Travelling to Goa? Here are 10 iconic monsoon dishes you must try

The monsoon season brings a welcomed respite from the sweltering heat in Goa . As the clouds roll in and the rains begin to fall, the parched land springs back to life. The swaying palm trees glisten, and the earthy petrichor scent fills the air. It's the perfect time to ditch the beach and explore another side of Goa—its food!

The rainy season, from June to September, ushers in a variety of fresh, seasonal produce. The Goan markets overflow with an abundance of fruits, vegetables, seafood, and spices. It's a food lover's paradise! From complex curries to simple street food, the monsoon cuisine of Goa is diverse and mouthwatering.

Here are the top 10 foods you must try when visiting Goa during the magical monsoon season:

Sol Kadhi

The kokum-infused sol kadhi is a staple drink in Goan households during the monsoon. The bright pink sol kadhi acts as the perfect palate cleanser between meals. It soothes your stomach and provides a cool reprieve from the humid weather.

The key ingredients in sol kadhi are kokum (a fruit native to the Western Ghats regions), coconut milk, and a tempering of cumin seeds and garlic. You can find locals sipping on freshly made sol kadhi at shacks along the streets or getting your fix at popular restaurants like Mum's Kitchen in Panjim. Don't forget to add the crispy fried chilies for texture!

Sol Kadhi(Credits: Canva)

Fish curry and rice

As the rains hit, an abundance of freshly caught fish and prawns became available along the coastline of Goa. The signature Goan fish curry made with local mackerel, kingfish, or pomfret is an indulgent treat.

The creamy, coconut-based gravy strikes the perfect balance between sour and spicy flavors. It goes fantastically well with steaming hot rice and a slice of kokum sol kadhi to cut through the richness. Some of the best places to try authentic Goan fish curry rice are Martin's Corner in Betalbatim and Starlight Restaurant in Calangute.

Fish curry and rice(Credits: Canva)

Sannas

These fluffy, pillow-like steamed rice cakes are a beloved Goan specialty that is best enjoyed during the monsoon. The soft, almost soufflé-like texture of sannas soaks up the rich curries splendidly.

Sannas are made from fermented rice batter and coconut toddy. They can be plain or infused with spices. Bebinca and 0059s in Candolim serve excellent sannas with seafood and chicken curries. Their prawn balchao and crab xec xec sannas are a match made in heaven!

Sannas(Credit: ruchikrandhap)

Pork Vindaloo

While Goan cuisine has many variations of the vindaloo, the pork vindaloo reigns supreme during the monsoon. Juicy, vinegar-cured pork is cooked in a spicy gravy packed with garlic, red chilies, and Goan spices like roasted cumin and cinnamon.

The tanginess from the vinegar cuts through the monsoon humidity and helps open up your sinuses. Some popular joints for pork vindaloo in Goa include Mum's Kitchen, Martin's Corner, and Longhuino's in Panjim. Be sure to pair it with sannas or fluffy poee bread.

Pork Vindaloo(Credits: Canva)

Kismur

Kismur is a unique Goan chutney made specifically during the monsoon season, when the kismur fruit is in season. These small green fruits have a tart, astringent taste that pairs excellently with the richer seafood curries.

The key ingredients in kismur are the kismur fruit, shredded coconut, green chillies, and spices like cumin, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. It provides a zingy, refreshing contrast to hearty Goan curries. Try the kismur chutney at Anand Seafood in Benaulim village.

Credits: yourhungerstop

Patoleo

Patoleo is a sweet Goan cake traditionally steamed in turmeric leaves during the monsoon season. Rice flour, jaggery, and coconut are the main ingredients, lending a soft, sticky texture and sweet flavor.

Other spices, like cardamom, nutmeg, and black pepper, add fragrance and depth. The patoleo is then steamed until the sticky cake firms up. The rich jaggery flavor balances beautifully with a cup of black tea or coffee. Grab a patoleo from a local bakery or the Mapusa market for a sweet treat.

Patoleo(Credits: Nomadic Tadka)

Khatkhatem

This unique vegetable stew is packed with the fresh produce that springs up across Goan farms during the monsoon. Khatkhatem has its origins in the Christian Goan community and is often made during festivals and for Sunday lunch.

It contains a medley of veggies like raw bananas, yams, colocasia leaves, potatoes, and chickpeas simmered in coconut milk and Goan spices. Some versions may also include dried prawns or meat. The creamy, slightly tangy khatkhatem makes for a hearty comfort meal during the rainy days.

Khatkhatem(Credits: maunikagowardhan)

Ros Omelette

This fluffy, spongy Omelette is a beloved Goan monsoon snack, typically served between meals. Eggs, flour, tapioca, and coconut milk are whisked up into a thick, creamy batter, which is then cooked like a pancake to airy perfection.

It is served with a side of spicy chicken or pork gravy that seeps into the pores of the Omelette. For the definitive ros omelet experience, visit Mum's Kitchen or Peep Kitchen in Candolim. Grab a crispy ros along with a cup of Susegad Goan tea.

Ros Omelette(Credits: ItsGoa)

Ambot Tik

The fiery, tangy ambot tik curry pairs fantastically with the cool monsoon weather. Originating along the Malabar coast, this showstopper curry contains chunks of succulent fish or prawns in a broth of kokum, coconut, and fiery red Byadgi chillies.

The balance of sour, sweet, and spicy flavors in ambot tik is highly addictive. The red chili heat helps clear your sinuses during the humidity. Bebinca in Candolim serves stellar ambot tik with kingfish, pomfret, or prawns; make sure to mop up all that tasty broth with some poee bread!

Ambot Tik(Credits: bigfattummy)

Dali Thoy

End your monsoon Goan feast on a sweet note with this creamy lentil pudding. Dali thoy is made from chana dal that is first roasted and then cooked with coconut milk, ginger, jaggery, and cardamom until it becomes a decadent, pudding-like consistency.

It is chilled and often topped with boa, or goan banana fritters. The nutty dali thoy, contrasted with crisp boa, makes for the ultimate comfort dessert on a rainy day. Be sure to try dali thoy at Gur and Anita's shack in Anjuna for a delightful ending to your meal.

The monsoon offers the perfect weather to explore Goa beyond its spectacular beaches. As you weave through lush green spice plantations and colorful winding villages, discover the incredible seasonal produce that lies at the core of Goan food. Savor the tang of kokum, the heat of fiery chili, and the sweetness of coconut-based curries. Let the soulful flavors transport you to the heart of Goa!

Dali Thoy(Credits:archanaskitchen)

Relax and unwind at Bam Goa, Saligao

When planning your monsoon visit to Goa, don't forget to book your stay at Bam Goa, Saligao to fully experience the smart luxury and premium hospitality. Nestled in the heart of North Goa's serene Saligao, Bam Stays provide an exclusive retreat to the guests with the 10 elegantly designed rooms. It is an ideal homebase as it is conviniently located from both Calangute and Baga beach and also from various famous clubs and bars in North Goa.

Each space blends cutting-edge technology with stylish decor to create an environment both sophisticated and comfortable. Guests can enjoy the luxury amenities including swimming pool and private jacuzzis, all while being immersed in a vibrant community atmosphere that fosters connection and interaction.

After a long day out exploring Goa's winding backroads, guests can enjoy their stay lounging in the gazebo overlooking the swimming pool and sip on the drinks in our in-house bar. There's a well decked library where you can simply unwind for a day or enjoy game time playing snooker in the hotel.

Come experience monsoon magic in Goa away from the crowds, surrounded by good company and fabulous food!

Let the Bam Goa, Saligao be your laidback, soulful homebase, from where you can discover the true flavors of Goa.