Goans enjoy local Iftaar cuisine

Another few morer days left for Eid al-Fitr and the stalls selling Iftaar dishes are getting busy with customers wanting to try out their delicacies. From Russian cutlets to crispy chicken, beef cutlets, kebabs and tikkas, sandwiches, cheese balls, baida rotis haleem and so much more. Special juices, faloodas and sharbats are also being prepared to make Ramadan fasting more comfortable. Over the last few years, the Iftaar delicacies are not limited to just Muslim homes but to also those who are culinary enthusiasts. Communal harmony It is believed that food brings people together and this is seen at the mosques of Goa where people from different communities have gathered to try out Iftaar items on sale. Francis Fernandes based out of Panaji has been to the Jama Masjid a few times, and has fallen in love with haleem. “Its made with daals, meats and spices, which is perfect for people who prefer to eat protein rich food. Items like samosas, sheekh kebabs, and biryani are easily available, but items like Haleem, are rarely cooked in Goa,” hence Francis prefers to eat this till next year. Roshni Shirodkar who works in Margao, visits the restaurant at a crossroad in Chadrawaddo where she likes to try their unique fried items like chicken cheese balls and chicken sheekh kebabs. “During this time, the entire Instagram feed is filled with places to eat Iftaar food. These items are very interesting, and they serve both beef and chicken. Of course, we go to places which maintain hygiene and cook beef and chicken in separate oils,” says Roshni. Once a year affair Sheikh Abbas who runs a restaurant in Chadrawaddo in Arlem has his regular customers and new ones who make it a point to buy the food. “We get a mix of all religions and its very nice to see that there is appreciation towards our food. This year, we have introduced some offers for people too, which allows people to taste a variety of dishes.” Zain Raza who runs a restaurant in Vasco says they make a lot of unique Iftaar items and most of the customers are a mix of religions. "This is the only time of the year people get to experience our food and we love when we get compliments from people that Muslim food is not just Biryani, there is so much more. They buy things that are usually not available regularly throughout the year.”