Editor
Jessyl Fernandez
Sales
Donald Fernandez
Content & Social Media
Saviola Dias
Renata Fernandes
Graphics & Layout
Latisha Govekar
For advertising queries:
+91 7887330620 / 9370502124
OG’s Cocktail Bar & Kitchen in Vagator delivers valuedriven cocktails, comforting food, lively entertainment, and warm hospitality, making it a beloved community spot with a vision for future expansion.
Article by: Team ItsGoa
Images by: OG’s Cocktail Bar & Kitchen cover feature www.itsgoa.com itsgoa_ Itsgoa
In the heart of Vagator stands OG’s Cocktail Bar & Kitchen, a space that has quickly become a favourite among locals, travellers, and industry professionals. Founded by a hospitality veteran who spent years shaping Goa’s culinary and nightlife scene, OG’s was created with a clear vision: to offer premium experiences without pretension. It is a place where flavour, warmth, and energy come together seamlessly.
A Concept Rooted in Goa’s Spirit
OG’s was born from a desire to build a place that felt both elevated and welcoming. The founder saw the need for a venue that balanced quality with accessibility, a spot where everyone—locals, tourists, and service-industry professionals—felt at ease. This philosophy shaped the foundation: real Goan hospitality, vibrant music, consistent service, and value that keeps guests returning.
Described in one sentence, OG’s is a value-formoney, vibe-driven cocktail bar that blends great drinks, flavourful food, and high-energy entertainment into one memorable experience.
Crafted Cocktails with a Story
The cocktail menu at OG’s is guided by bold flavours, thoughtful techniques, and a commitment to delivering value with every sip. Local ingredients influence the profiles, global ideas refine the method, and personal experiences thread through the narratives.
The signature menu tells the story of two people, mapping the stages of a relationship from the first meeting to the final toast. Each drink represents an emotion or moment along this journey. Among the must-try choices are “The First Sip,” “Best Friend,” “Relentless Party Mode,” and “The Regret,” all favourites of the founder. Every cocktail is crafted to feel worth the experience—balanced in flavour, generous in portion, and memorable in execution.
OG’s Cocktail Bar & Kitchen
Dhiren Kapoor - Owner
Freshly baked, loaded, and made to be shared
A Team Driven by Passion
Behind every experience at OG’s is a team that values creativity and connection. Training encourages experimentation, and the atmosphere prioritises passion over pressure. A pre-shift ritual brings everyone together in an energy circle that sets the tone for the night ahead. Ingredients are sourced from local suppliers to ensure freshness, complemented by reliable partners for consistency and premium spirits that uphold the bar’s standards. Sustainability is integrated through thoughtful prep, reduced wastage, and efficient operations.
Challenges, Triumphs, and Community Love
A Kitchen Built on Comfort and Creativity
The food at OG’s mirrors the experience behind the bar. The kitchen focuses on comfort-centric PanAsian, Continental, and Goan dishes designed for sharing and pairing. Familiar flavours anchor the menu, while the team adds subtle twists that reflect the bar’s personality.
Guests can expect sushi, pizzas, and Goan classics like Xacuti prepared with care and consistency. These dishes embody the essence of OG’s: satisfying, approachable, and perfectly suited to an evening of cocktails and conversation.
An Atmosphere Where Everyone Belongs
The ambience at OG’s is lively, warm, and unmistakably inviting. Music energises the space, the staff greets guests with genuine enthusiasm, and the service maintains a pace that keeps the night flowing smoothly. The aim is simple: create a place where people feel comfortable from the moment they walk in.
The bar hosts themed nights, live acts, guest bartenders, and curated entertainment, keeping the venue lively and exciting for both regulars and new visitors.
One of the bar’s biggest challenges has been maintaining the right balance between nightlife excitement and affordability. Delivering quality at fair prices while sustaining high energy is not simple, yet OG’s has mastered the art. The result is a venue celebrated for offering genuine value without compromising standards.
The most rewarding milestone for the founder has been seeing OG’s embraced by the community. It has become a go-to spot in Vagator for people seeking real hospitality, good food, and memorable nights. Local artists, musicians, and creators frequently collaborate with the bar, adding another layer of cultural richness.
Looking to the Future
OG’s continues to evolve with new cocktails, fresh dishes, guest nights, and entertainment-led experiences. The long-term vision is to expand into multiple locations while preserving the heart and warmth that define the brand.
