Driving down the Konkan coast, sea breeze in your hair, and panoramic views of the vast blue ocean – a Konkan road trip is a must-have experience. Whether you’re planning to visit Konkan during the monsoon or setting on an adventure in the pre-monsoon phase, the region always surprises you with the most beautiful sceneries and the most delicious seafood!
Think pomfret fry at tiny seaside restaurants, bowls of soft, fluffy rice, and a refreshing solkadi to replenish your soul! If that got you drooling, this is your cue to go on a Konkan road trip and enjoy the Malvani seafood trail you’ll get to experience along the way.
Malvani Seafood Trail: What Is Malvani Cuisine?
Malvani cuisine originates in the Malvan region of coastal Maharashtra, in the states of Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri. It has its influence along the entire Konkan coast, including Goa. The cuisine is less spicier than other cuisines of Maharashtra such as the Khandeshi cuisine, Kolhapuri cuisine, or Saoji cuisine. However, it is known for its emphasis on flavors and textures.
Malvani cuisine is best known for a few ingredients that are used prominently in the food here. We’re talking about kokum, coconut – dried, grated, coconut milk, etc, cloves, cumin, local berries and produce, and of course, seafood!
At the heart of this cuisine lies a distinctive blend of spices known as Malvani Masala. It is made using spices like dried red chillies, coriander seeds, peppercorns, cloves, fennel, star anise, stone flower, and other spices. It is used in almost all food dishes in the Malvani cuisine, from curries and stews to fish preparations and marinates.
Malvani cuisine places a great emphasis on seafood – as fresh fish and other seafood is readily available along the coastline. While fishing is tightly restricted in the monsoon season due to the turbulent waters, fresh seafood is usually available all year round.
However, there are a number of vegetarian dishes found in the Malvani cuisine, particularly curries and vegetable preparations made from local produce.
Overall, Malvani cuisine is a well-balanced amalgamation of bold, layered flavors and rich seafood.
Also Read:
The Konkan Coastal Road Trip: 7 Day Itinerary
In this Malvani seafood trail guide, we’ll be sharing with you some of the best fish curries that you must try. However, before that, we are sharing with you a suggestive itinerary for your Konkan road trip. Having a rough itinerary can help you plan your travel – whether it is a pre monsoon coastal food travel plan or a full-blown Konkan trip in the monsoon season.
We’ve provided a suggestive Konkan road trip itinerary from Mumbai that’s roughly spread across 7 days. This is to give you adequate time to rest, replenish, and enjoy local sightseeing along the way. You can always tweak the itinerary as per your needs.
Day 1: Mumbai to Alibaug
Distance: 110 km approx
Places to visit: Alibag Beach, Nagaon Beach, Varsoli Beach, Kolaba Fort
Malvani seafood restaurants en-route: Sanman Restaurant, Shalimar Seafood Restaurant, Vassco Da Goa, Amravan Garden Restaurant, Kolinbaay Authentic Seafood Restaurant
Day 2: Alibaug to Harihareshwar
Distance: 122 km approx
Places to visit: Diveagar Beach, Shrivardhan Beach, Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary
Malvani seafood restaurants en-route: Kokan Khanawal, Pangat The Family Restaurant, Kokanratna Gharguti Bhojanalay, Kokan Swad
Day 3: Harihareshwar to Ganpatipule via Guhagar
Distance: 198 km approx
Places to visit: Ladghar Beach (Blue Flag certified beach), Guhagar Beach, Velas Beach, Jaigad Fort, Malgund Beach, Suvarnadurga Fort
Malvani seafood restaurants en-route: The Lagoon Restaurant & Bar, Bhosale’s Home Kitchen, Hotel Kinara, Arpit Gharghuti Khanaval
Day 4: Ganpatipule to Malvan
Distance: 193 km
Places to visit: Aare Ware Beach, Ratna Durga, Thiba Palace, Wayangani Beach, Devghali Beach, Vetye Beach, Devgad Fort, Sindhudurg Fort
Malvani seafood restaurants en-route: Ocean Breeze Restaurant, Mehendale’s Swad Dining, Bhau Joshi Bhojnalay, O’Fish Seafood Restaurant, Sanvi Khanaval
Day 5: Pitstop at Malvan (Tarkarli, Devbag day trips)
You can explore Malvan, including the Chivla Beach, Kolamb Beach, and Sindhudurg Fort. You can also try water sports like scuba diving, paragliding, and other fun rides here.
Malvani seafood restaurants en-route: Kokan Fusion Food Adda, Ruchira Family Restaurant, Malvan Gazali, The Old House Kitchen, Mayekar Lunch Home, Hotel Kokan Kanya, Sugaran Khanval
Day 6: Malvan to Vengurla
Distance: 50 km
Places to visit: Devbag Beach, Nivti Beach, Kondura Beach
Malvani seafood restaurants en-route: Guru Chaitanya Restaurant, Suman Bhojanalay, Konkan Swad
Day 7: Exploring Vengurla and return journey
Explore Vengurla by visiting places like the Vengurla Lighthouse, Vengurla Beach, Mochemad Beach, and more.
Malvani seafood restaurants en-route: Redkar Bandhu Bhojanalay, Matruchaya Hotel, Hotel Khavayya, Gajali
On your return journey, you can visit the places that you skipped on your way.
Also Read: A Foodie’s Guide To Vengurla: From Malvani Thalis To Bakery Gems
Malvani Seafood Trail: Best Malvani Food To Try
The best seafood in Konkan is often the one that is freshly made and served in local eateries and restaurants. So let’s take a look at the best Malvani food to try in your Malvani seafood trail:
Malvani Fish Curry
It is a tangy and spicy coconut-based curry made with fresh catch like pomfret, surmai, or bangda. It is often served with bhakris or rice.
Tisrya Masala
A delicious stir-fry or curry made with clams, cooked in thick paste of roasted coconut, onions, and Malvani spice blend. It is often served with bhakris or rice.
Kombdi Vade
Rich, creamy chicken curry served alongside fluffy, deep-fried flatbreads made from rice and lentil flours.
Solkadhi
A refreshing pink-colored drink made from kokum extract and coconut milk, delicately spiced with garlic, cumin, and green chilli. It is usually had after finishing a meal as it aids in digestion and cools the body.
Crab Masala
It is made using the spicy Malvani blend and is often cooked with roasted coconut and chillies. It is often served with soft bhakris or rice.
Kolambi Bhaat
A fragrant rice dish made using prawns and spices, usually made for lunch or dinner.
Summing Up
In this blog, we’ve helped you with a Malvani cuisine guide. This pre-monsoon season, it is time to set out on a Malvani seafood trail and explore the beauty of Konkan. From Alibag’s coastal charm to Vengurla’s calm, the Konkan strip is perfect for an enjoyable road trip for foodies who love Malvani cuisine!
