Portuguese Students on a Culinary Trail in Goa

PANAJI:
V. M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE) recently welcomed a group of 12 Portuguese students from various hospitality schools operated and managed by Turismo de Portugal to its campus in Raia.

The students have embarked on a journey to Goa to learn and explore its vibrant culture and cuisine as part of a Knowledge Exchange Programme. The collaboration between VMSIIHE and Turismo de Portugal offers an exciting opportunity for the students to gain insights into the culinary culture of the region while also exploring the landscapes and heritage of Goa. The Portuguese students are accompanied by Paulo Reves, Director of Turismo de Portugal, and faculty members Chef Alexandre Ferreira and Chef Filipe Costa.

A traditional Indian welcome awaited the Portuguese students on their arrival to VMSIIHE. The institute hosted a welcome dinner for the student delegation in the presence of Dr. António Chrystêllo Tavares, Consul General of Portugal in Goa.

The institute has scheduled a very interesting and eventful four weeks for the students allowing them to experience the best of culinary culture combined with educational field trips to give them a taste of Goan culture, history and hospitality.

Over the past few days, the students have visited local markets to understand more about the fresh local produce available in the state and also visited a number of historic and religious places. A special feni-tasting and food pairing session was organised for the students so that they can experience how the fiery brew can be paired with local cuisine. A tour of the magnificent Figueiredo Mansion in Loutulim, a grand old house beautifully restored and maintained by Fátima Figueiredo was a unique experience.

Professor Irfan Mirza, Director/Principal, commented that “Portugal has a vibrant tourism culture. Together we can collaborate and enhance the quality of education we offer to our students. We have been working closely with the student delegation from Portugal and offering them a peek into the rich culinary and cultural heritage of India and Goa in particular. At our institute we offer a unique curriculum, internationally trained faculty and world class infrastructure to prepare the students for the ever changing needs of the hospitality industry.”

The institute had earlier signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Turismo de Portugal to facilitate such knowledge exchange programmes. The MOU was signed by Dattaraj V. Salgaocar, Chairman, VMSalgoacar Corporation Pvt. Ltd., and Luis Araújo, President of Turismo de Portugal, in the presence of the Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa while he was in Goa on a state visit last year. Professor Irfan Mirza, Director/Principal of V. M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education led the efforts in forging a collaboration between the two nations.