Vengurla, a quaint coastal town in Sindhudurg, is charming not only because of its rich history and pristine beaches but also because of its food culture. The town, lying in the Konkan belt, is blessed with a rich culinary heritage. A heritage shaped by Dutch and Malvani Konkani influences. And in this article, we’re highlighting Vengurla’s best spots to eat, best foods to try, and a brief glimpse into the region’s cuisine.
Foodie’s Guide To Vengurla: Malvani Cuisine, Best Foods To Try, And Recommended Restaurants And Eateries
What Is The Malvani Cuisine?
Malvani cuisine, a predominant cuisine of Maharashtra and Goa, can be said to be the lovechild of traditional Maharashtrian and Goan culinary traditions. Although the cuisine focuses more on seafood and non-vegetarian food, it has many vegetarian dishes as well.
The cuisine is characterized by its heavy use of coconut, kokum, dried red chilli, peppercorn, garlic, tamarind, and dry mango. It also uses a unique blend of spices, called ‘Malvani Masala’ made from 15 to 16 different ingredients.
Many dishes in Malvani cuisine are curry-based and include fish or other meat. However, it also integrates locally grown vegetables, roots, and other plant-based ingredients. Steamed rice and solkadhi are often other staples that accompany a traditional Malvani main dish.
Best Foods To Try In Vengurla
Kaale Vataane & Amboli
This is a dish you’ll find in almost every eatery and restaurant in Vengurla (and even in nearby towns). The dish includes a spicy curry made using black peas served with a soft, pancake made of fermented rice. The dish is delicious and comforting, with the softness of the ambolis pairing well with the spicy flavors of the curry. It is a popular breakfast dish in Vengurla, but can be eaten during any meal of the day.
Kanda Bhaji
Who doesn’t love the taste of freshly fried, savory onion fritters served with a delicious, tangy green chutney? Onion fritters or Kanda Bhaji is a popular snack, not only in Vengurla, but across many parts of the country. Thinly sliced onion is doused in a thick gram flour batter and fried to golden-brown perfection. It is served with a coriander-mint chutney and/or a warm cup of chai. Just a perfect evening snack as you stroll along the beaches of Vengurla.
Malvani Thali
A ‘thali’ experience helps you enjoy a cuisine at its finest, so if you’re in Vengurla, do try the local Malvani Thali. You can enjoy both vegetarian and seafood options; however, Malvani cuisine really shines with its seafood thali. It includes fried fish, fish-based curry, bhakri/chapati, steamed rice, and salads and sides. At the end, solkadi, a light-pink drink made of dried kokum and coconut milk, is served to aid digestion.
Kombdi Vade
Kombdi Vade is a popular dish in Malvani cuisine, also made during weddings. It consists of a spicy chicken-based curry served with soft, fluffy, and deep-fried puris called ‘vade’. The dish is indulgent and aromatic, incredibly popular among foodies who enjoy chicken-based curries. It is a popular dish on restaurant menus and finds its way in Maharashtrian weddings as well!
Ghaavane
Each region of India has its own distinct flatbread or pancake – from phulkas in Punjab to neer dosa in the South. And of course, Konkan also has its own distinct range of pancakes, with a Ghaavan being the most popular. It is made using a simple rice flour batter and is thin and soft with several pores dotting its surface. Ghaavane are usually served with tea as a breakfast dish or with any vegetable preparation or curry.
Chaukoni Pav
The Dutch’s influence on Vengurla’s culinary traditions can be best observed in its traditional ‘pav’. Known as ‘Chaukoni Pav’, it is a square-shaped bread made with natural fermentation. A specialty of these breads is that it is made without any yeast, sugar, or even salt! It can be considered a cousin of the famous ‘pav’ popular as a Vada Pav, but with a unique Dutch touch.
Also Read: Monsoon Magic: 5 Must-Visit Konkan Getaways For Rainy Season Bliss
Best Restaurants To Try In Vengurla
- Redkar Bandhu Bhojanalay
Address: VJ5P+VPX, Vengurla, Parabwada, Maharashtra 416516
Price per person: INR 200 to INR 400
- Hotel Krishna
Address: Parabwada, Maharashtra 416516
Price per person: INR 200 to INR 300
- Mak’s Food Lab
Address: VJ6H+M8W, Bandar Road, near Ganpati Mandir & Old ST stand, Gawdewadi, Vengurla, Maharashtra 416516
Price per person: INR 200 to INR 400
- Hotel Green Taj
Address: Shop No 1 Main Road, near by Darga, Vengurla, Maharashtra 416516
Price per person: INR 200
- Rajshree Cold Drinks
Address: Vengurla – Belgaum Rd, Vengurla, Maharashtra 416516
Price per person: INR 200
Also Read: Skip Goa, Visit Vengurla: The Underrated Coastal Town Of Sindhudurg, Maharashtra
Summing Up
In this foodie’s guide to Vengurla, we’ve covered details about the local Malvani cuisine, highlighted some of Vengurla’s must-try food items, and the best restaurants and eateries to gorge on delicious food. So the next time you’re in Vengurla, make sure to try the local delicacies in the town!
