Malvani cuisine

Malvani cuisine is the standard cuisine of the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Goa and northern parts of West Karnataka. Although Malvani Cuisine is predominantly non-vegetarian, there are many vegetarian delicacies. Although, it is an independent cuisine, it overlaps Maharashtrian cuisine and Goan cuisine. Malvan is a town in Sindhudurg district on west coast of Maharashtra.

Malvan being a coastal area In Konkan, it has its own distinct way of cooking food. The Malvani cuisine uses Coconut liberally in various forms such as grated, dry grated, fried, coconut paste and coconut milk.

A lot of Masalas are used which have dry Red Chilies and other spices like coriander seeds, Peppercorns, Cumin, Cardamom, Ginger, Garlic etc. Some dishes also use Kokum, dried Kokam (Amsul), Tamarind, and Raw Mango (Kairi).

However not all of the Cuisine is Hot and Spicy, The 'Konkanastha Brahmin' style of food is quiet bland yet very tasty and vegetarian too.

But mainly Fish dishes dominate the Malvani cuisine. The fiery seafood curries may be a bit too spicy for some people but you will definitely like the taste. You would find a lot of similarity between the Malvani cuisine and Goan or Coastal South Indian Cuisine.

Don't forget to include Sol Kadhi before, in or after your meals, Sol Kadhi is a pink colored appetizer drink made from the kokam fruit and Coconut Milk. It's also good for your stomach after a Hot and Spicy Konkani / Malvani meal.

Important Dishes

Main course

* Kombdi Vade or Murgh Malvani is a non-vegetarian dish, which is quite popular in Maharashtra. The dish consists of the traditional Malvani chicken curry (including chicken pieces with bones), vade (also known as puri, which is a fluffy, fried bread of wheat and nachni flour), onion, lemon and solkadhi.

* Mori Chi Aamti (Shark Curry) is a highly popular dish, along the Konkan coast. It is basically a spicy Shark curry.

* Solkadhi or Soul Curry is an energizing curry drink, highly popular in Konkan. It is made from coconut milk and kokam. It is usually served with Kombdi Vade, various fish delicacies and Mutton Malvani.

* Bangda Fry is a popular dish, especially in Mumbai. The head of the fish called "Bangda" is thrown and the other part is fried as a whole.

* Chicken Kolhapuri is a popular dish and although, Kolhapur doesn't come in Konkan, kolhapur is situated in the high altitude just above the konkan region, the cultural similarities are there. It differs from Murgh Malvani in a way that it's curry is red as opposed to the reddish-brown Malvani curry.

* Malvani Mutton Curry is a highly popular dish in the entire Konkan region. The process is similar to Murgh Malvani except that there are few different spices.

* Khavda Curry is an extremely delicious dish which consists of a local Konkani bird called "Khavda".

* Bombil Fry or Bombay Duck Fry is an immensely popular dish, especially in north Konkan regions like Mumbai and Raigad.

* Paplet Saar is a dish consisting of Pomfret cooked in traditional Malvani fish curry. This dish is especially popular in Mumbai.

* Phanasachi Bhaji is an exotic vegetarian dish, which is made from Jackfruit, chillies and spices.

* Kaju Chi Aamti is a spicy curry of cajus (cashews). It is a spicy preparation and is savoured by the Malvani populace. * Fish Koliwada is an appetizer which has its origin in the coastal city of Mumbai and is the traditional dish of the ethnic Mumbaikars, the Kolis.

Breads and cakes

* Dhondas or Cucumber Cake is a baked preparation made from cucumber, rava and jaggery.
* Ghavan is a fried pancake and is especially popular in Sindhudurg district. Its netted appearance gives it an even more enigmatic feel.
* Khaproli is a sweet dish, highly popular in southern Konkan. The dish consists of a fluffy pancake dipped in yellow sweet juice.
* Tandalachi Bhakri is a Bhakri made of rice flour. It is the Malvani equivalent of the Maharashtrian Jowari Bhakri or Bajri Bhakri, which is popular across the Deccan.
* Malvani Malpua is the sweet deep-fried delicacy, that is highly popular in Maharashtra. The dish is especially in big demand during the Islamic holy month of Ramzaan.