Goa, Part 5: Food!

 You know me... I am the penultimate foodie. Indian food is laden with spice and oil...and, while delicious, doesn't really agree with my system. Thus, I eat it in moderation. Most of the time, I do my own cooking, relishing the abundance--and cheapness-- of fresh fruits and veggies here. I ALSO "splurge" on some more exotic, imported items, obtainable at the quaint, upscale local market named "Oscar's junction." So...feast with your eyes, as I have...with both eyes AND stomach!!!


I had no clue what half these dishes were, but I was awed by the artistry that went into their creation. This talented woman was selling these fruit/veggie snacks--on banana leafs, thank God, and not paper or plastic--outside of a temple I visited. I never eat anything raw from street vendors... otherwise, I would have tried one of the more exotic-looking choices!


 Lunch at Mishmar beach shack: A vegetable briyani with egg. Most surprisingly, there were 2 whole eggs, coated in a tasty, fried skin, buried beneath the surface of this delicious mound of rice. I have no idea how they managed to do the fried layer around a whole egg! 


The egg-centric, buried treasure inside the briyani! 

 New love of my life, this adorable pooch got most of my egg... what a sucker am I for a precious, puppy face! 

Maybe not as interesting or exotic as Indian fare, but my own salad creations are pretty darn good, and healthier, to boot! (Sans the heavy oils and carbs of the Indian fare!)


Another wonder of nature, this beautiful object is a "dragon fruit".  I was not brave enough to try one...but will eventually!


As with Mexico, even the more expensive, imported/specialty foods are still more affordable than what you get with a general, grocery shopping trip in the U.S.  This pile of goodies only set me back by $28. 


Even MORE reasonable--and certainly healthier-- than the assorted foods presented before them... this assortment of fruits and veggies cost a mere $4. None organic, unfortunately...around here, in Goa, I can not find ANY organic products, with the exception of the tea from Organic India. 


Did you notice that this Mishmar beach shack restaurant menu is NOT in Hindi, but ONLY in English and Russian?! Clearly, it caters to tourists alone... the wise owner, Camilo, definitely knows "which side his bread is buttered on", as it were!  (I eat at this--and other beach "shacks"-- 2 to 3 times per week. Not inexpensive...but they won't break the bank, either. AND... there are perks: A beachside chaise lounge, canopy, and complientary use of a beach towel for a day!)


Unfortunately, because I took this photo at night, and by candlelight, the lovely dish is a little hard to make out. It is a plate containing a generous portion of the Goan "Pomfrei" fish, along with "pomme frites". Coincidence?!? No idea. I had never heard of this type of fish before I came here! I was a bit shocked when I got the bill:  1250 rupees! Approx. $17. While not expensive based on U.S. standards, this is VERY expensive by Indian ones! When I expressed my dismay upon getting the bill, Camilo kindly discounted it by taking off 300 rupees. Smart business man...he KNOWS I will be back, of course! 


My own, delectable meal: a "palaak" salad (Hindi word for spinach) along with a grilled cheese sandwich. The European-style bread--purchased at Oscar's, of course-- contains walnuts and raisins and is made from semi-whole wheat. I enjoyed this as thoroughly as my restaurant meals!


A surprising variation of vegetable korma, this dish was filled with veggies, a wonderful sauce, and topped with fruit. It was as tasty as it was beautiful!


Very classic: A vegetable curry dish (with added paneer--the Indian-style of cheese) and big mound of white rice. Brown rice is only obtainable in specialty stores... so I have to make it myself. 



Last but not least, dessert: This kulfi is a classic form of Indian ice cream, made with condensed milk and Indian spices, such as cardamom. SO very delicous! 


A bit hard to describe this amazing sweet: It has the consistency of halvah, but is much lighter and fluffier. I have no clue what it is made out of, but surely a lot of butter or ghee! Add in sugar, nuts and seasonings... truly, to die for!!!


Next up....well, you will just have to wait and see!

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