Hosted at Serendipity Arts Festival 2024
Led by Assavri Kulkarni, Author of Markets of Goa

Tucked away in the bustling heart of Panjim lies a narrow, lesser-known lane brimming with local produce, fish, spices, and stories. In this intimate Secret Market Walk, Assavri Kulkarni — writer, researcher, and author of Markets of Goa — guided participants through the hidden corners of the city’s vibrant market, weaving together memory, food, and place.

As part of Edible Issues’ curation ‘Cultures of our Food Futures’, this walk was not just a tour of ingredients, but a conversation about seasonality, livelihoods, and the evolving food cultures of Goa.

Key highlights included:

• Exploring seasonal vegetables, wild greens, and fresh fish stalls, learning how market rhythms shift with the monsoons and festivals.

• Conversations around lesser-known spices, local food customs, and regional produce that rarely make it to supermarket shelves.

• Personal stories from Assavri about her own childhood visits to these markets, offering glimpses into how memory and market spaces shape Goan culinary identity.

• Reflections on how traditional markets adapt to contemporary urban life, food habits, and environmental shifts.

This walk was a sensorial and cultural journey through one of Panjim’s most storied markets — a space where food, memory, and community continue to thrive.

About Assavri Kulkarni:
Assavri is an independent writer, researcher, and cultural practitioner based in Goa. She is the author of Markets of Goa, a book that documents the history, people, and produce of Goa’s lively markets, with a focus on their social and culinary significance.