Panjim, 17th September 2025 – Goa cemented its place as India’s leading culinary tourism destination with the successful hosting of the NRAI (National Restaurant Association of India) Indian Restaurant Summit 2025 – Goa Chapter. The summit, inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, showcased how Goa’s diverse gastronomic offerings are becoming a central pillar of the state’s tourism strategy.
Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted that while Goa has long been celebrated as the “Beach Capital of India,” it is now equally recognised as a hub for culture, tradition, and regenerative tourism, a model built on people, community, economy, and environment. He noted that culinary tourism is at the heart of this transformation. “Goa is not just a paradise, but a powerhouse. Dining here is not merely about food – it is about experiencing our heritage. Fish curry rice is more than a dish; it symbolises our community’s spirit, our fields, our seas, and our coconut groves. Restaurants are the backbone of our economy and the gateway to culture. With creativity and community-driven efforts, Goa is fast emerging on the global food map as a true culinary capital.” he stated
The event opened with the ceremonial lamp-lighting by the Hon’ble Minister, followed by a video presentation capturing the past, present, and future of Indian dining. Over the course of the summit, six thought-provoking panel discussions and skill-focused workshops explored everything from the success of restaurants to the growth of cloud kitchens, digital innovation, and kitchen scaling – with a spotlight on Goa’s own food ecosystem and its potential to drive tourism.
Calling on restaurateurs to create dedicated Goan sections on their menus alongside global cuisines, the Minister underlined that culinary exchange is the starting point of cultural exchange. With nearly 45% of the state’s population depending on hospitality, he stressed the importance of restaurants and food services in providing livelihoods, empowering women and youth, and promoting authentic Goan flavours to the world.
Reiterating the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for a Viksit Bharat 2047, Through the state’s tourism efforts, the Department of Tourism is not just hosting summits but creating regenerative growth. By making food the centrepiece of travel, Goa ensures safety, skill development, and youth empowerment, and positions Goa as a proud culinary hub for India and the world.
The NRAI Indian Restaurant Summit 2025 – Goa Chapter was not only a gathering of India’s top restaurateurs and food entrepreneurs, but also a celebration of Culinary Tourism in Goa. It gave delegates the chance to learn, debate, network, and savour the state’s vibrant foodscape – underlining why Goa is now seen as the place “where you can visit and taste the world.”
