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Goa is one place that is known as the party capital of India, and there are many reasons for it. Feni is perhaps the most popular one! A Portuguese contribution to the beverages of the subcontinent, Feni, as described by Food experts, is distilled liquor with a distinct flavour developed by Catholic monks in Goa from the red ‘fruit’ of the cashew tree. Many also term the distilled coconut toddy as Feni. Derived from cashew fruit, the outer fruit surrounding the cashew nut, feni is a traditional drink in Goa that has been a part of it for over 400 years. With an overwhelming, pungent smell and fruity spirit, feni is one alcoholic beverage that will not give you a hangover. But what it actually might do is, help you combat common cold, cough and flu, since it has been used as a traditional remedy in Goa for years.
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Feni is thrice distilled liquor that is, to date, mostly made using traditional methods of purifying the cashew juice over a fire in mud-sealed drums. It preserves the natural flavours and does not have any added preservatives, which keeps it organic. One can find it across local stores in goa at a low price. As per food historians, Portuguese monks started developing alcoholic beverages in Goa, much like in Europe. But did you know the story behind the name Feni? As per the locals in Goa, Feni could be derived from the Sanskrit word “phena”, which means froth or foam. This is because if you shake a bottle of Feni and pour it, you can see a light lather collected on the rim of the glass. And with about 45% of alcohol in it, Feni stands out extremely strong and smelly, which doesn’t go down well with all taste buds.
So, if you love to try new, local drinks of a region, make sure to give Feni a try on your visit to Goa!
