Coastal Cravings

By Raul Dias

The Konkani Muslim Contribution
Ignoring the very integral Konkani Muslim community’s contribution to the cuisine of this belt would be sacrilegious to say the very least! Take for instance saravle. These unique, pasta-like noodles are made from wheat dough that is moulded into the shape of tiny rings by pulling small lumps of beaten dough off a stick. They are then boiled and served as either a sweet dish (like sevvaiya) with milk or as a savoury breakfast dish, stir fried with eggs.
Flatbreads such as the crepe-like chawrachi roti which is made from a dough of boiled rice flour is accompanied by Arab-influenced dishes like the dum cha mhaura, where the fish is cooked using the dum technique. And although the ever-present coconut brings the community’s dishes like the sukhi kolbi (prawn masala) and bangde kelyachya paanat (mackerel in banana leaf) back to their Konkan roots, it is unusual ingredients (for the region, that is) like saunf (fennel) that give them a certain Arab touch. Desserts like peyushi (coconut milk and cashew pudding) and the pancake-like sandan, too, reference the Konkan with its coconut and rice flour components.
A bona fide deliciously diverse cuisine, if there ever was one, is the food of the Konkan!      

Try It Here!
Soon becoming one of India’s most popular cuisines, the food of the Konkan and all its sub groups are being celebrated and savoured across the country. Here’s a list of some of the best places to get in on the Konkan belt food action… 

Delhi NCR

·         Swagath at Malviya Nagar for Mangalorean (Rs. Rs.)

·         Bernardo’s at Gurugram for Gomantak (Rs. Rs.)

·         Incrivel Goa at Dilli Haat for Gomantak (Rs. Rs.)

·         Maharashtra Sadan at India Gate for Malvani (Rs.)

Mumbai

·         The Konkan Café at Vivanta By Taj President, Cuffe Parade for Mangalorean, Malvani and Gomantak (Rs. Rs. Rs.)

·         Mahesh Lunch Home at Fort, Juhu, Andheri East, Vashi and Thane for Mangalorean, Malvani and Gomantak (Rs. Rs.)

·         Trishna at Fort for Mangalorean (Rs. Rs.)

·         Hotel Malvan Kinara at Dadar West for Malvani (Rs.)

Bengaluru

·         Kanua at Sarjapur Road for Mangalorean (Rs. Rs.)

·         Carnival de Goa at Ulsoor for Gomantak (Rs. Rs.)

·         Mangalore Pearl at Frazer Town for Mangalorean (Rs. Rs.)

·         Kamat Lokaruchi at Mysore Road for Mangalorean (Rs.)

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Price Guide

Rs.= Inexpensive

Rs. Rs.= Moderate

Rs. Rs. Rs.= Expensive

(An edited version of this article first appeared in the February 2018 issue of Jetwings International in-flight magazine of Jet Airways http://www.jetairways.com/EN/IN/jetexperience/magazines.aspx)