Goa Organic

Expats and others crank up organic quotient in halcyonic Goa by setting up organic enterprises.

- Anna Steele

Goa’s melting-pot, culturally diverse population and ‘Popular Vacation Destination’ status have made it home to an ebullient organic community. Its golden beaches, verdant landscape, and languid pace serve as a befitting backdrop to the many organic and eco friendly enterprises that are being promoted by residents—mostly expacts. From organic restaurants to organic textile boutiques, organic groceries and even an organic urban farming initiative, the state has plenty to offer on the organic spectrum.

GERMAN BAKERY

Today, there are many organic eateries in Goa but back in 1994, there were few establishments where one could get an organic meal, the German Bakery in Anjuna being one amongst them. The idea of opening the café was first conceived when Pankaj Kohli, its current owner, was serving a stint at the original German Bakery in Pune. Klaus 'Woody Pumpernickel' Gutzeit, a German health fanatic and the brains behind the Pune German Bakery, suggested they expand to Goa. By 1994, the eatery was up and running, serving healthy dishes made from entirely organic ingredients. Pankaj’s upbringing influenced this decision to go organic: growing up in the midst of mountains in his home town in Himachal Pradesh, he had been brought up on organic food. The bohemian, earthy ambience, its culturally eclectic patronage and wholesome and delicious food served by the Bakery have made it an institution. Visitors can also purchase organic super foods such as apricot oil, raw cacao beans, muesli, spirulina, amaranth, etc, (sourced from the Himalayas) at the popular joint.

AMBROSIA ORGANICS