For sea food lovers, visit to Konkan region is a real treat. We are no exception! Just when we start planning our trip to Konkan, our first thoughts are about fish, fish and fish!
Recently we were heading to Ratnagiri on NH 17. As usual our Eating Stops were decided before the actual Journey started. On our agenda was Hotel “Abhishek” in Chiplun. This place was highly recommended for its coastal delicacies.
The hotel is situated in a small lane off the highway. But as this place is quite famous, can be quickly found. The ambiance is ok but the service is prompt and efficient. If you go there during peak dining hours, there are good chances of you being on the waiting list.
Luckily we didn’t have to wait and ordered, which seemed, heaps of food, but nothing was left on the plate except bones. One can imagine how tasty it was!
Any coastal cuisine starts with an appetizer drink “solkadhi”. We were served an authentic solkadhi which promised us that the coming courses also would be as good.
As starters, we opted for fish fry. Amongst which we tried Bombil Fry (Bombay Duck) , Pomfret Fry and Bangada (Silver Fish) Fry. The fish was so fresh as if it was straight out of the sea and on our table! All were crispy and cooked to perfection, which is crucial for any fish preparations.
The Pomfret was coated in delicate malvani masala, which enhanced the original flavour of the fish. Size wise also, the Pomfret was a good catch!
The Bombil (Ola Bombil) in crunchy batter was superb. There was no masala on the fish , it was fresh and needed just a dash of flavours. We like Bombil to be flattened and deep fried as this brings out the best flavours and one can actually eat the complete fish along with the bones.
The best part of Fried fish was the Bangda (Silver Fish). For many, Bangada seems to be the level two fish! First level being Surmai and Prompfret which are easy to eat.
‘More the bones tastier the fish’ say the experts and it is sure correct when it comes to Bangda. Bangda has a bit strong flavour (many people don’t like it in first go but 4 yr old Asmi ate the complete fish in first attempt!), it needs proper amount of Masala stuffed in, to dilute the taste a bit. Bangda takes good patient time to cook properly, if overdone t it is not a great sight and taste. This one was perfectly cooked throughout. This Bangda was cooked along with its head which is unusual, we generally don’t get to see the Head.
The main course menu offered Thalis ( Fish/Chicken/mutton/veg).
Fish thali consisted of one piece of fried fish, curry, chapatti or rice flour bhakri, rice and solkadhi. Chicken and Mutton thali offered an accompaniment of special malvani preparation called ‘vada’ (also known as dish called Kombdi Vada). These vadas are actually like Puris made of fermented batter of rice and urad dal. This combination of chicken and vada is the speciality of malvani cuisine and a must try. Other preparations like chicken/mutton fry/masala, egg dishes were also on the menu.
We opted for an ‘a la carte’ menu in which we ordered Prawns masala and Tisrya masala fry (shimple). Both were cooked in malvani spieces and lots of coconut of course. One of the most flavour full preparations we have ever tasted!
Usually most of the restaurants serve different kinds of fish in similar gravy / masala ; with Abhishek it was different! Every fish had its own masala which brought out the flavor of the Fish. The masalas were complementing the fish rather than overpowering it.
Vegetarians can go for a Veg Thali or other usual options like Panjabi dishes. No malvani veg specialties on the offer.
Rates are also reasonable considering the quality of food. Non veg thalies are in the range of 200 to 250/- and veg is 150/-. If you go for other options also, it will cost you around 100/- per head extra.
Overall, full marks to flavours! A must visit place if you are off to Konkan and looking forward to eating fish!
Adding Location Map for Hotel Abhishek ; It is Off Mumbai Goa Highway ,
There is one more Hotel Named "Subh Abhishek" which is on the High Way but don't be confused due to similar names.
Most prominent Landmark is "Shivaji Nagar Bus Station Chiplun" , take first right after bus Station.
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