Meet
Rita
Rita, a passionate cook who learned the art from her mother, honed her skills through books and cooking courses. Her expertise in Goan cuisine has earned her recognition in various publications and media features. She has been mentioned in cookbooks such as Mighty Spice Express by John Gregory Smith and has appeared on television programs, including Twist of Taste on Fox Traveller, hosted by Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna. Additionally, she was featured in Zee TV’s documentary MAGGI Kitchen Journeys – Kuch Achha Pak Raha Hai.
Rita’s cooking classes have been highlighted in numerous newspapers, ranging from Le Figaro in France to leading Indian publications like The Times of India, Hindustan Times, Hindu Lifestyle, Navhind Times, and Gomantak Times business edition etc.
She resides in a charming home near Goa’s Dabolim Airport. Her property boasts a beautiful outdoor space with a lush garden, where she has set up a dedicated studio kitchen for conducting her Goan cooking classes.
What to expect
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
In-home meal:
(4-20 guests)
Meet Rita at her traditional home, near Dabolim airport, for an in-home dining experience in Goa. Upon arrival you can expect welcome traditional snack such as bebinca or date and walnut cake or home cooked savories and masala chai. Your home-cooked, traditional Goan meal might start with rissois de camarao (prawn puffs), followed by vindalo or cafreal, cabbage foogath (cabbage stir fry) and caldin (prawn curry with coconut milk) or goan prawn masala fry. For dessert you may enjoy bolo mimosa (coconut pie) or manganem (a traditional sweet dessert made with coconut milk). Enjoy an authentic cultural experience In Goa, as Rita and her husband, Mukund, share stories and insights about Goan cuisine. Leave with a happy heart and a full stomach, having indulged in a truly memorable, traditional Goan meal.
Cooking experience:
(2-20 guests)
Begin your traditional Goan cooking class in Goa with a refreshing welcome beverage and snack, while learning to prepare masala chai infused with aromatic spices and herbs. Before diving into your cooking class, Rita will introduce you to a vibrant selection of spices and herbs commonly used in Indian cuisine. In her colorful outdoor kitchen studio, you'll master the art of preparing 2-3 traditional Goan dishes. Afterward, sit down to enjoy the delicious meal you’ve helped create, savoring the authentic flavors of Goa.
Market visit:
(4-20 guests)
Join Rita on a guided tour of a local market, where you'll explore a vibrant selection of fresh, regional Goan produce alongside goods from neighboring towns. The local farmers' market is a must-visit, offering a rich variety of fruits, vegetables, and spices, as well as traditional artifacts. During the tour, Rita or her team will guide you through the stalls, showcasing the diverse and flavorful ingredients that define Goan cuisine. After the market visit, you'll return to her home for an authentic, hands-on Goan cooking class (if you've selected that option), where you'll learn to transform these fresh ingredients into delicious traditional dishes.
Notes:
Rita lives a few minutes away from the Goa airport – an experience with her would make for a great stop on your way in or out of Goa.
Languages spoken:
English, Hindi, Portuguese, Konkani, Marathi
Sample menu
Traveler reviews
I highly recommend this excursion. Everything was very organized. The food was delicious.
Rita is very talented. You won’t regret signing up for this class.
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CIndy_S
January 21, 2024
Rita was a gracious cooking class host and taught my mum and I how to cook various local Goan dishes. Rita had a lovely area set up that we cooked in where she explained the dishes we were making as well as the food and spices we were cooking with. She gave us some Indian snacks to begin with to have with the masala chai we made, but don’t make the mistake of eating too much of these otherwise you will not be able to eat the other amazing food you will get to make! I highly recommend Rita’s cooking classes to everyone who comes to Goa. It’s a lovely way to understand how Goan food is made and an insight into how to make it.
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maggie
March 07, 2023
Wonderful experience, do this while you’re in Goa! My mom and I took Rita’s class and it was the highlight of our entire trip, she is a wealth of knowledge about cooking and about Goa. She very generously answered our many questions about Indian culture and cuisine. The market tour was very interesting, a lovely market. She helped us navigate the market and taught us all about the produce offered. I definitely would not have gone to a market alone but with Rita it was a breeze! Once we got back to her impressive, clean, and efficient kitchen, she kept us busy with cooking and explaining things. The reward of a tasty meal after our hard work was wonderful!
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meredith
January 18, 2023
Rita and Mukund are wonderful hosts, very kind, patient and informative. They welcomed us with a homemade chai tea which I will be making upon my return home. We had an incredible day with breakfast, a market visit and lunch which we all made together. Highly recommended for visitors to Goa to experience the food and warmth of the Goan people!
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640Michael
December 18, 2022
We watched the chef and Amol cook 4 dishes and then we ate them on the lovely terrace. Very good food and a lovely environment
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guygilpi
January 08, 2020
We had lots of insight information, cool cooking tips from local and interesting chat of cultures and spices mix! Rita has created unforgettable time for us in her colorful study. It makes her stand out in terms of professional approach ( we had certificates handed to us afterwards, take-away package with recepies and class menus, and even nice aprons packed in convenient bag!) The market tour with selection of ingredients is a must addition to the fuller immersion into Goan heritage. I highly recommend Rita's class to anyone who seeks fun, vibrant conversation floating with aromas delicious meal!
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coliuke123
December 02, 2019
During our stay in Goa, my wife and I travelled to Dabolim to spend a day learning the secrets of Goan culinary craftsmanship with Rita. On arrival we were served Masala Chai and Cinnamon black coffee and also prepared some ourselves- which was a great way to start!We then enjoyed a delicious breakfast of traditional Dosa and Sambal before we were taken to a local market to source our fresh ingredients with Pajoo, who was an insightful guide!On return we ripped into the cooking of 5 Goan and Indian dishes under the tutelage of Rita and with 1:1 mentoring from either Suwarna or Pajoo, who were excellent assistants!The cooking process was relaxed, fun yet structured in a way that encourages full involvement and engagement from participants.After we had prepared the food we enjoyed the fruits of our labours in the form of 5 tantalising dishes and some choice cold beverages from our host.Rita’s Gourmet is a must for any food-loving traveller who ventures to the South of India. It was a great experience and we recommend it to everyone!
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Venture749667
October 10, 2018
One of the highlights in Goa, because of a taxi-strike Rita did shedule to another day , thank you for this flexibility . A verry funny visit to the local veg and fishmarket, good time while following the cooklesson, more then demonstrating, fully participating is encouraged. All questions about spices and recipies were enthousiastic answered with much colour.. a happy experience. Thank you. Nice pictures were taken by the staff troo , we have a good mermory now , and a cooklesson certificate and the cook cap and short were given present . Together with the other guests we had amusing time, much fun and same time serious cooking, family lunch, great . Henry George & Jef
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Jef V
February 18, 2018
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