From Golden Beaches to Goan Recipes: Explore Goa

Feeling all lost and dazed under the scorching June heat? Think summers, think holiday, think Goa. Brimming with rich history, you'll find the Portuguese influence quite evident in almost everything that is authentically Goan - be it food, clothing or architecture. There's plenty to do and see here - from rave parties in pretty shacks and adventure sports to beautiful golden beaches and tranquil retreats.Top Beaches: There is something for everyone here! For all those crazy kids in search of some water/adventure sports, head off to Baga. You'll find tons of things in store for you- dolphin cruising, wind surfing, amazing seafood and beach shacks.If you are more of a hippie party animal then you can't go wrong with Arambol. It's full of foreign travelers, loosening up and relaxing in a way that might come as a shock to many!Those of you who are on a laze-around-do-nothing sort of vacation, then Mandrem offers you just that. Chill around, eat at the seaside shacks, sink your feet deep into the golden sand, close your eyes, hear the waves beating on the shore, breathe in the fragrant fresh air and just forget the world! Agonda and Mandrem are ideal for those who are looking for a little privacy. You can even sit and meditate; it's that calm and peaceful!Local Markets and More: Goa offers a beautiful amalgamation of modernity and nature, wildlife sanctuaries like Bhagwan Mahavir and Cotigao, local flea markets, spice plantation and awe inspiring old Goa. The local shopping scene is thrilling from the Anjuna fleamarket, Baga Beach, Mapusa Market, to Mackie's night bazaar and Calangute Market Square. You'll get almost anything and everything under the sun here - rugs, mats, chunky jewelry, beautiful clothes, spices and local food. There is just one thumb rule which you must follow while shopping here - bargain till your last breath. Most shops close by evening; while others are just a weekly affair. Finally, Food!Goan delicacies are not to be missed. Beat the heat with some feni, lay your hands on a plate full of prawn curry, try vindaloo, rava fried fish, Xacuti, Goan sausages, chicken cafreal and bebinca. Top Restaurants/Eating joints
 
Thalassa,
Mums kitchen
Britos
Infantaria
Martin's corner
Souza lobo
La Plaze
Curlie's(Read more: A guide to food and restaurants of Goa)How to re-create the Goan Magic back at home?As they say, all good things must come to an end! We bet that once back from Goa, the delectable Goan specialties will forever be in your thoughts. Fear not, for you can cook some of these in your own kitchen!Pork Vindaloo
Recipe by Niru GuptaA classic Goan delicacy. Pork cooked in a sweet and tangy blend of spices with a twist of gur.Goan Prawn Curry
Recipe by Andy with chef Laila Baig

Relive the ecstatic experience of relishing those perfectly cooked prawns. Succulent prawns bathed in a creamy and aromatic gravy, full of spices and oozing with flavours Bebinca
Recipe by Kishore D ReddyAll set for a popular Goan dessert? Here's a traditional sweet delicacy of Goa, cake made of coconut milk, high on dreamy sweetness.Rava Fried Fish
Recipe by Aditya BalA traditional local hit. Beautiful fish fillets smeared with masalas and semolina, fried to a deep brown perfection.Mushroom and Potato Xacuti
Recipe by Aditya Bal

Here is a mouthwatering authentic Goan delicacy which combines mushrooms with potatoes to cook it lovely in a fiery blend of kokum, tamarind and goan vinegar