A Message to Aspiring Creators in Hospitality
The founder’s guiding advice is clear: maintain passion, stay grounded, and prioritise guests above all. Consistency builds recognition, but hospitality keeps a brand alive. For updates, events, or reservations, guests can follow OG’s on Instagram at @ogsgoa or simply walk in—the doors remain open to anyone looking for a great night out in Vagator.
crispy calamari
OG’s breezy outdoor space, perfect for a slow afternoon in Vagator
Footprints and Flavours, created by software developer and food lover Vijeta Raikar, is an authentic mix of reviews, recipes, and culinary stories, celebrating genuine experiences and heartfelt flavours. Article by: Team ItsGoa
Images by: Footprints and Flavours food blogger
In a digital world overflowing with curated plates and picture-perfect meals, Footprints and Flavours stands out for its authenticity and heart. Created and managed by Vijeta Raikar, a full-time software developer with an enduring passion for food, this evolving platform reflects her genuine love for flavours, exploration, and meaningful culinary experiences.
Vijeta’s journey into the world of food blogging began unintentionally. What started as casual food photography during everyday outings soon transitioned into thoughtful reviews on Google Maps. Her instinct to document dishes she enjoyed, paired with encouragement from friends, pushed her to take her passion public. Over time, the simple act of uploading photos grew into a dedicated space where recipes, restaurant discoveries, and memorable food moments converge harmoniously.
A Blend of Reviews, Recipes, and Culinary Adventures
Footprints and Flavours does not anchor itself to a single cuisine or theme. Instead, it mirrors Vijeta’s curiosity and willingness to discover something new with every experience. Her content ranges from restaurant impressions to homemade dishes and food stories gathered during her travels.
This variety allows her to showcase a broad spectrum of flavours while engaging with audiences who appreciate honest, relatable content.
Her selection process is guided by authenticity. Vijeta features dishes she genuinely enjoys, recipes that speak to her, restaurants that leave a mark, and spontaneous food finds that spark joy. This honest approach keeps her page grounded, unfiltered, and true to her palate.
Behind the Lens and Between the Lines
Vijeta’s creative process blends planning with spontaneity. While structured recipes and detailed reviews require advance preparation, many of her most engaging posts arise naturally from the moment, captured while dining out or exploring a new location. This balance keeps her content fresh and lively.
Among her favourite posts are stories anchored in personal experience: the comforting fish thali at Spice Goa in Karaswada, the flavourful keema pav at Irani Café in Pune, and the vibrant iftar platter from Bhaijan Joints in Vasco. These posts stand out because they capture not only the food but the
Vijeta Raikar
Bhaijan Joints in Vasco
Vijeta Raikar
Balancing a full-time profession with content creation presents several challenges, finding time to shoot, developing new content ideas, and maintaining consistency. However, Vijeta navigates these hurdles with dedication. Exploring new restaurants, experimenting with recipes, and staying connected with fellow creators help her stay inspired and informed.
Her audience, though still growing, plays a meaningful role in her journey. For now, she shares what she truly enjoys, hoping to gradually expand her reach while staying true to her voice. Authenticity lies at the core of Footprints and Flavours, especially when it comes to reviews. Vijeta ensures that every opinion she shares reflects her genuine experience, allowing her followers to trust her recommendations.
Collaborations and Vision for the Future
Vijeta has collaborated with restaurants for select posts, always prioritizing honesty and transparency. While she hasn’t ventured into brand collaborations yet, she is open to future partnerships that align with her values and personal taste.
Looking ahead, she envisions Footprints and Flavours expanding into a broader lifestyle space. Her goals include blending food, travel, and creative expression while experimenting with new formats such as reels, long-form food stories, and visually rich recipe features. She hopes to continue exploring diverse cuisines, documenting meaningful experiences, and crafting content that reflects her evolving journey.
A Message for Aspiring Creators
Her advice to upcoming bloggers is simple yet profound: begin without hesitation. She believes that the joy of sharing genuine experiences is the true foundation of any creative journey. Persistence, passion, and authenticity will shape the path ahead.
Through Footprints and Flavours, Vijeta Raikar continues to carve her place in the food blogging community, one heartfelt review, one recipe, and one flavourful memory at a time.
