The Konkan belt, dotted with beautiful beaches and ancient forts, stretches from Thane in Maharashtra right up to Mangalore in Karnataka. With influences from Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka, the region is known to offer some of the best mouth-watering delicacies in the country!
Though the Konkani cuisine is known for its non-vegetarian delicacies, its lesser-known vegetarian dishes are equally noteworthy. So if you want to taste some authentic and yummy Konkani food in Mumbai, here’s a list of some special spots.
1. The Konkan Cafe
Styled as a haute version of a typical rural coastal Indian home - with its red clay and bright green hues - Konkan Cafe resides within the Vivanta by Taj hotel. They have remained faithful to this aesthetic; even the food is served on copper thali plates lined with banana leaves. The menu features popular dishes such as their Seafood Thali, Appam, Lobster, and Fish Thali. It stands out as one of the few coastal restaurants offering a superb, albeit pricey, selection of wines. Specializing in Konkani cuisine, this establishment also offers a high-end South Indian menu.
When: Mon-Sun; 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, 07:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Where: Cuffe Parade
Price: Rs. 3,000 for two people
2. Konkani Haus
The menu at Konkani Haus is a tribute to the dazzling Konkan coast. Each dish has a distinct flavour that is paired with the traditional cooking techniques. Some of the popular items are Sol Kadhi, Tival, Malvani Chicken Tikka, Sungthyache Vodo, Phansa chi Bhaji, Kalya Vatanya chi Usal and so much more. Do try their authentic desserts like Sukrunde, Ukadiche Modak and Tandulachya Sevaiya. The interiors mimic Konkani houses and are complete with brass and copper utensils on the walls.
When: Mon-Sun; 11:00 AM to 03:30 PM, 07:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Where: Rajnigandha Socy, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Panch Pakhdi, Thane
Price: Rs. 1,100 for two people
3. Kokan Katta
A quaint restaurant in Malad, Kokan Katta offers delicious Konkani cuisine. Rangoli art, traditional aachar jars and quintessential Maharashtrian kitchen utensils are a part of the decor. The place offers bestsellers like Bombil Fry, Crab Lollipop, Solkadi, Chicken Tawa Fry, Prawns Koliwada and Clamps in green masala.
When: Mon-Sun; 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Where: Renis Apartment, Ahimsa Marg, Malad
Price: Rs. 1,200 for two people
4. Nav Gomantak
With the claim of serving the best authentic Maharashtrian food in town, Nav Gomantak is a local favourite. You can try their famous Jackfruit Ice Cream, Chicken Masala Thali, Kheema Pattice, Crab Gravy and Tisrya Masala. The restaurant has a homely atmosphere with floral curtains and wooden interiors.
When: Mon-Sun; 11:30 AM to 03:30 PM, 07:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Where: Eastern Express Highway, Panch Pakhdi, Thane
Price: Rs. 1,000 for two people
5. Fresh Catch by Francis
In Mahim, Fresh Catch has been something of an institution for seafood lovers for decades. The restaurant was founded by Fernandes in 1998, and when he passed a little over a year ago, his son and daughter decided to take over. They source ingredients from Karwar, Kumta, Ankola, Bhatkal and other parts of the Konkan coast. They are known for their Prawns Sukka, Chicken Tikka, Rawas Rava Fry, Mix Seafood Pulao and Chicken Rossa Curry. You can spot a lot of celebs dining at this spot.
When: Mon-Sun; 12:00 PM to 03:00 PM, 07:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Where: Khan House, Hill Rd, Bandra West
Price: Rs. 3,000 for two people
6. Highway Gomantak
Highway Gomantak is a a family-owned, family-operated specialty Goan cuisine eatery in Mumbai. Founded by Shashikala and Ramesh Potnis in 1991, the simple, unassuming joint tops every esteemed list of Mumbai’s favourite seafood restaurants. Dishes like Bombil Fry, Prawns Fry, Tisrya Masala, Surmaee Fry and Pomfret Fry are customer favourites.
When: Mon-Sun; 11:00 AM to 3:15 PM, 7:00 PM to 10:15 PM
Where: Pranav CHSL, Gandhi Nagar, Bandra East
Price: Rs. 500 for two people