Goa undoubtedly is one of the culinary hotspots of India and it has somehow managed to retain its vintage charm through all the changes it has undergone over the years! Out of the many offerings which Goa has spoiled us with, it has also given us a Portuguese gem when it comes to beverages, called the Feni.
Goa is known for its array of cashew trees so banking on it, the Portuguese had created this pungent drink 400 years ago and it is still one of the most popular beverages in the state. Since Feni has an integral Goan identity, in the last couple of months, it became a house to the world’s first feni cellar and we’ve got the deets covered!
Started by Hansel Vaz, Beco Das Garrafas, which literally translates to ‘alley of bottles’ in Portuguese is the world’s first feni cellar which is located at the foothills of Cansaulim.
Feni is a highly distilled liquor which is derived from cashew nuts so it is basically a fruity spirit with high alcohol content which you can get you drunk in no time! The smell is pungent which makes it a favourite for only a distinct set of people and unlike other tipples, Feni doesn’t punish you with a hangover.
The locals also favour Feni because of its content which is known to warm up the body and is seen as an alternative to cough syrup. This organic drink has no added flavours, preservatives and additives and it’s sold at really economical pricing across Goa!
As you step in here, your nostrils will be greeted by the aromas of cashew fruits and the salty breeze of the ocean and your eyes will witness bottles of various shapes and sizes which were shipped to India back in the 1600s.
You can drop by here for a tasting session which will include insights of this industry and each person has to pay up ₹2,000 but of course, the experience is worth every penny!
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