This new Navi Mumbai eatery serves robust Malwani fare

Malwani Rassa
Food: Good
Service: Quick
Ambiance: Spacious

For those of you who don't live in Navi Mumbai, you might still want to hit the trail for traditional Malwani food at Malwani Rassa, located within Vashi's Raghuleela Mall.


Vada and Kombdi

The spacious interiors were functional and clean, minus any reflection of the food that they dish out. However, once the food arrived, there was a burst of aromas that reminded us of the Malwan region in Maharashtra. We started with the Bombil Rava Fry (Rs 150).

Also read: Dig into Maharashtrian fare in Vashi

This crispy Bombay Duck, fried with semolina, made us think of everything that we love about our state - the spices, the heat, the zing and its feisty spirit. While scanning through the menu, we were surprised to note that almost every fish dish was charged as per size.


Chicken Bhaat

On quizzing a waiter, we were told that a small, single piece of Pomfret would cost us about Rs 600 while a slightly larger size would be Rs 800! There was also Bangda and Surmai. And this, in a city that boasts of a shoreline. The service was quick and the staff, politely answered our many queries with a smile.

Also read: Malvan's on the menu at Lower Parel's Malvan Katta

We finally ordered Ravas Kolivada (R300). The seven slices of fish served were absolutely fresh, and the red Kolivada masala, which is popular in most seafood eateries in Mumbai, was lip-smackingly good.


Ravas Kolivada

Then came the usual suspects. Kombadi Vadey (Rs 250), which is a puri (the atta/dough is mixed with gram flour, urad dal, methi seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric powder which makes it different from the North Indian puri) served with a typically Maharashtrian chicken curry, with khada masala and a hint of coconut in the gravy which goes best with rice Bhakri (Rs 20).

Also read: A sea of delights at Konkan Cafe

The Bharlela Vanga (Rs 180) - Eggplant stuffed with a peanut-based masala - was slightly greasy but delish. The Chicken Bhaat (Rs 250) was different from a biryani or a pulav; it was cooked with masalas from the Konkan, and had a distinct flavour.


Bharlela Vanga

The Solkadi (Rs 40) was ideal to ease the heat and spice levels. We noticed that the Solkadi here was not bright pink as served in most Gomantak eateries; it was also milder. We enjoyed this coastal delicacies, and recommend it to anyone looking for traditional local fare.

At Malwani Rassa, third floor, Raghuleela Mall, Vashi
Time 11.30 am to 4 pm;
7 pm to 11 pm
Call 8097561200

Malwani Rassa didn't know we were there. the guide reviews anonymously and pays for its meals.