On the Goan food trail- Amazing fish thalis in Goa #very_goan #goaunlimited #goavillarentals #goaholiday

On the Goan food trail – Amazing fish thalis in Goa

by Jui Damle

Thali at Konkani Kanteen, Panjim

If you thought Goa was about fish, fish and more fish, you wouldn’t be so wrong! Fish is eaten with gusto across India or for that matter, across the globe. But the sheer variety, taste and preparations with fish in Goa are unparalleled.

The unique fish thalis have become something of an iconic symbol of Goa.It’s almost a sacrilege to leave without trying the fish thali at least once during your trip. As a relatively new resident of Goa, I crave for this fish thali at least once a week.

So what is this fishthali all about? It’s a simple, hearty but extremely tasty and balanced meal. Across the length and the breadth of the state, you will find the same constituents in a fish thali – the rice, fish curry and a piece of fried fish. To cut down the spiciness, the soul soothing and stomach cooling solkadi (the version with coconut milk) or the ‘tival’ (without the coconut milk added) are usually an essential part of the thali. Depending on where you are eating, the type of fish in the curry and the fried version differ. The taste of the curry differs too – sometimes spicy and piquant or mellow with the flavours of fresh coconut. As you traverse from the North to the South or the East to the West, there are some classic joints serving up these delectable meals.

In the north, there is Anand. Set amidst lush green fields (at least in this season), Anand serves up a delectable thali with fresh fish, some absolutely ravishing curry along with clams or tisryo in a coconut gravy, served with steaming rice and a vegetable. There are some joints like Copperleaf in Porvorim that serve a huge fish thali – served with all the standard dishes but with the addition of kismoor, a sort of salad with dry shrimps, along with an interesting addition like a crab sukka or some other special of the day. Another place that serves a great tasting thali is Sanil, also in Porvorim. It’s a small joint, very popular among the locals. Another place that deserves a special mention is Spice Goa in Mapusa, with their legendray fish thali. There are several eateries in Panjim that are famous for their fish thalis – Ritz Classic, Anandashram, Vinanti and the newly opened Konkani Kanteen. Down South, you will find the famous and popular Mardol, Sharda in Bambolim and Sheela’s on the way to the airport.

Whichever the place, however big or small, be sure to try the fish thali and you won’t be disappointed. In fact, you will be coming back for more!