Amid the winding lanes of Alto Porvorim, a small kitchen stirs up nostalgia, memory and the unmistakable aromas of Goan food. The Goan delves into the journey of E’Delicious and the duo reviving heritage through every dish they create
In the quiet lanes of Alto Porvorim, away from the usual bustle of highway eateries, there is a small but much-loved culinary haven called E’Delicious. At first glance, it looks like a modest neighbourhood snack house, but step inside and you quickly sense that this is not just another place serving Goan food. It is a space built on memory, family, roots and a mission, one that husband and wife duo Edsel and Naomi Cabral have been nurturing with heart and grit for the last several years. Their story is the kind that warms you, reminds you of home kitchens and heirloom recipes, and underlines how powerful food can be in keeping heritage alive.
Goan roots
For Edsel, the inspiration behind E’Delicious goes back to 2015, when he and Naomi moved from Mumbai to Goa. Though he was born in Mumbai, Edsel’s Goan identity was deeply ingrained in him, shaped by the flavours he grew up with, dishes prepared by his grandmother and mother, cooked with patience, authenticity and a sense of belonging.
Vanishing cuisine
But when he returned to Goa for good, he noticed something that disturbed him. “There were many new restaurants opening, which was good for Goa,” he admits. “But at the same time, I saw a decline in local cuisine. You could find bhelpuri anywhere, but not our Goan snacks. Our meat-based traditional dishes were disappearing.”
Heritage mission
That was the moment something shifted. Edsel felt a strong urge to protect the culinary heritage he loved so much. “I thought, this is the time to preserve our heritage and our culture of food. And what better way to do it than through food itself?” he recalls.
Family recipes
The idea slowly grew roots. The couple had no formal plan, but what they did have was a treasure trove of heirloom recipes, passed down through generations, from Edsel’s grandmother to his mother, and now to his wife Naomi, who embraced them with passion.
Early days
In 2019, they finally took the leap. Working from their home kitchen, they began preparing traditional Goan snacks and advertising them on Facebook and amongst close friends. They waited anxiously for their first order, and when it finally arrived, it is a day Edsel still recounts with emotion. “Our first order was for 50 pieces of mince rolls. That will always be special to us.” That single order opened the floodgates. More and more people began discovering their food, appreciating its authenticity, and returning for more. Soon, their home kitchen could no longer keep up with demand.
New beginnings
After the pandemic, in 2022, Edsel and Naomi took the next big step, opening their own physical space, E’Delicious. It was not fancy and it was not large, but it had heart. “Everything spread through word of mouth,” Edsel says. “The response from the local community was amazing.” The couple ran it without any external help or investors, relying only on their shared passion and the strength of loyal customers. “It has been a rollercoaster, but a beautiful one,” Edsel smiles.
Kitchen backbone
Naomi, once an HR executive in the corporate sector, is now the backbone of the kitchen. “She is the heart of E’Delicious,” Edsel says with pride. Meanwhile, he left behind a 15-year career in stock market trading to give the venture his complete attention.
Daily grind
Their days are disciplined and demanding. They start early, drop their daughter to school, and open the kitchen by 10.30 am. The mornings are spent preparing fresh batches of Goan snacks, followed by online orders, including those that come in through Swiggy, walk-in customers and the evening rush. They serve only snacks and small bites, and full mains are prepared solely on preorder.
Signature dishes
Today, E’Delicious is known for its uncompromising authenticity. Their signature dishes include croquettes, panrolls, mince rolls, beef potato chops, pork roast, chicken cafreal, vindaloo and sorpotel. “Our bestselling item is the beef potato chop,” Edsel says. “Every day, Naomi makes them and we look at the batch and just say, wow.” Bringing a touch of Mumbai nostalgia, Edsel has also introduced Mumbai-style Frankies, which have become a hit amongst locals seeking something outside the traditional Goan spread.
Family support
Behind the scenes, Edsel’s parents play an irreplaceable role. “If my parents were not there to take care of our daughter, it would have been very difficult,” Edsel admits gratefully. Their support gives the couple the space to focus on building their dream.
Festive rush
And now, as the festive season approaches, E’Delicious is gearing up for one of its busiest times of the year. “Since Christmas is around the corner, we do take orders for Christmas sweets and hampers,” Edsel adds. From melt-in-the-mouth marzipan to silky milk cream and beautifully curated hampers, the Cabral kitchen transforms into a space of joyous holiday flavours.
Simple advice
For youngsters hoping to enter the food business, Edsel offers simple but powerful advice: “If you have something set in your mind, just follow it, and work hard for it.”
Open daily
E’Delicious is open seven days a week, from 10.30 am to 8 pm, and on Sundays until 3 pm. With every croquette, every panroll and every family recipe recreated with care, Edsel and Naomi continue to honour the flavours of Goa, not merely serving food, but preserving a legacy.
