Canara Restaurant, Dubai, UAE- for Awesome Mangalorean Food

A lot was told to me about this Manglorean rather Canara restaurant and highly recommended too. During my trip to Dubai and on the last day out, a dozen of us made it for lunch. Some of our friends were already seated prior to our arrival but let me assure you that you will have to wait some time as the place was full and noisy with Manglorean and Goan diners. Lot of clattering of dishes going on with people jabbering away to glory. This is simple place with no décor to boast off but the food makes up for everything you don’t need.

Food was already ordered and for starters there were the Crispy Rawa fried Kaane / Mudoshiyo or Lady Fish, some rawa fried prawns, Kubey Mutli which is a Manglorean speciality. The sorpotel came in earlier than expected and was generously dumped by me with the starters…. I didn’t care cos I just loved the sorpotel. We had some paanpoleys / neer dosas again a Manglaorean speciality to go with the above. Stop drooling.

Everything we ate was good. Although the fish was coated with a thick layer of rawa, it was fresh, huge, soft and fleshy. The prawns were pretty good sized and delicious. The Kubey Mutli looked good and had all the goodness I have had before but it is not my favourite, but everyone was raving about it so I guess it was pretty good. I don’t fancy most Manglorean dishes but I can tell you that they are equally good as we are mixed breed family of Goans & Mangloreans. My favourite was the sorpotel which was expected but it was a Manglorean style sorpotel which simply means that it did not have the sourness which identifies Goan sorpotel and which I adore. However this was for me again the star dish and I dunked it in with some neer dosas.

For our main course we had the Prawn  and bhenda curry  and some hot plain rice to go with it. We also ordered fried Lepos/Sole fish and some Kingfish Masala.  The prawns curry was a bit too creamy but excellent however the bhendas were a bit oldish and had a thready texture, however the curry went well with the rice. The fried lepos were excellent too. The Kingfish masala was ok. Not too exciting or probably had lost its zing from the fact that we had eaten such wonderful food earlier.

During my wife’s previous visit, she had the opportunity to try the Sannas, Pothrade, Channa Sukka , Anchovy Chutney, Bombil fry and Bangda Puli Munchi which were all super. It was a takeout service so some pictures were available of those dishes.

A great place to dine and for all those special Mangalorean delicacies.

Freej Soweileh – Lamb/Mutton Machbous - Kuwaiti Comfort food

I've always been wanting to write about this dish for a long time but probably haven't had the best words to describe it. This is one of our favourite dishes from many years in Kuwait and here's my take on it.

I’m sure most of you in Kuwait have visited this restaurant, but if you haven’t, then this is a must do. Freej Soweileh is an authentic Kuwaiti restaurant serving Kuwaiti food in addition to other Arabic dishes. However the star dish of this restaurant is the Lahamb Machbous or Lamb/mutton Machbous. Kuwait's own amalgamation of rice and meat flavours combined.

Now this is what you would call comfort food. We prefer to get a mega serving of this dish in the comfort of our home, sit in our comfy clothes and gorge on this dish.

I haven’t had anything like this anywhere. The quality of meat is so tender that it melts in your mouth. The long grains of rice slowly passing down your throat, giving you that satisfaction, that magic feeling, making you content. This dish has been cooked by someone who is an expert and has been conjured with some magical ingredients with a method that I have found that no one can replicate. Ofcourse if you have eaten this at Kuwaiti homes, only then you will find superior flavours. However, with no such options any more, Freej Soweileh is our only such source and a great one indeed. I had the priviliege of tasting this dish in my early years when I was employed with a Kuwaiti army man and who would have food coming everyday from his home. Partly one of the reasons for me being so chubby. I have tried many restaurants who tried to replicate this dish, but till date have not found any who could match the same taste. The flavour is so distinct that those who have tasted it will know how I feel. Every time we eat this dish, it has the same taste and consistency.

