Mumbai is a paradise for seafood lovers. From silky, tender pomfret to spicy, curry-friendly mackerel, the city enjoys some of the freshest catch straight from the coastline. Whether you’re planning a rich curry, a crispy fry, or a comforting home-style meal, choosing the right fish makes all the difference.

In this Mumbai seafood guide, we highlight the top 10 most popular fish in Mumbai and explain exactly how to cook them in delicious Indian styles.

1. Pomfret (Paplet)

Pomfret is loved for its soft, buttery flesh and mild flavour. It absorbs spices beautifully without losing its delicate taste.

Best Cooking Styles:

• Tawa fry

• Rava fry

• Goan curry

• Steamed fish with lemon & garlic

Why Mumbai Loves It:

It’s clean-tasting, elegant, and perfect for both daily meals and festive dishes.

2. Surmai (Kingfish)

Known as the “king of fish,” Surmai is firm, flavourful, and ideal for frying or gravies.

Best Cooking Styles:

• Surmai fry

• Malvani curry

• Grilled Surmai

• Green masala fish

Cooking Tip:

Marinate with red chilli, turmeric, and lime for the perfect coastal flavour.

 

3. Rawas (Indian Salmon)

A premium fish with a rich, flaky texture. It is one of the healthiest choices on this list.

Best Cooking Styles:

• Tandoori Rawas

• Curry (Konkani style)

• Pan-seared salmon-style steaks

Why It’s Popular:

Omega-3 rich + mild taste = perfect for kids and adults.

4. Bangda (Mackerel)

A true Mumbai favourite! Strong in flavour and perfect for spicy masalas.

Best Cooking Styles:

• Maharashtrian curry

• Stuffed masala fry

• Goan recheado fry

Cooking Tip:

Let it marinate longer—Bangda loves bold spices.

5. Bombay Duck (Bombil)

Soft, melt-in-mouth texture that Mumbai is obsessed with!

Best Cooking Styles:

• Crispy Bombil fry

• Bombil chutney

• Bombil rawa fry

Fun Fact:

It’s not a duck—it's a fish found abundantly on Maharashtra’s coast.

6. Prawns (Kolambi / Jhinga)

Prawns are versatile and cook in minutes.

Best Cooking Styles:

• Prawn curry (Malvani/Konkani)

• Prawn fry

• Butter garlic prawns

• Prawn biryani

Why People Love It:

Soft, juicy, and pairs well with both rice and roti.

7. Basa

A clean, boneless fish that’s perfect for mild recipes.

Best Cooking Styles:

• Grilled basa

• Basa curry

• Lemon-butter basa

Why It’s Popular:

Kids love it because there are no bones.

How to Choose the Right Fish for Your Recipe

If you want:

For Curry:

• Surmai

• Rawas

• Bangda

• Tilapia

For Fry:

• Pomfret

• Bombil

• Mandeli

• Prawns

For Grilling:

• Rawas

• Basa

• Surmai

This helps users searching for best fish for curry, how to cook Indian fish, and popular fish in Mumbai.

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Why Freshness Matters

Fresh fish gives better texture, sweetness, and health benefits. Look for:

• Bright eyes

• Red gills

• Firm flesh

• Ocean-like smell

Conclusion

Mumbai offers a wide variety of delicious fish, each with its own flavour and cooking style. Whether you love spicy curries or crisp, golden fries, choosing the right type of fish makes all the difference. Use this Mumbai seafood guide to explore new recipes and enjoy the true taste of the coast.