The Culinary Odyssey of Goa
Thursday, 22 August 2024 | 6 pm
CONVERSATIONS
The Culinary Odyssey of Goa
Odette Mascarenhas
Author, The Culinary Odyssey of Goa
in conversation with
Sunit Sharma
Culinary mentor; Founder, Modern Hospitality Consultants
Please join us for Conversations on Odette Mascarenhas’ book, The Culinary Odyssey of Goa, together with Sunit Sharma on Thursday, 22 August 2024 at 6 pm at the Xavier Centre of Historical Research, Porvorim.
Please join us for tea at 5:30 pm.
The Culinary Odyssey of Goa
How did Goan recipes originate? Where and from whom did our grandmothers learn their culinary secrets?
Goan cuisine is a rich tapestry woven with threads of history and migration. Over time, recipes evolved, adapting to the availability of ingredients. The Culinary Odyssey of Goa explores the origins and evolution of Goan food, looking into diverse kitchens like those of the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin, Hindu, and Muslim communities. It investigates how Portuguese colonization influenced these culinary traditions and transformed the local palate. How and why did fish become the staple in every kitchen? What are the earliest known curry dishes from this region? How have cultural exchanges and historical events shaped the evolution of specific dishes in this region? The book seeks to uncover the stories behind specific dishes, their migration between different communities, and potential connections to earlier dynasties. Additionally, it examines the culinary links between Goa, Mumbai, Kolkata, Udipi, Mangalore, Kochi, and other regions influenced by the Portuguese Empire.
After seven years of meticulous research, The Culinary Odyssey of Goa has identified a unique culinary DNA that unites Goan cuisine. By documenting recipes from across various regions and gathering first-hand accounts from countless grandmothers, the book reveals fascinating patterns and connections. Each chapter invites readers on a captivating journey through the history and flavours of Goan gastronomy.
Odette Mascarenhas
Odette Mascarenhas is a renowned food writer and critic with a deep-rooted passion for the culinary arts. Following an eighteen-year career in the food and beverage industry with the Taj Group of Hotels, she transitioned into a successful career as a chronicler of the gastronomic world, while also being food critic for The Times of India.
A prolific author with nine books to her name, Mascarenhas has garnered international acclaim, including the ‘Special Jury Award’ (2008) for her biography, Masci: The Man Behind the Legend, and the ‘Best in Historical Recipes’ (2015) award for The Culinary Heritage of Goa.
Beyond her writing, Mascarenhas has curated food experiences for the Serendipity Arts Festival (2015-2017) and is currently the President of the Goa Culinary Club, dedicated to preserving and promoting the region’s forgotten culinary traditions. Her latest book, The Culinary Odyssey of Goa, has been a seven-year research project that traces the evolution of Goan cuisine through the centuries.
Sunit Sharma
Sunit Sharma is a seasoned culinary expert with over two decades of experience in leading high-end kitchens. Following a distinguished career in top-tier hotels, he established Modern Hospitality Consultants in 2018, which specializes in crafting exceptional food and beverage experiences through restaurant startups, revamps, and catering.
A champion of culinary excellence, Chef Sharma holds three Guinness World Records (2017, 2018, 2019) and has been a Certified Executive Chef by the IFCA. His impressive list of accolades includes ‘Outstanding Culinary Leader 2023,’ ‘Star Chef 2019’ and ‘Chef of the Year runner-up 2017.’ He is a passionate advocate for traditional and local cuisine, actively involved in organizations like Slow Food, Chefs for Peace, and the Culinary Forum of Goa.
Chef Sharma’s expertise extends beyond the kitchen. He has played a pivotal role in the expansion of Cidade de Goa Hotel and Resort, and previously led the culinary operations at Four Points by Sheraton Pune. His international career includes working with renowned hospitality brands such as The Ritz Carlton, Starwood Hotels, Planet Hollywood, and Taj Hotels.
A strong believer in giving back, Chef Sharma has been recognized for his social responsibility initiatives. He is a frequent media personality and has represented India at prestigious culinary events like Salone del Gusto and Terra Madre in Turin, Italy.
Xavier Centre of Historical Research
B B Borkar Road, Porvorim, Goa 403521, India