Written by Pavneet Singh ChadhaPanaji | Updated: January 3, 2026 08:02 AM IST 3 min readGobi manchurian, fried cauliflower florets tossed in a ‘Manchurian’ red chilli masala sauce, is an Indian-Chinese staple. (Photo: Freepik)The sale of gobi manchurian and tandoori chicken has been banned at food stalls at the annual Bodgeshwar temple zatra (fair) in North Goa’s Mapusa.Temple committee members said the decision to restrict food stalls selling the food items had been taken after several complaints in the past regarding the dishes being prepared in unhygienic conditions during the fair, which may pose a serious health hazard.Gobi manchurian, fried cauliflower florets tossed in a ‘Manchurian’ red chilli masala sauce, is an Indian-Chinese staple. During the temple fair, several stalls usually serve the dish. This year’s fair began on Friday.Vaman Pandit, the president of Shri Bodgeshwar Temple Committee, said, “The committee has taken a decision that we shall not give permission for [stalls selling] gobi manchurian. For non-vegetarian, there are two segments… those who sell tandoori chicken and other live cooking stalls, we have said no to these, too. There are some [stalls] that display chicken pieces that are hanging… This will not be allowed.”He said local shops selling omelette pao and Goan xacuti chicken have been allowed to operate. The authorities have given permission to stalls with valid licences from the Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and food stalls have been set up with proper planning, the committee said. “Only locals who sell chicken xacuti, omelette pao…have been allowed. For stalls that have been allowed, we have put conditions that they have to take licenses from FDA and NOCs from the concerned departments,” he said.Pandit told The Indian Express that the decision has been taken since gobi manchurian and tandoori chicken are often prepared in unhygienic conditions at the roadside stalls during the fair, which may pose a serious health hazard. He said vendors add synthetic colours, Ajinomoto (monosodium glutamate or MSG), and poor-quality sauces, and several complaints had been received in recent years of stalls preparing the dish in unhygienic conditions.In 2024, North Goa’s Mapusa Municipal Council had passed a unanimous resolution banning the sale of gobi manchurian at stalls during the Bodgeshwar temple zatra. In 2022, the state Food and Drugs Administration had issued a circular to the Mormugao Municipal Council in South Goa to restrict the number of stalls selling gobi manchurian during the fair of Shree Damodar temple in Vasco. Pavneet Singh Chadha is the Goa Correspondent of The Indian Express. His reporting focuses intensely on the state of Goa, covering major developments in politics, governance, and significant local events, which establishes his high degree of Expertise and Authority in the region. Expertise Geographic Expertise: As the Goa correspondent, Pavneet provides on-the-ground, comprehensive coverage of Goa's political, social, and cultural landscape, ensuring readers receive timely and localized insights. Key Coverage Focus: His recent work demonstrates deep investigative capabilities and a focus on high-impact stories, including: Investigative Reporting: Extensive coverage of complex events such as major incidents (e.g., the Goa nightclub fire), tracing the legal, political, and safety lapses involved. Government and Law Enforcement: Detailed tracking of police actions, deportations, and legal proceedings related to significant local cases. Policy and Governance: Reporting on the judiciary (e.g., Goa High Court flagging illegal structures) and the actions of government departments. He tweets @pub_neat ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:GoaPanaji