TRIBAL CUISINE OF GOA – Page 12 – Government College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Quepemress Blog

Rediscovering Tribal Cuisine of Goa

By Tribal Research Institute, Goa

Tribal Research Institute, Goa and 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.

Hon’ble Minister for Tribal Welfare

It gives me great pleasure to mark the public launch of the official website and YouTube channel developed under the project “Rediscovering Tribal Cuisine of Goa: An Action Research Proposal in Two Districts of Goa.” This initiative is a heartfelt tribute to the rich food traditions of Goa’s tribal communities and an important step towards keeping this Read More..

Director of Tribal Welfare Department

It is a matter of great satisfaction to mark the public launch of the website and YouTube channel developed as part of the project “Rediscovering Tribal Cuisine of Goa: An Action Research Proposal in Two Districts of Goa.” This initiative represents a thoughtful and timely effort to document and celebrate the rich culinary traditions of Goa’s tribal communities. Read More..

Director of Tribal Research Institute

It gives me great pleasure to mark the public launch of the website and YouTube channel created as part of the project “Rediscovering Tribal Cuisine of Goa: An Action Research Proposal in Two Districts of Goa”, a project which was funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, through the “Support to Tribal Research Institute”scheme. Read More..

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.

Principal’s message

It gives me immense pleasure to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the team involved in the project “Rediscovering Tribal Cuisine of Goa: An Action Research Proposal in Two Districts of Goa”. Our college is located in a region where the majority of the population belongs to tribal communities. Therefore, this work reflects our college’s commitment to inclusive education, cultural preservation, and community engagement.

By exploring traditional tribal food practices, this project not only showcases indigenous culinary wisdom but also brings to light the sustainable and health-conscious lifestyles of tribal communities.

I am happy to see our faculty engaging with such meaningful work by documenting recipes, understanding local ingredients, and appreciating the deep connection between food, culture, and identity. Projects like this play a crucial role in fostering respect for diversity, promoting research, and preserving our intangible heritage for future generations.

With best wishes,

Dr. Pravina Kerkar
Officiating Principal
Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Quepem