Jai Hind is an institution in South Central Mumbai which with its 5 branches dishes out some superb fish at most reasonable rates around the year. For me this is akin to a visit to a Gastronome Mecca. I am here with four colleagues, one of whom is a vegetarian (and has to contend with veg jalfrazie since this is not really a place for vegetarians), while the others are excited by the thought of having some great fresh fish.

We start and end the meal with some Sol Kadhi (Rs 50). This drink here is some of the best sol kadhis you can get in Mumbai. No embellishments of chillies or fresh coriander, just plain simple sol kadhi. Prawn Koliwada (Rs 240) has fresh and juicy fresh prawns in a piquant Koliwada batter.

Bharla Bombil (Rs 210) is an interesting dish with small shrimps rolled in to the fish fillet. I somehow prefer Bombil Fry (Rs 160) that captures the taste of this amazing fish curiously called Bombay Duck by the British.

For the main course, one of the colleagues settles for Surmai Fish Thali (Rs 300) while the three of us go for a la carte menu. Butter Bheja (Rs 210) is a bit like the classic Spanish tapas dish Gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns in olive oil). Only here melted butter replaces olive oil and whole brain replaces prawns with garlic. The end result is a dish that is a cardiologist’s worst nightmare and an absolute foodie delight.

Mori (Baby Shark) Koshimbir (Rs 200) is a moreish dish which gets wiped out very soon.

The Mangalorean classic Prawn Pulimunchi (Rs 250) is also great mainly because of the taste and the quality of the fresh prawns, especially when accompanied by Neer Dosa (Rs 50).

If you have not been to this jewel in Mumbai’s crown, better do so now!

The review was anonymously done after paying for the meal.

Ratings (Out of 5)                                         

Food: 4.5 | Ambience: 3.5 | Service: 4.5 | Value: 4.5 | Overall: 4.0

Meal for two: Rs.600 | Alcohol: No | Credit Card: Yes | Wheel chair friendly: Yes

Address: 6 Mantri Corner Building, Sayani Road, Opposite Parel Depot,Prabhadevi, Mumbai Tel: 022 24314256, 022 24304799