Fishy Tales
March 23rd, 2004 | Published in Eating Out | 13 Comments
I started off disliking fish. I hated picking bones. I still remember taking a trip to Goa with my office colleagues in 1998, when I avoided the delicious fish preparations and ate chicken instead. They all thought I was crazy. I probably was!
I am not sure at what point it changed, but I am glad it did.
I love fish now. And I try and experiment with recipes whenever I get a chance. And eat out at fish places whenever I can find willing company (this is where I miss little sis!).
Thankfully, Mumbai has a lot to offer to the fish lover.
Here are a few of my favourite places.
1. Unnamed place next to Highway Gomantak (I think it was called Hotel Sheetal)
This is a really no-frills place next to the more illustrious Highway Gomantak in Bandra (if you are going from Andheri, it’s on the service road to the left). It’s smaller than Highway Gomantak, but I found the food more delicious here. I am not sure if it still open, since it’s been a while since I visited. The fish fry is amazing. Large and generous pieces fried crisp and golden. I remember going there once for dinner with office friends and they just went on and on and on. I don’t think they left out anything from the menu! And the prices were down-to-earth too.
2. Highway Gomantak
This one is more well-known and I was relatively satisfied when I sampled their cuisine. Can’t remember what exactly I ate though! Usually very crowded. I haven’t visited it for over a year now.
3. Sayyba
Located opposite the Bandra Masjid, you can almost miss it if you’re not paying attention. Drop in for some delicious Gomantak cuisine. I usually go for fish fry and prawn curry, both lip-smacking. I also find the chicken dishes in these places rather tasty, so if you’re really hungry, it’s recommended! Reasonable prices too.
4. Gajalee
Slightly more expensive, but the food is to die for. One of my favourite fish places in Mumbai. Whether it is the crab tandoori, the stuffed bomdil or the prawns masala, you won’t be disappointed. The teesriya kothimbir masala is another of my favourites. I only wish it was closer home! On hot days, sit inside in the AC section. And there’s usually a huge queue during weekend, so be prepared for the wait. The prices are higher inside but it’s more comfortable, especially if you want to enjoy a long meal. And don’t forget the soul curry! This one is located at Hanuman Road, Vile Parle (E). There is also a branch at Andheri (E) but having eaten at both, this one is recommended.
5. Apoorva
When I first started working in Mumbai, this was the fish place closest to our office in Fort. Late evenings at work would usually end with dinner here. I especially remember the soft delicious neer dosas, the stew (both veggie and chicken) and the bomdil fry! Even their fried fish is delicious. If you’re in that area, do drop in. The prices are on the higher side and I definitely know where all my money went during those days! Located at Fort, somewhere in a galli, after Bombay Store.
One that didn’t live up to expectations: Mahesh Lunch Home, Juhu
Maybe it was what we ordered. But we came away, quite unimpressed by the food. The prawn was mediocre, the surmai fry was ordinary and even the cocum water was not very good. And we paid a big bill for all of it. After all the hype, I felt it was a bit of a letdown. So I made it up to my mum-in-law by taking her to my favourite fish place Apoorva a few days later!
One I’ve been to only once but remember having good fish: Sindhudurg
I’ve only been to this eatery once, and a long long time ago. But I remember being quite impressed with the food. The prices are reasonable too. If you’re in the Dadar area, this one is worth trying.
One I’ve heard a lot about: Anant Ashram
My colleagues used to sing praises about this humble eatery in Girgaum. This was when we were working in Kemps Corner. I never made it at that time (plus I wasn’t fond of this particular creature at that time!). I’ve heard heaps about the food though. Fish thalli, crab, teesriya. Whatever takes your fancy and apparently you can eat yourself silly for about 70–80 bucks. What are you waiting for?!
Another one I’ve heard a lot about: Goa Portugesa, Mahim
I’ve got rather conflicting reports about this particular eating place. With a name like that, I would think the food would be something out of Goa. But I guess I’ll have to wait till I can taste the fare myself before I can form an opinion.
Another one that I don’t think exists anymore: Only Fish, Tardeo
Bengalis know how to cook their fish. But unfortunately, I haven’t had a chance to check out this bong eatery, since it is rather out of the way. I love fish, but I can’t imagine travelling so far to taste it! Unless you’re treating and letting me stay in your house afterwards. I am not even sure if it still exists. If I am not mistaken, it got renamed/rechristened but I can’t quite remember!
Then there’s the Dadar Gomantak. After hearing a lot about it, I decided to drop in when my mom had come over and we were shopping in Dadar. Even she was curious about it. But when we saw the mile long queue outside. we decided to give it a miss!
Any other fish place you’d recommend?
March 23rd, 2004 at 11:56 am (#)
Try Bharat ExcellenSea sometime. Its located somewhere in South Bombay (Colaba I think)*I’m sorry I’m not too familiar with directions in Bombay* and is famous for its seafood.
