'Gobi Manchurian' Banned In Goa's Mapusa: How Netizens React?

As a civic body banned the sale of the popular street food 'gobi manchurian' at roadside stalls in its jurisdiction, netizens have expressed their dismay over the development.

The municipal council of Mapusa took the ban decision after concerns were raised about the unhygienic conditions in which the dish was prepared, an official told PTI. "Vendors operate in unhygienic conditions and use synthetic colours to prepare 'gobi manchurian'," the news agency quoted MMC chairperson Priya Mishal as saying.

According to an official, Councillor Tarak Arolkar brought up the issue and proposed a prohibition on stalls selling 'gobi manchurian' during the annual fair of Shree Bodgeshwar Temple. The chairperson stated that the council unanimously passed a resolution to enforce this ban not only at the temple fair but also at all roadside stalls within the jurisdiction of the MMC.

It has to be noted that it is not the first time the dish has faced scrutiny.

The state Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) had issued a circular to the Mormugao Municipal Council in South Goa, instructing them to limit the number of stalls selling 'gobi manchurian' during the fair of Shree Damodar Temple in Vasco in 2022.

A senior FDA official said that sellers of 'gobi manchurian' use a low-quality sauce made from a powder that contains extracts of 'reetha' (Indian soapberry).

The official further explained that 'reetha' is typically used for laundry purposes.

In response to concerns about unsanitary conditions during the preparation of this popular street food, a civic body in North Goa has implemented a ban on the sale of 'gobi manchurian' at roadside stalls within its jurisdiction. This decision was made on Tuesday.

As the news of the ban on 'gobi manchurian', netizens expressed their unhappiness. A user said, "Gobi Manchurian banned in Mapusa stalls. What will they ban next, wada pav?"

The second user stated, "A national ban should be enforced on people who cheesify idlies, dosas et al!"

The third user claimed, "The most #Hilarious thing I've read all morning is how Gobi Manchurian is #banned in #Goa."