Minister Rohan Khaunte & Flavel Monteiro Launch Culinary Initiative Celebrating Goan Cuisine

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | September 25, 2024 | News

Goa Tourism Rohan Khaunte Flavel Monteiro

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon'ble Minister for Tourism, along with author Flavel Monteiro, launched 'SAVOR GOA: The Best Restaurants,' a culinary coffee table book, at a special event held at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Goa. The launch was attended by Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director of Tourism, Shri Jack Sukhija, President of TTAG, and Smt. Dona D’Souza, Principal, IHM Goa.

'SAVOR GOA: The Best Restaurants' showcases Goa’s culinary landscape, highlighting 46 top restaurants and over 16 authentic Goan recipes. The 190-page book celebrates the blend of traditional and contemporary cuisines that define Goan food culture. It is available in both print and eBook formats, with the online version featuring videos for an enhanced experience.

In his keynote address, Hon'ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte stated, "It is a pleasure to celebrate Goa's culinary excellence on the occasion of World Tourism Day. This day underscores our focus on Regenerative Tourism, with initiatives such as ‘Goa Beyond Beaches,’ eco-tourism, adventure, and wellness tourism. Goa is rapidly becoming the food capital of India, with each village offering its unique take on traditional dishes. Through collaborations and by nurturing talent, we aim to shape the future of Goan cuisine and ensure our tourism ecosystem flourishes. This book pays homage to the rich culinary heritage that has made Goan cuisine globally admired, while also paving the way for its future.”

Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director of Tourism, remarked, "This initiative celebrates Goa's culinary diversity, further reinforcing our efforts to position Goa as a top global culinary destination. It is wonderful to see our heritage and innovation so beautifully captured in this book."

Shri Flavel Monteiro, the author of 'SAVOR GOA,' shared, "This book delves deep into Goa’s culinary soul, from the finest restaurants to cherished family recipes. Goa's cuisine, a blend of coastal freshness and inland richness, tells a story of centuries of history and culinary passion. ‘SAVOR GOA’ is a tribute to that heritage and innovation, where food is not just sustenance but a celebration of life and culture."

The event also featured the unveiling of specially designed t-shirts and caps for the Yuva Tourism Clubs meet scheduled for 26th September 2024 at Darbar Hall, Rajbhavan, as part of World Tourism Week celebrations. The exclusive merchandise aims to foster unity and a deeper connection with Goa’s heritage while promoting responsible and sustainable travel.

Shri Jack Sukhija, President of TTAG, added, "Goa's cuisine is a key aspect of its tourism appeal. Books like these not only help promote our culinary traditions but also bring international attention to the rich food culture that the state is so proud of."

The event concluded with a cooking competition, where prizes were awarded to winners, recognizing the innovative dishes prepared by students, homemakers, and budding chefs. Shri Khaunte and Shri Anchipaka visited the competition to view the participants' creations. Smt. Liza Norton, Head of Department, Food Production and F&B service, proposed a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants, dignitaries, and partners.

The launch of 'SAVOR GOA: The Best Restaurants' is part of Goa Tourism's broader initiatives to promote the state's culture and cuisine as vital elements of its tourism appeal, reinforcing Goa’s status as a leading culinary destination.