We love this illustrated food guide to authentic Goan cuisine for a number of obvious reasons:
1) It's clean, simple & aesthetically pleasing. 2) It captures the essence of Goan food in an easy & approachable way. 3) It showcases not only Goa's beloved non-veg dishes but also highlights the variety of delicious vegetarian options the state has to offer.
However what excites us even more about this project, is the multitalented young woman behind the guide herself...
Born and raised in Panjim, Saili Palyekar is an all round creative trained in the art of information design & communications from Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore.
We stumbled upon Saili's work sometime back via her Instagram page @thepetitediaries_, initially drawn to her well curated street style fashion & lifestyle infused feed. Yet it was when we wound up on her Behance portfolio that we discovered this guide alongside a slew of other great design projects.
Presently at home with family in Goa due to the current COVID lockdown, we caught up with Saili to learn more about her illustrated Goan food guide:
The Ultimate Guide to Authentic Goan Cuisine was made in 2017 as a submission for Saili's biannual exam, or 'Charette' as they call it at Srishti.
The topic was 'Food as Identity' for Information Design students.
"The idea stemmed from Food as MY identity. I noticed my love for Goan Food fortify when I moved out of Goa and learned that the biggest concern my college friends hailing from different parts of India had, was the lack of Vegetarian food options in Goa.
I wanted to transform my WhatsApp food itineraries for these tourists to a visual infographic that catered to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. This guide has a variety of options for travellers looking for street as well as fine-dine culinary experiences. The project also helped me discover new places in Goa as well as understand a tourist’s perspective of Goan Food."
So what's on the menu?
Saili's authentic non-veg Goan food recommendations:
Fish thali at Ritz Classic, Panjim
Risois at Dom Pedro, Margao
Choriço at Barcode, Porvorim
Rawa fried prawns at Sharda, Panjim & Margao
Crab masala at Reis Corner, Mapusa
Bebinca at Viva Panjim, Panjim
Chicken cafreal at Florentine, Saligao
Cutlet pao at D'Silva's, Panjim
Feijoada at Club National. Panjim
Russ omelette at Saligao Deck, Saligao
Saili's authentic Goan veg food recommendations:
Serradurra at Maracus (which sadly closed) - we recommend Caravela Cafe & Bistro, Panjim as a solid replacement
Vegetable caldinha at Joe's River Cove, Cavelossim
Phodi at Kokni Kanteen, Panjim
Khatkate at Mum's Kitchen, Panjim & Assagao
Uradmethi at The Goan Room, Dona Paula
Mushroom Xacuti at Souza Lobo, Calangute
Bharalele Vainguin at Rio Rico, Hotel Mandovi, Panjim
Caldo verde at Fisherman's Wharf, Panjim
Mix Bhaju at Café Tato, Mapusa, Panjim, Vasco & Margao
Ambado sasao at Soi, Dona Paula & Candolim
Now based in Bombay after four years of Design School in Bangalore, Saili's work has since made its way onto the menus of such popular restaurants as FOO, KOKO & PIZZA EXPRESS as well as designing content for various fashion & lifestyle brands.
So what inspired Saili to pursue a career in design & how has growing up in Goa played a role in shaping her personal & professional style?
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