Savour coastal food in Alibaug to enjoy unique flavours this long weekend

Tandoori Surmai. Pics courtesy/Moonstone Hammock

Mumbaikars who are fans of seafood can spend this weekend, enjoying the culinary heritage of the coastal belt at a food festival in Alibaug. Organised by travel and adventure tourism platform Moonstone Hammock, the pop-up to be held at Buddha Café offers diners regional seafood dishes from Konkani, Goan, Malwani, Malabari, and Mangalorean cuisines.

A local vendor at the Alibaug fish market displays the day's fresh catch

"The intention is to enable diners to savour local flavours. Hence, members of the Koli community will also present fresh daily catches," reveals Pradeep Singh Choudhary, the platform's CEO and co-founder. "Expect dishes including pomfret, crabs, prawns, chicken, and other seasonal produce."

A chef presents a traditionally marinated Surmai on a banana leaf

Dishes range from Goan Prawn Rissois and Agri Koli Pomfret Fry to Chonak Tikka and Surmai dishes. "Many dishes will be cooked on a tandoor," he adds. For vegetarians, options include, Pineapple Sasav (Goan), Vangi Batata Rassa (Agri Koli), and Kaju Curry (Malwani).

Pineapple Sasav and Kaju Curry

"Apart from the food, visitors can expect live musical performances at the venue, a cultural Koli dance performance, and a sundowner DJ session, along with stalls and counters displaying seafood, and organised games.

Pradeep Singh Choudhary

Importantly, there will be cookout sessions and live demonstrations by chefs, where guests can interact with and learn directly from them," the co-founder mentions. Desserts offered, meanwhile, are the Goan Mangane, and favourites such as Modak and Puran Poli, among other fares.

Musical performers at an earlier event hosted at Buddha Cafe

"Most visitors to Alibaug view it as a classic tourist destination or getaway close by, but there is a lot more to their food culture and community that needs to be showcased, which is our aim," Choudhary signs off.

A traditional Koli dance performance. Pic courtesy/Wikimedia Commons

On January 24 to 26; 12 pm to 4 pm (lunch) and 6 pm to 11 pm (dinner)
At Buddha Café, Awas Beach Road, Alibaug
Log on to @moonstonehammockofficial (to register; food and beverage charges separate)