The Goan Food Fest dinner buffet at Taj Banjara, Hyderabad beginning tomorrow till August 25, 2014 is a delicious opportunity to sample India’s west coast cuisine.

Chefs Domingos Borges and Vicky Kumar from Goa are in town and cooking up a storm. The ten-day food fest has three cyclical menus with the usual suspects of Balchaos, Xacuttis (roasted spices in coconut gravy) and Vindaloos as well as some surprisingly delish starters, salads and soups.

The Bhindi Kishmur – deep fried ladies’ fingers tossed with freshly grated coconut, tomatoes and onions and Salad be Beach House – chunky pineapple, fresh prawns and bell peppers with a mustard and fenugreek tempering and a hint of chilli lemon were my favourite salads.

Among the main course the Galinha (chicken) Cafreal, Mutton Sukha Masala and Crab Xec Xec served with Balchao naans, Arroz de Verdure and Goan brown rice were finger licking good!

For a sweet ending there’s Dodol (Eggless Goan delicacy made with rice flour, jaggery and coconut milk), and the 16 layered Bebinca, a traditional layered cake flavoured with nutmeg and served with coconut ice cream) among others.

If you’re wondering how to do justice to the lavish spread, there’s a spicy and addictive Sol Kadi (kokam in coconut milk drink) to wash it all down.

In keeping with the Goan theme, there’s also live spirited ambient music by singers Meghna and Lokhipai so you get your fill of Goan mandos and dulpods. Since visiting the fest, I have Ya, Ya, Mayaya for an earworm and it’s making me happy!