GOA MEETUPS

July ’25 Guirim

As the sun sets into the sea, LFC Goa gathers at the table. Meet artists, locals, and wanderers, sharing xitt-codi and a connection that lingers long after the plates are cleared.
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 Photos by Members, Sheela and Ankita.

HOST

Joanna Lobo

CO-HOST

Vaidehi Umesh

CONTENT VOLUNTEER

Joanna Lobo, Vaidehi Umesh

WHERE WE MET

Caju Grove is a charming homestay in Guirim, set in a restored Portuguese villa. Conceptualised by childhood friends Sneha and Anuja, it is a tranquil retreat with cozy rooms, a pool, and a warm, welcoming vibe.
What Members Said

The venue partner Caju Grove is such a beautiful spot for LFC meetups. It feels intimate and cozy, and has the perfect vibe for a community jam!

Vaidehi

It was lovely meeting all my fellow members. Thank you to Host Joanna and Co-host Vaidehi for steering the event so well. And a special thank you to all the other members who brought an amazing spread of dishes! 

Sheela

Had the best time at LFC Goa being a foodie, with stories and recipes to remember everyone by. Thanks to the Goa gang, and of course, the hosts and team Locavore. 

Sonali

What We Loved

Freshly foraged Olmi mushrooms are a rare monsoon delicacy, found growing on termite mounds in parts of Goa. Their short growing season and increasing habitat loss have made them an endangered find—a reminder of just how precious local, seasonal ingredients can be.

Roasted jackfruit seeds, which are abundantly available in Goa, and often used as a snack or prepared as a stir-fry or curry

Brought to the meetup by Host Joanna, Cozinha de Goa: History and Tradition of Goan Food is written by historian Fatima da Silva Gracias and offers a glimpse into the many cultures that influenced Goan cuisine over time.

MEET YOUR HOST

Joanna is a freelance writer and editor from Goa. She is a journalist with 17 years of experience, having worked with publications like DNA, Hindustan Times, and Midday. She is on a mission to document and showcase the various aspects of her home, Goa, through stories and on social media. Joanna currently moonlights as a Consulting Editor for Goya Media, sharing and shaping conversations around food.

What does local mean to you?

‘Local’ means staying true to the land and region we are in. 

Sunday breakfasts at home are my favourite childhood memory. We would go to church and then catechism, and return home very hungry. Breakfast was typically a feast: dad worked abroad and would send us cheese and corned beef. We had that with fresh bread, omelettes, and jam.

Insects. As with most people, I don’t like insects and seeing them on my plate isn’t fun. But, I’ve eaten grasshoppers at a Mexican restaurant, and insects at the Serendipity Arts Festival last year, and they weren’t bad! It’s a matter of turning your brain off and focusing on the food.

Fish curry and rice. A well made fish curry just hits the spot, brings me warmth, and heals my mind.

It needs some structure, but it can be a wonderful space for people to learn about the region they’re in and the food that is local to it.

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