3. Tanshikar’s Working Spice Farm
South India has been known for its abundance of spices, like black pepper, cardamom, and cloves, for centuries. In fact, these natural flavorings were a major appeal for Portuguese traders who came to Goa hundreds of years ago.
Tourists can see what the local spice scene is all about by touring Tanshikar’s Working Spice Farm & Ecological Rest House. This agritourism attraction grows seven different spices: pepper, vanilla, nutmeg, turmeric, cardamom, and chili, using totally organic farming methods.
Tours of the farm, often led by its owner, will give you an in-depth understanding of these flavor-charged crops and a chance to see some of the other products, like betelnut, coffee beans, pineapple, and banana, grown on the premises. Tanshikar’s also keeps bees and produces its own all-natural honey.
Spice farm tours aren’t the only fun thing to do at Tanshikar’s. Guests can also take a vegetarian cooking class, visit a bubbly lake, trek to Mainapi Waterfall, and train to become a yoga teacher. It’s an attraction that has something for everyone.
4. Portuguese-Indian Restaurants
Food is a major attraction in Goa. This part of India has a distinctive cuisine that blends Portuguese and Goan flavors, setting it apart from all the other food around India. Expect fiery flavors, fresh-caught seafood, and an abundance of coconut in the dishes.
You can’t leave Goa without trying its signature dish, vindaloo, a super-hot meat curry made with palm vinegar and dried red chili peppers. Hospedaria Venite in the capital of Goa, Panaji, wows tourists with its mouthwatering vindaloo. Dominick, a Benaulim Beach mainstay, is another favorite spot for vindaloo — plus it offers front-row seats for world-class sunsets.
Another Goan specialty is xacuti, a rich curry with poppy seeds, chili, and coconut. Try it at Souza Lobo, a beachfront restaurant in Calangute, or Fat Fish, a well-trafficked spot in Baga.
Tourists hankering for some fresh seafood are spoiled for choice around Goa. Zeebop, on Utorda Beach, offers delightful fish curry, prawn stew, and mackerel doused with spicy red sauce.
