PANAJI: Goan cuisine is set to be taken to a new high during a three-day culinary fest ‘Taste of Goa’ to be conducted between January 9 and 11 at theJardim Municipal Garcia deOrta inPanaji.Chefs, in their sparkling attire, will dish out Goan cuisine complemented by performances of noted artists.

Celebrity chef Cyrus Todiwala, who is BBC’s current ‘Food Personality of the Year’ will lead a five- member team from England. They will present delicacies from Goa, Portugal and more.

Todiwala, who has served in Goa at the Taj, 30 years ago, believes Goa’s cuisine has to be presented in a modern style, but, without tempering with its original content. “Presenting in a modern way doesn’t mean it needs to be diluted. Goa’s Hindu cuisine has to be brought to the fore,” said Todiwala, while replying to a question at a press conference.

Goa For Giving, a trust presenting the fest along with crockery sponsors Churchill and IFB among others, said the event will encourage participation of Goan chefs as also provide space to Goan women to showcase their cooking skills.

Chairman of the trust, Armando Gonsalves, said the idea of inviting chefs from England, is to inspire them to take Goa’s cuisine to London. This is also an attempt to change the image of Goa from a low budget destination, and to create a niche segment in people’s minds.

Goa tourism along with the Corporation of the city of Panaji (CCP), are partners of the event.

The first day of the fest, will be marked by Konkani music with performances by Varun Carvalho and Sonia Shirsat. Day 2 will have fusion music by Layatharanga and the last day is for world music by Gino Banks, Ravi Chari and Rhys Sebastian.