Food war: Why are Goa towns banning Indo-Chinese ‘gobi’ manchurian?

The coastal state of Goa, known for its rich diverse culture and vibrant beaches, is currently fighting a war — a food war, to be precise. The battle is apparently between the Goan towns and simple yet delicious gobi (cauliflower) manchurian. The stardom of the culinary dish is quite new in Goa after already topping the charts in parts of North India, and that might be one of the reasons why the humble gobi manchurian has now become a culprit.

The gobi manchurian gained widespread popularity in the coastal state of Goa in the past few years, leading to its availability at several stalls in the state. For the third consecutive year, the dish, where deep-fried cauliflower florets are cooked in a spicy sauce, has found itself at the centre of controversy in Goa.

Also Read |India: Uttarakhand mandates live-in registrations, requires parental approval for under-21s

Add WION as a Preferred Source

What’s all the fuss around Gobi Manchurian?

This food war began in 2022, but it caught attention on social media when stalls along roads and at fairs were barred from selling gobi manchurian in the Goan town of Mapusa byits municipal council.

The first ban was orderedby Mapusa councillor Tarak Arolkar during a ‘zatra’ or feast in January. 'Zatra' is a Konkani term and refers to pilgrimage festivals celebrated at temples in Goa.

Days later, the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) members ratified the ban, relegating the dish to culinary oblivion.

The reasons cited for the ban said that gobi manchurian is being made inbad hygienic conditions with the use of synthetic colours.

Also Read |India: Chhattisgarh man claims wife held captive in Oman, seeks help from centre

The MMC chairperson Priya Mishal told Times of India, “The councillors opined that such vendors operate in unhygienic conditions and use synthetic colours for making gobi manchurian and that is what has prompted us to ban the sale of this dish.”

A senior food safety officer (FSO) at the FDA said that sellers had been fined by the authorities for using inferior sauce that was unsafe for consumption. According to the officer, this powder is 'reetha', usually used in washing clothes.

Also Read |LeT terrorist arrested in New Delhi is ex-Pakistan Army person: Police

For the same reasons, six stalls selling gobi manchurian were shut in Ponda's Kapileshwari and Sateri Devi after complaints from locals over unhygienic practices in 2023.

Some also said that gobi manchurian is taking over the local foods of Goa, which is a problem for the coastal state.

However, the recent crackdown on people’s beloved gobi manchurian stirred a debate, with netizens asking why they can’t simply enjoy the spicy, oily, but yummy dish.

(With inputs from agencies)