Mumbai, September 28, 2024: Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, along author Shri Flavel Monteiro, officially launched ‘SAVOR GOA: The Best Restaurants’, a comprehensive culinary coffee table book, at a special event held at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Goa. The launch took place in the esteemed presence of Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director of Tourism, Shri Jack Sukhija, President of TTAG, and Smt. Dona D’Souza, Principal, IHM Goa.
The book ‘SAVOR GOA: The Best Restaurants’ is an exploration of Goa’s diverse culinary landscape, offering both residents and visitors an immersive experience of the state’s rich food culture.
Featuring 46 of Goa’s finest restaurants and 16+ authentic Goan recipes, the 190-page book is a tribute to the fusion of traditional and contemporary cuisines that define Goa. The publication is available both in print and as an eBook, with the online version enhanced by videos that take readers deeper into Goa’s culinary world.
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 award-winning author of ‘SAVOR GOA’, gave a brief about his book, stating, “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 included the unveiling of specially designed t-shirts and caps for Yuva Tourism Clubs meet to be held at Darbar Hall, Rajbhavan on 26th September 2024 as part of the 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, also spoke at the event, praising the collaborative effort in promoting Goan culture: “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.”
Prizes were awarded to the winners of the cooking competition by the dignitaries, recognizing the innovative and creative dishes prepared by students, home-makers, and budding chefs. Shri. Khaunte and Shri. Anchipaka, alongwith Tourism stakeholders also visited the cooking competition, personally checking the various dishes and item display prepared by the participants. The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Smt. Liza Norton, Head of Department, Food Production and F&B service, who expressed her gratitude to all participants, dignitaries, and partners who contributed to making the event a success.
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 standing as a leading culinary destination.