March 23rd, 2004 at 9:16 pm (#)
You might want to try Viva Paschim at Worli Naka… Slightly on the expensive side, and personally I’ve had mixed experiences there, but the Surmai Curry and Gaavne is definitely worth it…
And there’s Pride in the Cooper Hospital galli at Irla… A multi cuisine joint, but they dish out fingerlickin’ Tandoori Crab… Make sure you ask for the manager, Mr. Surti and place your order with him… I’ve found it makes a world of difference…!
BTW, I dropped in from the Indian Bloggers Ring…
:)
March 24th, 2004 at 9:34 am (#)
Thanks Mithun: Colaba is a pretty long distance to travel from where I am for fish! But if I am in that area, I’ll definitely keep it in mind.
Sahil: Thanks for dropping in. I’ve got pretty conflicting reports about Viva Paschim too. Unless, someone invites me there for a meal, it’s unlikely I’ll be going! But Pride seems worth visiting!
March 26th, 2004 at 1:45 pm (#)
yummm I love fish too
March 30th, 2004 at 5:37 pm (#)
Hmmm… Yes, Pride does seem like the better option doesn’t it…?
There’s another Gomantak joint in Chembur, the name of which I’ve obviously forgotten… A basic table-and-chair affair which served really good fish thalis… But that’s like finding the proverbial needle in a haystack…!
May 24th, 2004 at 1:45 am (#)
Hello Anita,
I’m Ranjan, an ardent foodie, formerly from Bombay, now living in Calif.
I would highly recommend Sachin, at the corner of Gokhale Road and Ash Lane, about 10 minutes walk from the Dadar Gomantak.
Also, Anantashram is verily heaven for their Malvani food. The service is brusque and downright rude sometimes. However, the food more than makes up for it. I recommend the pomfret curry and surmai fry.
Excellensea is a great place as well, for upmarket food such as jumbo tiger prawns, giant crabs, etc. Average bill for 4 people would be close to 2000 Rs. with beer, et al.
Also, Punjabi Fish Mart, bang opposite the Masjid near Metro, is the best for Fried Pomfret, Rawas and Shrimp. The chef / cashier is a person called Mushtaq, and he will recommend whatever is fresh that day, only if you ask him though :-)
Beware, it is a hole in the wall, but the food is amazing !!!
I so miss those days in Bombay, so whenever I visit, I am on a mission to eat at all of the above at least once ! :-)
Enjoy and please let me know in case you visit any other places and like them …
Also, a good collection of reviews :
check out http://www.mumbainet.com/eatinout/
December 9th, 2005 at 3:55 am (#)
You must be totally crazy to not like Mahesh! Guess you should give up eating fish and eat dal , bhaat.Or you could revisit and try the surmai masala fry (thick gravy dish), king prawn tandoori and i can go on and on with the list.….
February 22nd, 2006 at 4:39 pm (#)
Try out at place called “Sushegad Gomantak” Mahim.
its near Paradise theatre mahim. if i m not mistaken opp bank of maharashtra.Hard to locate the place as it is bit smaller place. Here u get authentic goan sea food. Try mussels fry,n dont forget the kokam curry.
July 29th, 2006 at 3:06 pm (#)
Hellos Anita !!!
Im a sikkimese but being in Mumbai for the last 5 years has turned me a foodie with a special liking for sea food.
The restaurants that advertise and are in the main areas of Mumbai have already been mentioned above by your visitors.
Among the ones that i find missing are :
Sandeep Gomantak
This is situated at Fort, Perin Nariman Street. Around 20–30 steps away from the Parsee Fire temple towards VT. The food here is good especially right for those who would like to tickle their taste buds with authentic [ a little fiery] stuff. Surmai, Pomfret, Halwa, Bombil..the works …and all very very affordable.…A little cramped especailly during lunch time so be there before 1pm .…and not very neat …but then hey …the food!!!!
Neeldurg
This is at Chembur tucked away …take a left from the Shivaji statue cross road ahead of RK studios towards the Pepsi refilling / Dukes factory.
Clean place, good food…the family wouldnt mind.….
Taste is milder than what is served at “Sandeep” so u can enjoy the curries…Pomfret, Surmai,Bombil .…and Chicken masala …excellent!!!
And dont forget the Soul Kadi .…..
And hey Cheers …Keep up the good work.
September 1st, 2006 at 3:08 am (#)
Goa Portuguesa is awesome for its food but is on the expensive side. I will highly recommend Sheetal gomantak at Bandra(along the highway) for its fish fry and gabholi(fish eggs)and the prices are reasonble too. also it is never very crowded. Gajalee in vile Parle is famous for its crab, lobsters and tiger jumbo prawns. Gajalee is a must visit for all fish lovers in Mumbai.
May 22nd, 2007 at 12:31 pm (#)
Wow this is a very exhaustive list !!!!..one name I find missing is Jai Hind at Pali Market Bandra..excellent manglorean cuisine..prawn gassi, neer doas and tandoori surmai are simply superb…
September 12th, 2008 at 12:31 pm (#)
Punjabi fish mart is a must go!!!.….it is totally the a new face of fish cookery.….i simply luv it…its a must go..opp. metro cinema..in dhobi talao
February 27th, 2010 at 8:12 pm (#)
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