Other than the Lamb Machbous, they also serve Chicken machbous which for some reason can never match the taste of the Lamb flavours. The fish (Pomfret) Machbous is also pretty good but somehow the quality of the fish is not upto the mark simply because the fish used is frozen. Fresh Pomfrets cost a bomb and I doubt it will be feasible at the price they charge. However it is a very good dish. The machbous is served along with a dish of Dakous which is a tomato based gravy. This may be added to your rice which gives you that free flow down your throat..... Ummm yummmm.. I’m drooling. Also served are condiments like a roughly ground fresh green chilly in oil, a red chilli mix and a garlic and carrot pickle which is sour and delicious.

The other noteworthy dishes are the lamb Kebabs and the Kibbeh which are both stunning. However, we keep off the appetizers as we go only to enjoy the machbous. You can have some soup which is served in a bread bowl and some baba ghanouj which is served in a deep fried crisp dough dish.

I guess this dish may happen again on the weekend. You guys who haven’t tried must if you are in Kuwait.

A sweet desset called Luqaimat is also served along with arabic coffee

A short quick glimpse of the Kitchen

Spice Goa, Thivim, Goa (just off NH17) - A very special Goan lunch

This place was recommended in 2014 by my cousin Louis and specifically to try out the Prawns Biryani at Spice Goa. However, when on a short holiday, it gets difficult to plan anything in advance and then you never make it. During  my last trip to Goa, in April 2015, and the rush to have a biryani, I headed out with another of my cousin, Sandy who is also a foodie and a couple of friends, on our Quest to find Spice Goa.

It was relatively easy to find the place which is on the right side of National Highway 17, if you are heading north and about 200 meters after the Thivim junction on NH17. You need to turn right and get on to a small lane leading to the restaurant. The restaurant can be seen easily if you are on NH11 so you can miss it if you keep looking towards your right. 

We were quickly seated on the upper air-conditioned floor and started of with a few Kingfishers which were chilled perfectly. Infact we had to look at one another to admire the chill of the beer at the first sip and had a good acknowledging smile about it.

Ok now to the main focus which is the food. We first asked if the biryani was available which was nodded pleasantly by the waiter who was going to serve us that afternoon. Very cheerful chap, prompt and well versed with the dishes. A pity we didn’t get his name. We told him to ensure that we get our fix of Prawns biryani after we done with our appetizers and beers and asked him to recommend his best dishes. We were told to try the Prawns Grilled in Banana Leaves and the Erliyo (silver fish) Koshimbir. We also asked him if he had Kalwaan curry (Xacuti) to which he said they don’t have the curry but they had it Rawa fried. We decided to go for it and also decided to try out their reichad masala so ordered some bangda reichard to see if they pass the test. 

We were first served the Prawns Grilled in Banana Leaves and the Erliyo (silver fish) Koshimbir. Both these dishes were fantastic and in my opinion the best two dishes we had there. The prawns were neatly wrapped in Banana leaf and the green masala stuffing was just perfect..not too spicy and just balanced the sweetness of the prawns. 

The Erliyo (silver fish) Koshimbir was something unique and although I have had Koshimbir before, this was different. The fish was fresh, of good size and fried just enough not to overdo the soft tasty flesh. The fish was tossed in a mixture of fried onions, garlic chillies and the works. I would definitely go back for this,

The deep fried mussels too were very good, juicy and crunchy at the same time and had a good buttery taste in it. There are few restaurants that can really do it well and Spice Goa was one of them.

The mackerels were nice and plump and the reichard was ok. Have had better. 

One of  our friends tried out the thali and loved it. The King fish too was fried well but we were too stuffed and our main event, the prawns biryani was on its way

Finally it was time for the Prawns Biryani and which didn’t disappoint. The prawns were quite large and cooked just right. The Biryani was awesome, not too spicy and with enough flavours to give you that twang in your tongue. This was an extremely good biryani and even after eating so much, the taste of the biryani stood out. The next time will focus on a fewer items so that the biryani can be given its due respect.

This restaurant was the highlight of our trip and will definitely make it once I'm back. I highly recommend that you try it out during your trip to Goa.  

Fenugreek flavoured Khampi Fish Curry & Fish Fry

This fish curry recipe originates from Mangalore and was given to Sari by her Mom... the curry is awesome and for fish curry aficionados its a must try.

Ingredients for the curry

4 pcs of fish clean and cut into half.