Pole and Batata Bhaji
Vijeta Raikar
Crab Xacuti made at Home
Where Festive Magic Finds
La Estoria and The Yellow House IHCL SeleQtions showcase Goa’s festive charm through modern elegance and heritage warmth, offering refined dinners, sunset high tea, soulful ambience, and heartfelt hospitality for memorable seasonal celebrations.
Article &Images by: The Yellow House and La Estoria IHCL SeleQtions
Featured article
itsgoa_ Itsgoa
There is a certain enchantment that settles over Goa as the festive season approaches. A subtle shimmer in the air and a feeling that joy is not an addition to the landscape, but part of its very essence. Across North Goa, this spirit finds its most evocative expression at two distinctive IHCL SeleQtions addresses: the contemporary, sun-soaked calm of La Estoria IHCL SeleQtions and the heritage-wrapped warmth of The Yellow House IHCL SeleQtions. Though different in character, both become luminous canvases for celebration elegant and undeniably Goan.
At La Estoria, festivities unfold with modern elegance. The property is all clean lines and warm, natural light that exudes a serene sophistication that feels refreshing in a season often defined by excess. Reimagined and mindful sensory experience that is intentional and uplifting. As you walk through its
contemporary spaces, the ambience feels like an invitation of relaxed indulgence.
By evening, La Estoria transforms into something even more magical, especially around its poolside restaurant, Tropics. This breezy, chic alfresco space becomes the epicentre of the hotel’s festive charm.
Lanterns cast soft glints across the water, fairy lights shimmer against the night sky, and the air carries subtle notes of citrus, spice, and tropical warmth.
Tropics is where pleasant evenings stretch beautifully and the handcrafted beverages meet the glow of candlelit tables. The rhythm of live music blends seamlessly with slow, joyful conversations. It feels unpretentiously glamorous where the holidays unfold with relaxed sophistication.
Tropics at La Estoria
A bartender crafting a cocktail specially made to suit a guest’s request
This year, La Estoria elevates the season further with its elevated Christmas Eve Dinner menu at Trattoria during the festive period. A specially curated culinary experience designed for those who appreciate refinement in every detail. The menu reads like a celebration in courses: festive flavours reimagined with contemporary artistry, plated with precision and infused with comforting warmth. Each dish feels indulgent without overwhelming, the kind of dinner that becomes the centrepiece of a holiday evening, leaving guests wrapped in the glow of flavour, company and anticipation.
Just a short drive away, the festive season takes on a more nostalgic rhythm at The Yellow House IHCL SeleQtions — a century-old sunshine white manor bathed in bougainvillea, memory and unmistakable Goan heritage. The home seems to come alive at this time of year, as if the festive warmth gently awakens stories hidden within its walls. And here, the most magical moment of the day arrives at twilight.
The Yellow House is renowned for its sunset high tea, a ritual that captures the poetry of Goan
evenings. As the sky melts into shades of rose-gold and tangerine, the courtyard becomes a tableau of soft light and quiet beauty. Elegant teas, traditional Goan delicacies and delicate sweets are laid out with thoughtful charm.
The air fills with a comforting blend of aromas warm spices and freshly baked treats. Guests sip, savour, and slow down as the sun sets behind the heritage façade, casting a gentle glow over every corner. It is intimate, nostalgic and effortlessly bespoke.
Together, La Estoria IHCL SeleQtions and The Yellow House IHCL SeleQtions offer two exquisite interpretations of Goa’s festive magic. One dazzles with contemporary poise, the other glows with heritage soul — yet both are bound by IHCL SeleQtions hallmark sincerity, warmth, and instinctive hospitality.
This season, they invite you not merely to celebrate, but to feel — to savour evenings by the pool, to embrace sunsets over tea, to linger over festive meals, and to experience the luxury of being fully present in moments crafted to become memories.
The Yellow House Outdoor Dining
HEALTHY STRAWBERRY
Mumbai-based nutritionist and food blogger Greta Fernandes shares a festive, healthy strawberry cupcake recipe using whole wheat flour, monk fruit sweetener, fresh puree, and creamy pink icing—all under 150 calories.
Article & Images by: Greta Fernandes (Deliciously URS)
HEALTHY STRAWBERRY CUPCAKES
150 Calories per cupcake
December brings in the festive Christmas cheer. The winter breeze is soothing and calm. And the markets are flushed pink with fresh local strawberries!!!
