Discover Goa’s Culinary Charms This Monsoon Season

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, held a strategic meeting to promote Goa’s thriving culinary heritage as part of its monsoon tourism initiative for July and August. This effort is a key element of the wider #GlowOnArrival campaign, which aims to provide visitors with immersive and rejuvenating experiences during the rainy season.

The meeting was chaired by Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, alongside Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC); Shawn Mendes, OSD to the Tourism Minister; Gavin Dias, General Manager of GTDC; Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing) of GTDC; Jayesh Kankonkar, Deputy Director of Tourism; Shri Jack Sukhija, President of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG); and various representatives from the hospitality sector.

This initiative aims to establish Goa as India’s premier culinary destination, showcasing a range of flavours from authentic Goan dishes to regional Indian and international cuisines through specially curated food events across the state. It seeks to demonstrate how food offers a compelling lens through which to explore Goa’s vibrant culture, welcoming communities, and stunning landscapes, particularly during the lush monsoon months. Visitors will have the chance to engage with Goa’s diverse food heritage, witnessing the seamless blend of global influences and local ingredients through innovative culinary experiences prepared by local chefs and restaurants.

Speaking on the occasion, Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, said, "The objective of this initiative is to offer visitors an opportunity to experience a unique side of Goa during the monsoon through its diverse culinary traditions and evolving food culture. By highlighting both traditional monsoon delicacies and contemporary global dishes prepared with local ingredients, we aim to present Goa as a destination where food reflects heritage, creativity, and a deep sense of place." 

As part of the #GlowOnArrival monsoon campaign, Goa Tourism is also rolling out month-by-month themed promotions from June to September 2025. June highlighted Goa’s festivals such as Sao Joao and Chikhal Kalo; August promises a focus on the state’s adventurous side with eco-activities like treks and plantation visits; and September, coinciding with World Tourism Day, will showcase Goa’s diverse attractions from historic forts and waterfalls to museums and scenic drives.

In partnership with local stakeholders, the Department of Tourism remains committed to strengthening Goa’s reputation as a culturally rich, environmentally regenerative, and flavourful destination during the monsoon season.