Masala for grinding :

1 tsp fenugreek seeds dry roasted.
3 tsp coriander seeds
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
7 kashmiri dry chillies
6 to 7 black peppercorns
2 small flakes of garlic
Medium lemon size ball of tamarind
1 small onion sliced
6 tbsp dessicated coconut
3 tbsp coconut milk powder

Grind the above to a fine smooth paste with half cup of water.  Add if u need more water. Keep the ground masala aside.

For tempering
1 medium onion sliced
Few curry leaves
3 tbsp oil

Method

In a handi  add oil.  Heat the oil , add the sliced onion and fry till its  lightly browned.  Add the curry leaves and the masala. Fry the masala for 4 to 5 minutes. Add 2 to 3 cups of water as per the thickness of the gravy you prefer. Once the curry starts boilng add salt to taste and 1 tsp vinegar. Add the fish. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Switch off the flame. 

For the Fish fry

5 to 6 whole fish clean't and scored on the sides
2 tsp red chilly powder
1tsp turmeric powder
1tsp crushed black pepper
5 tsp vinegar
1 tsp salt.

Mix above spices with vinegar and salt. Rub this thick paste on the fish and leave it aside to marinate for 2 to 3 hrs. Shallow fry the fish in medium hot oil till its nice and golden. 

Enjoy your curry and fish fry with white steamed rice.

Dry Prawns Chutney

Ingredients :

3/4 cup dry Prawns
1/2 cup of dessicated or fresh coconut
2 dry red chillies
2 green chillies
1 " pc of ginger
3 flakes of garlic
1 lemon size ball of tamarind
2 big onions chopped finely
2 tbsp oil
1/4 tsp salt


Dry roast the prawns on slow flame in a frying pan till nice aroma emits, pound it coarsely. Keep it aside.



In a dry grinder grind the dry chillies, green chillies, garlic & tamarind to a nice coarse mixture.



Take 2 tbsp oil in a pan, heat the oil, add chopped onions and brown them.




Add the coconut and let it brown. Now add the coarse ground spice mixture.



Add the pounded roasted shrimps. Add salt to taste. Mix well.



Serve with plain rice & dal or tomato saar or simply with Congee. I don't like Congeee. When I was little I would always fight with mum or Mai and sleep hungry. Adrian , Sabu and me we all 3 don't like it so i'm glad I don't have to make Congee ever.

Surmai (King Fish) Fry

7-8 pieces of Surmai fish slices(washed & strained).
1 tsp red chilly powder
1/4 tsp black pepper powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
3 tbsp white vinegar
Breadcrumbs or Fine Semolina to coat the fish

Mix chilly powder, turmeric, black pepper powder, salt & vinegar to a paste.


















Apply this paste on the fish and leave it to marinate for 2-3 hrs or over night in the fridge.


















Take breadcrumbs or semolina in a plate. Coat the fish with breadcrumbs or semolina.



































Shallow fry it in little oil till both side are nice crisp.



















ENJOY :)

Surmai Fish Curry (Manglorean Style)

1kg Fresh Surmai Fish pieces ( washed & strained)



















For grinding the Masala

6 dry red chillies
4 tbsp desiccated coconut
1/2 big onion chopped
4 cloves of garlic
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
3 tsp coriander seeds
5-6 black peppercorns
1 small ball of tamarind
8 tbsp coconut milk powder

Grind the above with water to a smooth fine paste. Keep it aside. Wash the grinder with little water and keep this water aside.



















For tempering the Curry

1/2 big onion sliced thinly
2 green chillies sliced
1 inch ginger piece chopped finely
2 tbsp oil
1 tbsp white vinegar
Salt to taste


















Heat oil in a deep pan, add the ginger brown it, add chillies & onions brown it lightly.

Add the ground masala fry for another 5 minutes on medium flame.

Add the masala water, adjust the thickness of the curry, add salt & vinegar.

Let the curry boil now add the fish and leave it on slow flame uncovered for 5 minutes till the fish is cooked.

Relish this yummy curry with plain boiled rice & fried Fish.



































Next post of the Fried Fish... in few minutes.