Konkan twist MangalDalal,Nikhil Roshan Mar 24, 2009 at 0421 hrs IST Here’s the definitive guide to the best Konkani cuisine in town
Jai Hind Lunch Home Lower Parel This chain should be a must-stop on your Konkani cooking tour of Mumbai. Their Parel branch is our personal pick (Dadar and Bandra are other two) even though it’s priced slightly higher. Serving traditional Maharashtrian, coastal Malwani and Mangalorean fare, Jai Hind serves arguably the best Malwani food in town. Pick from their Bharla Bombil, Patra ni Machhi or Prawns Adijani. “Their sol-kadi is to die for but purists may have an issue with it as sol-kadi varies in thickness and concentration of the Kokum in coconut milk,” says Usha Prabhakar, an advertising professional who has lunches here everyday. They also have some of the most tender neer dosas in town. Accompany these with their delectable Prawn Ajadina, a typical Mangalore preparation, with loads of curry leaves. Bombil and Surmai fry are a staple at their Bandra outlet as are the thalis although vindaloo is not one of their strengths. Anant Aashram Khotachiwadi, Girgaon If it’s authentic Gomantak you’re looking for, Anant Aashram it is. Propreitor Prabhu Kapde’s Goan father started the place in 1936 to cater to working -class traders in the surrounding Charni Road area. Cooked on wood and coal fire, the food is delicious, simple and served generously. Pick from their Kombdi Mutton Vati, Bajrachi Aamti Vati, Masala Kulrya Vati, Masala Kolambi all at a price of Rs 50. “We may close down in May for a month. I’m not sure if we will open after that. The costs of running this place are hard to bear,” reveals Kapde. Konkan Café Taj President Eating Konkani at a five-star just doesn’t feel right; it would be akin to having sev puri or lassi, which somehow taste better the more rundown the establishment is. However, Konkan Café somehow manages to make one forget all that as the food is superb, and surprisingly true to its roots. We highly recommend the thali in order to get a taste of everything. Konkani food, with all its spices and kokum, leans towards fresh seafood and meat and the prawn thali is possibly the best option to go for. The sol-kadi is very well balanced and the waiters bring you fresh appams or neer dosa at your table which always makes curries or stew taste better. Priced around Rs 1,000 a thali, it’s for those new to Konkani food and weak stomachs. Goa Portuguesa Matunga Begun 20 years ago as the “first authentic Goan food” joint in the city, Goa Portuguesa is a riot of a place if you can get through the self promotion of the proprietor who personally visits every table to give you his card. With playful splashes of colour to bring alive a carnival spirit, eating, drinking and singing form a complete dining experience here. Feast on their prized Shivad Racheado or Stuffed Lobster, Mutton Xacutti or Pork Vindaloo, as Milind Jog, their in-house musician strums out old Hindi film songs at you table. Deepa Awchat—the lady who runs Portuguesa also runs the adjacent Diva Maharashtra and Culture Curry for Maharashtrian and Andhra-Chettinad food. Hotel New Martin Colaba New Martin is less spoken about than its mediocre neighbour, Gables. But those who love Goan food make sure they visit here. Their best-sellers are the Chilly Beef Fry, Chicken and Pork Vindaloo and fish-curry rice. “But their beef steak is a hidden treasure,” says collegian Doni Kavier. “Served with lightly-marinated onion rings and potato wedges, it’s perfectly cooked, though the portion is not very generous.” But at Rs 65, you can’t ask for more. Their light fish curry in coconut milk is perfect for a hot summer lunch, but look after the surmai which is sometimes replaced with a rohu. http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/konkan-twist/438318/ ~(^^)~ Avelino