I look forward to the season every year and each December weekend I make sure I whip up a Strawberry dessert.
The dessert list is long - strawberry pancakes, strawberry & cream, chocolate dipped strawberries or maybe a quick strawberry and oats for breakfast.
But amidst all these beautiful yummilicious pink desserts, the strawberry cupcakes are truly magical. They turn out soft and fluffy with the right amount of sweet and tangy notes, adorned with red strawberries like jewels.
And they were totally worth the wait.
These Strawberry Cupcakes are sweet but without the refined sugar.
They are springy and fluffy but without the refined flour and still just as perfect.
The last time I made these, no one knew these were refined sugar free and whole grain too!
Healthy Strawberry Cupcakes
Ingredients:
220g Whole Wheat Flour (Sieved twice)
96g (½ cup) Monkfruit Sweetner
75g Fresh Strawberry Puree
75g yoghurt
120g unsalted butter
4 Large Eggs
1 tbsp Baking Powder
¼ tsp Salt
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
½ tsp strawberry essence
1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
For Icing:
200m Fresh Cream
100g Cream Cheese
50g Monk fruit sweetener
Pink Food Colour
For Decoration:
Fresh Strawberries
Method:
Preheat your oven to 180 deg celsius and spray cupcake tins with cooking spray.
For the strawberries puree: rinse the berries, slice the greens off, and puree in a blender until completely smooth.
Beat the butter and monk-fruit sweetener till fluffy, add the eggs,vanilla extract and strawberry essence and beat well.
To this add the strawberry puree and yoghurt further mix on low speed until completely incorporated.
In a small bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder and salt.
Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Add the vinegar and quickly fold in with a spoon or spatula to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
DO NOT OVERMIX
Scoop the batter into the prepared cupcake tins and bake for 25 minutes or till they are baked well.
Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Whip the cooled fresh cream till soft peaks form. Add in the cream cheese, monkfruit sweetener and two drops of pink food colouring and whip further till the icing holds shape.
Decorate the cooled cupcakes with the whirl of this icing and place fresh strawberries on top for the festive look.
Handy Tips:
If the cupcake mix is too thick add a little milk to adjust the consistency.
For a smooth puree, strain the strawberries puree once through a sieve.
Make the icing ahead of decorating the cupcakes and keep to cool in the refrigerator to set. This will make it easy to decorate the cupcakes.
Goa’s food trucks blend authentic Goan snacks and global flavours, offering quick, affordable, freshly made meals. Popular picks include Noronha’s, Heera’s Tasty Bites, Food Engine, Heavenly Crust, and Susegad—perfect for a tasty, casual culinary adventure.
In recent years, food trucks have become an exciting part of the state’s culinary culture, offering delicious, affordable, and freshly made meals on the go. These mobile kitchens serve everything from Goan comfort food to global flavours, attracting locals, tourists, and late-night food lovers. If you want to explore Goa through its street-style dining, here are some of the recommended food trucks to try.
Noronha’s Food Corner
Noronha’s Food Corner stands as one of Goa’s most loved food trucks, especially popular among locals for its authentic Goan flavours. Known for dishes like beef cutlets, choris pao, and crispy snacks, this food truck offers a perfect mix of tradition and taste. It usually operates in the evenings, drawing crowds who crave comforting Goan street food made fresh on the spot.
Heera’s Tasty Bites
Heera’s Tasty Bites is a favourite stop for those who enjoy fast, flavour-packed meals. It serves massive wraps and baguettes with filling of your choice, as mentioned on their menu. Customers appreciate its quick service, generous portions, and consistent taste. Whether you’re heading home late or looking for a filling bite between plans, this food truck promises great value and satisfying flavours.
Food Engine
Food Engine is known for its variety and mouthwatering savories. The truck offers everything from juicy burgers and loaded fries to stuffed sandwiches and fusion dishes. Its menu appeals to both young food lovers and families exploring Goa’s modern food scene. The truck’s consistency and quality make it one of the more popular spots, especially in urban areas.
Heavenly Crust
As the name suggests, Heavenly Crust specialises in pizzas and baked treats. This food truck prepares wood-fired pizzas, garlic bread, and other cheesy delights using fresh ingredients and homemade dough. The thin, crispy crust and flavourful toppings
make their pizzas stand out. Whether you’re craving a classic Margherita or a hearty meat-loaded pizza, Heavenly Crust delivers great taste every time.
