The Indo-Chinese war has been ongoing since 2022, but it gained attention through a social media post raising concerns about the synthetic colours and hygiene of Gobi Manchurian being served in Mapusa, a city in Goa. Gobi Manchurian typically features a deep-fried mixture made from cauliflower and cabbage, which is then tossed in fiery red sauce with classic Indo-Chinese flavours.
This isn’t the first time Gobi Manchurian has come under scrutiny in Mapusa. In 2022, during the Vasco Saptah fair at Shree Damodar Temple, the FDA instructed the Mormugao Municipal Council to ban all stalls selling Gobi Manchurian.
Gobi Manchurian is a staple dish in most desi Chinese kitchens, but its preparation often leaves a lot to be desired. A senior food officer at the FDA mentioned that vendors have been charged for using inferior sauce, which is not fit for consumption. According to him, the powdery substance found was ‘reetha’, essentially washing powder.
Last year, due to similar complaints about unhealthy food practices associated with making oily and spicy Gobi Manchurian, six stalls were banned altogether in Ponda’s Kapileshwari and Sateri Devi areas in 2023. Additionally, some locals believe that the popularity of Indo-Chinese dishes like Gobi Manchurian is causing a degradation in the importance of local Goan cuisine.
However, after the recent outburst, people’s beloved taste buds would be difficult to handle as there would be no Gobi Manchurian being served in any restaurant. Netizens were quick to stir a debate, asking, “Why can’t we enjoy a simple, oily, and yummy dish like this?”
Regardless, with Gobi set to begone, foodies will have to take solace in some other desi Chinese staple for now.
