The Monsoon Fish Thali

Come monsoons and Mumbai suddenly faces a fish crisis. Due to high tides and the birthing season for fish, there is suddenly a dearth or the prices sky rocket. 

But the maaza of having a Malwani or Konkani fish thali as the rain pounds outside, is something else. 

So Bobby and I trooped into a small joint with 10 odd tables in Bandra east for one such meal. The presentation can take a hike as everything is coarse. The crockery is stainless steel and it is advisable to have bottled water.

The fish thali was served with roti, steamed rice, surmai fish in a coconut gravy. On the side was golden fried Bombay Duck or Bombil and clams or teesriya in a hot pepper sauce...all to be washed down by a pink juice called sol kadi, made with kokum, a local sour fruit and the milk of the coconut..

The food is piping hot and the taste buds are tickled with the perfect blend of spices. This cuisine is very simple. The fish curry is actually a mash of coconut, onion, ginger, garlic and red chillies, all cooked together in some oil. Once the rawness of the onion fades, add the raw fish and water. Once it is bubbling away, add the salt and serve it.

Don't try cooking this dish thinking the recipe is simple. I have never mastered it in two decades of living in Maharashtra. The gravy always stinks when I attempt it.

It is not cheap either... a meal for two can put you down by a grand. But it's worth it, a simple meal with the perfectly cooked curry made with the freshest of catches, and a darling hubby to keep you company on a working day. It's called a good day!!!