Susegad Food Truck
Susegad Food Truck captures the laid-back Goan vibe with a menu that blends local and continental dishes. It often serves comfort meals like Goan sausage burgers, fries, wings, wraps, and refreshing beverages. The friendly service and relaxed ambience make it a favourite among visitors looking to enjoy a casual meal after a day at the beach.
A Delicious Way to Explore Goa
Food trucks in Goa offer a unique way to experience the state’s evolving food culture. From authentic Goan snacks to global favourites, these mobile kitchens deliver flavours that are fresh, creative, and accessible. If you’re planning your next meal adventure, skip the usual restaurants and try one of these food trucks; you might discover your new favourite spot.
pizza
cafe & eatery
urth organic cafe & eatery
Urth Organic Café & Eatery in Vagator, led by Anvika Chaudhary, promotes healthy, sustainable living through organic, locally sourced food, wellness-focused experiences, and an eco-friendly marketplace that supports mindful, conscious lifestyles.
Article by: Steve Antao
Images by: Urth Wellness Cafe
Nestled in the heart of the vibrant coastal paradise of Vagator in North Goa, Urth Organic Cafe & Eatery beckons you to discover a unique dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary. More than just a place to savour delicious dishes, Urth Organic Cafe & Eatery is a tranquil oasis committed to health, sustainability, and a holistic approach to dining. The cafe is a division of moa wellness, a health and wellness enterprise founded by Anvika Chaudhary, a visionary force in the wellness and sustainability space in Goa.
About The Founder
Anvika Chaudhary's journey towards becoming a wellness advocate began with a passion for promoting holistic well-being. With her amazing knowledge of pharmaceuticals, yoga, and sports nutrition, Anvika has become a trailblazer in the wellness community. Her ability to connect with those seeking healthier lives has made Urth Organic Cafe a hallmark of holistic wellness.
The Concept and Menu
Urth Organic Cafe boasts a menu thoughtfully curated to promote holistic wellness.
The menu features a diverse range of healthy and nourishing options, which are designed to support a balanced lifestyle and cater to different dietary preferences. All the items on the menu at Urth Organic Cafe are prepared using organic, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that every meal is not only fresh and flavorful but also environmentally responsible.
Urth bowls, which are a signature offering of the cafe, are packed with vibrant and nutrient-rich ingredients. These bowls are carefully crafted to provide a well-rounded and satisfying meal, often featuring a combination of vegetables, grains, proteins, and flavourful dressings.
Another speciality of Urth Cafe is its amazing selection of Smoothie & Chia Bowls. These bowls are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Topped with a variety of fruits, nuts, seeds, and granola, they offer a delightful combination of textures and flavours.
Apart from all of this, the cafe’s menu also features several gluten-free wraps to cater to those with gluten sensitivities and a variety of plant-based dishes for those following a vegan lifestyle.
Urth Organic Cafe & Eatery
Founder - Anvika Singh Chaudhary
For those with a sweet tooth, the menu offers a delectable array of guilt-free desserts which permit patrons to satisfy their sweet cravings without compromising on their wellness.
For those looking for hot beverages, the menu offers a variety of healthy kombuchas, which are known for their probiotic benefits, as well as different varieties of tea and coffee.
Popular Dishes and Drinks
Items on the menu at Uurth Cafe which are customer favourites include nutritious bowls like their Ayurvedic Balance Bowl and their Pink Dragon Chia Bowl, breakfast dishes such as their Greek Style Avo Toast and their Protein Burger Pancake, and healthy drinks like their Matcha Latte and their refreshing Vegan Chai Latte. The cafe’s menu reflects a commitment to offering flavorful options that align with the wellness goals of its patrons.
Entertainment and Wellness Activities
Urth Organic Cafe is not just a place for food and beverages. It is also a hub for amazing entertainment activities which help in enhancing the overall wellbeing experience of patrons.
From fitness and yoga workshops to Ayurveda and natural healing sessions, healthy cooking classes and art and craft workshops to herbal tea tasting, and community wellness events, Urth is a hub for holistic experiences.
Standing Out in Goa
What sets Urth apart from other establishments in Goa is its focus on enhancing lives while contributing to a healthier, more sustainable way of living. It stands as a symbol of balance, nourishment, and sustainability, inviting all who enter to embark on their own journey toward well-being.
