Veganism as a concept is increasingly becoming popular in the state. The decision to stop eating anything related to an animal is a big move that is being made by people around the State. This is being driven by the entry of people from different parts of the country and the world.
What is veganism?
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Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products and the consumption of animal source foods. It helps reduce cholesterol limits, thus, reducing the chance of a heart attack. A person who practices veganism is known as a vegan. The foundations of veganism include ethical, moral, environmental, health and humanitarian arguments. Veganism excludes all forms of animal use, whether in agriculture for labour or food in entertainment or in services.
Variation on the theme
The popularity of veganism in Goa is growing with restaurants specialising in vegan cuisine opening up all over the place. Some restaurants label themselves as vegan vegetarian because they use milk. A vegan restaurant in Patnem in Canacona which has been operating for 11 years has tourists from all over the world coming over to use milk in some of its dishes. Akash, the manager said, “As the importance of healthy living spreads is creating awareness, more people are coming over and it is not just younger people coming in. Business is very good and we have no complaints.”
Vegan restaurants present all over
In Vagator, Shaun Rodrigues, a chef, runs a vegan restaurant since 2008. He said the reason to turn vegan was he had turned vegan and it was obvious to him that there was a huge market out there. He said, “The world’s cuisine was available in Goa and it made sense to have a vegan restaurant in the state. Earlier, the yoga community would come over and the westernised urban Indian but now after Covid, movie stars and ministers come to eat. I strongly believe that business will continue to increase and this is a billion dollar industry. Our Nacho Supreme platter from millet is very popular.”
A newer entrant in the business is the vegan restaurant in Fontainhas which set up operations in December 2023. Tania Bath says the idea was to give vegetable-based whole food which was unprocessed. She said, “Everything is made and hardly anything comes out from a bottle. The oils we use are plant based. We have various kinds of veg food with a focus on flavour. The food is consumed by Indian and international travelers. We also have both Indian and international customers coming over. And yes, we also get young Goans coming over to sample our fare. We also get walk-in customers who come in and then keep coming back.”
Aarti Sinha turned vegan in 2015as the diet has many benefits including being healthy, low on cholesterol, cruelty free and sustainable. She set up operations in Aldona five years ago. She said, “Goa is a state where everyone is focused on sea food but the younger generation is looking for healthier options.” She provides a tiffin service to customers between Siolim and Bambolim who don’t have the time to cook. Aarti said people had myths about vegan food. “Food without dahi or ghee was vegan. A large part of Indian vegetarian food was vegan,” she adds. With people now more conscious of the importance of maintaining their health, they will enjoy vegan cuisine.
The switch to veganism
Actor and stand-up comedian based in Goa, Ash Chandler said, “As a lover of all life, I had to ask myself if I could get all the nutrition I needed without causing any pain and veganism was the answer. I have been a follower for 12 years”. When asked what effect it had on him, he said, “My lipid profile has been great since the change. Also, I feel way more energy. I also don’t feel sluggish from trying to digest things I wasn’t supposed to digest like a cow’s milk. Overall, it has established a balance between my thoughts and actions, my beliefs and my deeds”.
Aparna Bhartia, who turned vegan six years ago says, it was an exciting journey which her entire family eventually joined. Seeing her and interacting with her has made several of her friends become vegan too. She said vegan food was a lifestyle and a refusal to have anything from an animal. It was about living with fairness and consciousness. She said her family’s health had improved and the message was spreading and this could be seen in the number of vegan restaurants which were increasing in the state.
It is obvious that veganism has developed roots in the state and will grow in the years to come.
