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Rediscovering Tribal Cuisine of Goa

Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Quepem is proud to present the official website and YouTube channel for our project titled:

“Rediscovering Tribal Cuisine of Goa: An Action Research Proposal in Two Districts of Goa”

This project has been undertaken with the support of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, under the “Support to Tribal Research Institute” scheme.

About the Project:

Launched on June 1, 2023, this research project aims to explore, document, and celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Goa’s tribal communities—Gawada, Velip, and Kunbi—who continue to practice age-old traditions of food preparation and preservation.

While Goa is globally known for its coastal seafood and Portuguese-influenced cuisine, tribal culinary practices reflect a deeper, more sustainable, and ancestral connection to the land. These traditions embody minimalism, resourcefulness, and harmony with nature.

Project Highlights:
  • 75 traditional tribal recipes documented.
  • Focus on sustainable practices, food sovereignty, and cultural preservation.
  • Simple yet nutritious dishes, often prepared with just a few locally-sourced ingredients such as forest vegetables, tubers, fruits, and freshwater fish, etc.
  • Unique methods of food storage, preservation, and seasonal planning.

These insights showcase the community’s deep-rooted knowledge and connection with nature, offering valuable lessons for modern food systems.

Project Aim

To recognize, document, and disseminate traditional tribal food practices and associated knowledge from the Goa region.

Objectives
  • Identify and catalogue unique tribal food recipes from North and South Goa.
  • Publish a comprehensive State Recipe Handbook for these tribal communities.
  • Map geographic locations and gather tribal culinary knowledge for sustainable, health-oriented interventions.
  • Promote awareness and appreciation of tribal cuisines through social media and digital platforms.