25 November,2016 02:15 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai’s proximity to Goa, Alibaug and other coastal towns along the Konkan coast also contributed to the rise of Malvani fare in the city. Here's a list of few popular ones
Crab Masala
Mumbai is a bagful of choice when it comes to seafood. Thanks to the city's multi-ethnic population and the Arabian Sea. Restaurants in Mumbai do an excellent job in promoting the best coastal cuisine brought from the corners of Bengal to Malvan. Mumbai's proximity to Goa, Alibaug and other coastal towns along the Konkan coast also contributed to the rise of Malvani fare in the city. Malvani food is symbolized by its exquisite seafood dishes. The best way to appreciate the bounty of our fishing villages is to embark in a culinary trail through the best Malvani dishes served in some of Mumbai's iconic restaurants.
Chaitanya: This restaurant serves the best home-style Malvani food in the city. This tiny 10-seater eatery leaves seafood lovers spoilt for choices. Authentic spices used by a simple housewife give the seafood dishes an earthy lemony flavour, typical to Malvani cuisine
What to order: Surmai thali, Bangda thali, Prawn thali, crab lollipop, bombil fry, Tisriya (clam) Masala
Where: Shivaji Park House, Dadar West
Price for two: Approximately Rs. 600
Tandoori Pomfret
JP's Lunch Home: This is a traditional Malvani restaurant where a hearty meal is served for a reasonable price. Its speciality dishes of course include the seafood items, notably Surmai Thali and Bombil Fry. In case one gets confused while selecting the dishes, the humble staff can help them out. This is also one of the oldest Mumbai restaurants that serve Manglorian style seafood.
What to order: Fish Tava fry, Fish Tandoori starters, komdi vades, Surmai Thali, Bombil Fry.
Where: Sahyagiri Society, Goregaon east
Price for two: Approximately Rs 800
Sadiccha: Simple menu and fabulous preparations- this defines Sadiccha in simple words. Apart from the finger licking chicken sukka, Sadiccha is also known for authentic Malvani flavours cooked with local herbs and spices. The restaurant does compromise on quality and quantity.
What to order: Pomfret thali, Surmai thalis, Chicken sukka, Mutton sukha Jawar bhakri
Where: BKC, Bandra East
Price for two: Approximately Rs 500
Chicken sukka
Malwani Aswad: This hidden restaurant is known for hygienic value for money food. Fish thalis and mutton preparations served piping hot on the table make this small wonder a favourite seafood and Malvani food joint in Mumbai.
What to order: Gaboli fry, Prawn masala thali, Crab sukha, Bombil green masala
Where: Vile Parle east
Price for two: Approximately Rs. 450
Malwani Kalwan: This simply decorated restaurant on Versova sea face is known for high quality seafood available at affordable rates. Not only non-vegetarian delicacies, vegetarian dishes available here are equally sumptuous and delicious. Those hungry for seafood must embark on a culinary visit to this seafood outlet.
What to order: Crab soup, Surmai curry, Prawn Biryani
Where: 7 Bungalows, Andheri West
Price for two: Approximately Rs. 800
Prawn biryani
Acharekar's Malvan Katta: This is a small scale restaurant devoid of elaborate décor and fancy ambience. But when it comes to food, the restaurant does justice to authentic Malvani fare including Goan dishes. As it is a bit difficult to locate, the best way is to take help from locals to spot the outlet. The standalone dishes like he Malvani-style Oysters come with real Konkan flavours
What to order: Malvani-style Oysters, Barlela Pomfret, Goan fish curry
Where: Dadar West
Price for two: Approximately Rs. 600
Goan fish curry
Highway Gomantak: This is one stop destination for fish lovers. Surmayee, pompret, Bombil, Mandeli, all forms of seafood items are on the platter here. It is pretty much pocket friendly and serves traditional home-style Malwani cuisine.
What to order: Thirsya masala, Prawns fry, Surmai curry thali, Chutney pomphret, kharwas for dessert
Where: Gandhi Nagar, Bandra east
Price for two: Approximately Rs. 500
As one can see, all these restaurants are exclusively for budget customers. But, those who are willing to shell out more from pocket, can definitely make a visit to feel the difference and relish authentic Malvani fare brought from the costal locales of Konkan.
