This is with reference to the news report ‘Beach shacks swap seafood for idli sambhar as demand shifts’ (TGE, March 1). There are several reasons that can be attributed to the decline in the number of tourists in Goa, especially foreign tourists, and it is therefore ridiculous to apportion blame on South Indian delicacies like idli sambhar for the drop in tourist numbers.
Several foreigners have also made it clear that they would never like to visit Goa again because, besides being overcharged and cheated at every stage, they also feel unsafe on Goa’s beaches due to the stray dogs that have bitten several of them in the past few months.
So, what we witness today in Goa is the proliferation of domestic tourists, many of whom are vegetarians and do not like Goan cuisine. This leaves the shacks and restaurants to cater to their demands for non-Goan dishes, especially idli sambhar, dosa, vadas, etc., which, besides being cheap, are relished and enjoyed by all. We need to go with the tide.