Future Plans
Anvika Chaudhary envisions a bright future for Urth Organic Cafe. She aims to make the cafe a beacon of wellness and sustainability for generations to come, and plans on using it to promote the concept beyond Goa.
Online Marketplace
To further its mission, Urth has ventured into the online marketplace with www.myurth.com. This platform offers a curated selection of eco-friendly, sustainable, and health-conscious products. It's not just a shopping platform; it's an invitation for individuals to make choices that align with their commitment to wellness and sustainability.
Embark on a culinary journey at Urth Organic Cafe & Eatery—a place where the fusion of flavours, commitment to health, and dedication to sustainability create an experience that nourishes both body and soul while preserving the beauty of our planet. Join them in celebrating good food and a greener future.
Goa, often celebrated for its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant nightlife, is equally renowned for its rich culinary heritage. Traditional Goan cuisine is a flavorful fusion of indigenous Konkani flavors and Portuguese influences, offering a tantalizing mix of spices, seafood, meats, and sweets. For food lovers, exploring Goan cuisine is a journey that delights the senses and offers a window into the state’s culture and history.
The Flavors of Goa: A Perfect Blend
Goan cuisine is known for its bold flavors and aromatic spices. Coconut, tamarind, kokum, and curry leaves are staples that provide a unique depth to the dishes. The Portuguese influence is visible in the use of vinegar, pork, and baking techniques, creating iconic dishes like vindaloo and sorpotel. Seafood is central to Goan food, with fresh fish, prawns, crab, and clams forming the backbone of many meals.
Signature Dishes You Must Try
Goan Fish Curry Rice: A quintessential meal, combining fresh fish, coconut milk, and red chili for a tangy and spicy curry served over steamed rice.
Prawn Balchão: A spicy, tangy prawn pickle that showcases Goan love for bold flavors.
Sorpotel and Vindaloo: Influenced by Portuguese cooking, these pork dishes are marinated with vinegar, spices, and slow-cooked for rich taste.
Xacuti: A complex curry made with roasted coconut, poppy seeds, and a medley of spices, usually paired with chicken or lamb.
Vegetarian Delights: Dishes like Dal Vade, Bambrak Jhunka, and Khatkhate highlight the versatility of Goan vegetarian cuisine.
Street Food and Snacks
Goa’s streets are a treasure trove for snack lovers. Try Feni-flavored choris buns, Sannas (steamed rice cakes), Goan patties, and Bhaji pav for a quick taste of local flavors. These snacks, often enjoyed with local toddy or tea, reflect the everyday culinary practices of Goans.
Sweets and Desserts
No culinary journey in Goa is complete without tasting traditional sweets. Neureos, sweet dumplings stuffed with coconut and jaggery, Patoleo, rice parcels steamed in turmeric leaves with coconut and jaggery, and Bebinca, a multi-layered pudding, are iconic treats that blend local ingredients with Portuguese culinary artistry.
Culinary Experiences Beyond the Plate
Visiting Goan kitchens, markets, and local eateries adds depth to the gastronomic experience. From fresh catch at the fish markets in Panaji and Mapusa to spice farms in Ponda, exploring the sources of Goan flavors enhances appreciation for the cuisine. Cooking classes and local food tours allow travelers to learn traditional techniques, bringing home both memories and skills.
Festivals and Food
Festivals in Goa, such as Shigmo, Christmas, and Diwali, are celebrated with special dishes prepared in every household. Food is central to community gatherings, showcasing Goan generosity and culinary creativity. Tasting festival-specific dishes gives visitors insight into the cultural importance of food in Goan society.
Why Explore Goan Cuisine?
Exploring Goan cuisine is more than just a meal—it’s an immersive cultural experience. Every dish tells a story Goa’s history, people, traditions. From fiery curries to delicate sweets, Goan food balances boldness and subtlety, offering something for every palate
Final Thoughts
For food lovers, Goa paradise that goes beyond beaches and nightlife. Traditional cuisine, rich in flavor, culture, history, provides a journey into the heart of Goan life. Every bite is a celebration of local ingredients, Portuguese heritage, culinary passion, making Goa a must-visit destination for anyone eager to taste authentic Indian coastal cuisine.
