As an Indian, embracing heat is an inherent trait — whether it’s our weather or in our curries. While quite a few of us have now weaned off this honorary spice trail (curse you, acidity), we still do like to enjoy our curries in their entirety. Obviously, there’s no way we could shortlist our favourite curries — there would be no end to the list. So we did the next best thing and dedicated a list to a curry that we all fight for very vehemently in this office, the second we hear someone brought a dabba in to work. Our grandmothers are undeniably the true OGs when it comes to making the best prawn curry around town, but we’ve found the next best thing for when you can’t bring in a dabba.
I. Prawns Curry at Chaitanya
Where: SK Bole Road, Near Siddhivinayak Temple, Dadar West.
If you’re looking for something to compare to home food, look no further. The restaurant is catered to by a housewife who has no qualms when it comes to spicing her food right. If you want some authentic Malvani food, this is it — no questions asked.
Cost: INR 240 is all you need for your weekly dose of spice.
II. Goan Prawn Curry at Colaba Social
Where: Ground Floor, Glen Rose Building, Behind Taj Mahal Palace, Apollo Bunder, Colaba.
While we wouldn’t recommend getting yourself a bowl of curry and rice over the weekend at Social, we definitely would tell you to get it for a nice quiet lunch. Accompanied by prawn crackers (our personal favourite touch), this Goan prawn curry really hits the spot with some steamed rice. It may not be the most authentic, but it sure as heck meets all our standards of deliciousness.
Cost: INR 350 is a lot cheaper than a trip to Goa.
III. Prawns Konkan Curry at Fresh Catch
Where: Lt Kotnis Marg, Near Fire Brigade, Off L J Road, Mahim West, Mahim.
The owners of Fresh Catch truly believe in living up to their name — all their food is handpicked and sourced from Karwar, daily. Here, flavour is prioritized over spice, so if you’re looking for a milder curry yet packed with flavour, we’ve found an answer.
Cost: INR 290 for a bowl full of curry that’ll warm your soul.
IV. Kolambi Curry at Highway Gomantak
Where: Gandhi Nagar, Service Road, Bandra East.
We know it may seem like our list so far only comprises of family-style restaurants. Can you blame us when we’re faced with such quality? Highway Gomantak is another crowd favourite, more so for the goenkars. Although the thali seems like the more popular option here, trust us — go for a simple curry and rice. You won’t regret it. They also only accept cash, so make sure to carry some with you if you’re planning on making a trip there.
Cost: Depends on prawn size and season.
V. Prawns Gassi at Jai Hind
Where: Rizwi House, Hill Road, Bandra West.
While the go-to option here is the Goan prawn curry, this gem of a dish tends to go unnoticed. This coconut-y curry is the ideal blend of flavour and spice that’ll have you licking it off your fingers, for sure. Make sure you get some of this over the weekend and not while you’re at work because we guarantee you’ll want an afternoon siesta after you get done with this meal.
Cost: And they said you couldn’t buy happiness at INR 295.
VI. Chingri Malai Curry at Oh! Calcutta
Where: Ramee Guestline Hotel, Plot 757, Opposte Post Office, SV Road, Khar West, Khar.
You can’t mess with seafood when it comes to a Bengali — thankfully, Oh! Calcutta got their recipe for curry down pat. This creamy dream of a prawn curry is honestly for when you want to treat yourself. They say one portion serves two but this is the kind of meal you won’t want to share. One bite and you’ll be nodding your head in agreement.
Cost: INR 575 may be pricey but it’s worth every drop.
VII. Prawn Atwan at Soul Fry
Where: Pali Mala Road, Opposite Pali Vegetable Market, Pali Hill, Bandra West
As the name should suggest, prepare to have your soul satisfied. Fried fish galore, we often get our fill with all things golden and crispy but we do like to make room for this East-Indian speciality made with the traditional ‘bottle masala’. Put this on your list if you’d like to skip on the coconut in your curry.
Cost: INR 390 is the price for no coconuts in your curry!
VIII. Kerala Prawn Moilee at The Curry Brothers
Where: Hardik Villa, Shirley Rajan Road, Near Rizvi College, Carter Road, Bandra West.
Where there’s a South Indian involved, you know curry leaves will follow suit. While there’s quite a bit on their menu to be tried, this South Indian take on prawn curry should be in your top three.
Cost: Yet another meal that’ll incite an afternoon siesta at INR 495.
IX. Manglorean Style Curry by The Konkan Cafe
Where: Vivanta by Taj President, 90 Cuffe Parade, Cuffe Parade.
An unlikely addition to the list but sometimes, it’s the unlikeliest of places that have the best on offer. Not that we’re saying this is the best, but when the Taj puts all their effort into one restaurant that focuses on this cuisine, you know it’ll be hard to go wrong. A great mix of tamarind and spices
Cost: You’ll want to save up before you splurge on this at INR 995.
X. Prawns in Cochin Curry at Trishna
Where: Sai Baba Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort.
The Mangalorean style curry is often looked past, considering the restaurant is famous for it’s varied dry dishes. We aren’t asking you to skimp on those though, we’re simply saying, get the best of both worlds. A plate full of prawn curry and rice can only be made better with MORE prawns on the side. Specifically their Prawns Koliwada.
Cost: Popularity comes at a price of INR 675.
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