In search of Mumbai’s best bombil fry

Dashrath Amonkar was originally a dabbawallah. About forty five years ago, he borrowed some money from his friends and started Pradeep Gomantak Bhojanalaya, on Rustom Sidhwa Marg. His daughter Manisha runs the place now, but old timers insist that the bombil is still made the same it was years ago. Not surprisingly, nearly everyone orders the soft bombil fried in crispy, salty batter here, along with their chicken or fish thali.

Sheri House, 15 Gunbow Street, Fort, Mumbai – 400001
Price: Rs.90
; P: 66310761

Highway Gomantak

This eatery, off the Western Express Highway near Bandra, is iconic for many reasons: the no-nonsense attitude of its owners,  Mr and Mrs Potnis; the wide variety of seafood on its menu, and also for its bombil fry. But, there’s a reason why the bombil fry here is as good as it is. According to its owners — Mrs Potnis keeps an eagle-eye on the kitchen at all times, by the way — the water in the bombil is retained, and the fish is then fried in crispy, salty, flaky batter. The duo claims to have pioneered the technique.

44/2179, Behind Maratha Store, Service Road, Gandhi Nagar, Bandra East; Price: Rs.350 (Around 7-8 pieces); P: 26409692/26453120