PONDA, April 6 -- MANJALI NAIK

In a world dominated by fast food and instant mixes, there are still a few who believe in the magic of slow-cooked, hand-ground, and lovingly prepared meals. In the heart of Ponda, Goa, one such culinary artist, Pratima Khandeparkar, is keeping the soul of Goan cooking alive. Her food is more than just delicious-it's tradition, nostalgia, and the kind of warmth only home-cooked meals can bring.

Long before her name was known among food lovers and caterers, Pratima spent her days cooking in a school kitchen. She wasn't a chef in a grand restaurant, but the satisfaction of preparing meals that nourished and comforted others was enough for her. Her hands moved with experience, her spices blended with instinct...