My introduction to Konkan cuisine was at the age of six. Every Sunday, Vithabai, my nanny, would bring delectable homemade treats. Crispy golden on the outside, moist and gooey on the inside, my favourite had to be her Bombil, or Bombay Duck. Give me that over kandha bhajiya on a rainy day, and I’m a very happy man {unfortunately though, none of the fishermen are risking their lives to fulfil my guilty pleasures}.
Need To Know
So why is a fish called a duck? The British were headquartered in Kolkata, but would come to Bombay on business. At lunch or dinner, they loved eating this crispy delicacy. They decided to import the fish from Bombay via train mail. Mail in Hindi is called Daak. Since this was the Bombay mail, the locals would call it the Bombay Daak. For the greater convenience of the British tongue, Bombay Daak become Bombay Duck, and the rest as they say is history.
Where To Eat: Have the Bombay Duck at Gajalee, widely considered one of the best in the city
Where: Kadamgiri Complex, Hanuman Road,Vile Parle East
Price: INR 225 for Bombay Duck
Timings: 11.30am to 3.30pm, 7pm to 11.30pm
Number: 022 3015 1436
