Mumbai Food Tour: Exploring KOLI Cuisine

In this episode of our Mumbai street food tour we take a coveted deviation from our street food sojourn in the Megapolis in order to catalogue and present to you the modest and distinctive cuisine of the Kolis, a native fishing community in Mumbai who were the first inhabitants of the city. This sea faring community is known for their industrious and fun loving way of life.
The Kolis live in close knit settlements called the Koliwadas, that are spread across Mumbai’s coastline. Apparently there are twenty seven such settlements that exist today. The community is easily distinguishable from their distinctive attire and idiosyncrasies.
Koli food is as simple and straight forward as the Koli people. For most part of the year, their meals are centred on fresh catch from the sea.
Their signature food style is rustic and underexplored. Hence if you ever feel intrigued by their cuisine and intend to experience its nuances, the best place to head to is an amazingly hospitable Koli household.
Our quest to experience a slice of their life through their cuisine lead us to the delightful company of a home chef and fisherwoman, Harsha, who lives at the Versova Koliwada, in the north-western part of Mumbai. The next few hours were completely engrossing and satiating.
Harsha prepared us a magnificent Koli spread right from the scratch. The menu included a Lobster curry, Pomfret curry or the Paan Kanji (or Kanchi), Prawn fritters or the Soode fry, Pan Fried Mackerel or Bangda, Rice Bhakris or Rotis and Sol Kadhi. It was an enriching and gratifying experience. The conversations gave rich insights into the culinary and cultural tradition of the community. Not only did we learn new recipes but we also picked up some interesting snippets about the Koli cuisines e.g.
a. The Koli masala is an indispensable ingredient that rules almost all their seafood dishes.
b. The use of coconut is sparse and it is primarily for foods that need to be cooked with their shells intact.
c. Rice and fresh seafood are staple.
d. There is a generous use of garlic and fresh coriander in most of the Koli dishes.
We started with the Soode fry and the Pan Fried Mackerel. The former one was delicious, crunchy and spicy. After the starters we moved on to the main course where there were two types of curries- the Paan Kanji (Pomfret Curry) and the Lobster curry and rice bhakris (or rotis made with rice flour kneaded with hot water).
Paan kanji or Kanchi is a tangy, broth like, easy-to-make Pomfret curry that has no Koli masala in it. It’s just kokum, fresh coriander, garlic and chili pastes that give this dish such a subtle flavour. This light curry is enjoyed for its simplicity, its healing and health giving properties.
The Lobster gravy was rich due to the addition of coconut milk and amazingly aromatic due to both the Koli masala and fresh lobster. It tasted outstanding with the rice bhakris.
We ended our meal with the Sol Kadhi which is a refreshing drink made with coconut milk, green chilies and kokum that imparts a pinkish hue to it. With the four major flavours combined in perfect unison, Sol Kadhi is highly beneficial for enhancing digestion.
The Koli women folks are an extremely hardworking and enterprising tribe. With the men folks out for fishing it’s these courageous ladies who handle the trade and also their domestic responsibilities with conviction and perspicacity. We salute their indomitable spirit as living in such rugged situation is not at all a cakewalk.
After the meal we went to the Versova dock to experience the activities and the buzz. As the trawlers were being unloaded, the women got busy getting the marketplace ready for the trade. In no time the place became clamorous with all the bargaining and stuffs.
We are immensely grateful to our amazing host Harsha.
#MumbaiFoodTour #WalkwithDelhiFoodWalks #MumbaiStreetFood #FoodWalkwithAnubhav #Kolicuisine #Kolifood #Kolicuisinebydelhifoodwalks
About the host - Anubhav Sapra:
Anubhav Sapra is an avid foodie! He is a Founder but proudly calls himself a Foodie-in-chief at Delhi Food Walks. He is also a street-food and Indian regional cuisine connoisseur and loves to write about street-food. To know more, visit www.anubhavsapra.com
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Thank you for watching!
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Design and filmed by Rahul Singh
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Text by Swetaleena Nayak

[@MHSHAH.]

This woman is very hardworking and very hospitable. Such people are rarely found in the world. I have a lot of respect from Pakistan. 🇵🇰

[@rishabhjassal8343]

🙏🏻

[@p153593]

One of those few vloggers to truly explore Mumbai food..thank you for exploring koli cuisine.. it is hidden gem of Maharashtrian cuisine.. host was amazing too!

[@naturelover3407]

Koli mutlab Hota hai Kya ye pathare Prabhu hotey Hain Kya

[@imindian3895]

@@naturelover3407 Marathi fisherman community hai

[@ssatyavijay]

Can you share more details, who prepares and serves food?

[@rohan14040]

@@naturelover3407 marathi fishing community hai kolis

[@fittness4me]

Thank you for covering this side of the world. Hardly anyone notices the koli community. They are very hard working and the jollyest People in mumbai and their food is out of this world.

[@learn-2-earnn]

The lady is what u wud call a truely empowered woman...she not only cooks well,handles her family , knows her stuff and the world but also handles her work outside and is a great humble leader as well. ..

[@sanjanagurav4569]

She is best cook...i been to her home..She is such a kind lady..

[@rmk986]

Can you share the location pls.and contact

[@mohammedahmedalvi2196]

prawns ki recipe pta kro yr unki vdo bnao youtube mai daal do hum pakistan mai bna kr khae gae aunty ki recipe se

[@kimphilbi9109]

Please let us know her location

[@a210426t]

Her kitchen is so clean.Without an electric chimney.Dekh tehi acha lag gaya.

[@tanya2378]

@@mohammedahmedalvi2196 pig curry bhi bana k kha le

[@shamameerja]

Aunty looks so motherly .. soo beautiful..lot of love Aunty

[@riyapoojary5131]

This is real mumbai 😍 real mumbai food.. Just loved this episode.. P. S : She can start her own restaurant 😍

[@sandeepkamat2175]

Shes already on Autheticook..serving home food

[@cocktail..funnyentertainme1245]

Ys poojary...

[@khanshahab8197]

YES HAVE TO B

[@satejbhor6765]

Koli food is the Heart of Mumbai n Konkan region, n thanks for showing #koli community on ur chanel

[@sks5949]

Maa ka Koi v barabri nhi kr skta Sb Maa ek sman hoti h 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@vasudha731]

वो माँ नही होती जो दूसरे जीव की माँ के बच्चो को खिलाएं अपने बच्चो को । माँ का फर्ज है सात्विक भोजन दे । और शास्त्र के अनुसार चले । वो है असली माँ ।

[@ShubhamRawat-tj1bi]

@@vasudha731 kya bt boli guru mAi bgwan se kamna krunga k Aapko jldi se utale

[@sahilrehna1008]

@@vasudha731 patanjali ka saasta nasha karoge yahi haal hoga😂👍

[@strangeboltethedeadchannle666]

@@vasudha731 Arre Konsa Nasha Kia Hai 😂

[@manishtripathi7050]

I got emotional at the end. She is like my mother.

[@reshmasawant2413]

M not Koli but can tell u that they r not just community, this is real n incredible face of India. Welcome to India all people.....

[@murlichelliyan8293]

She just nailed it to perfection, thank you for making mumbaikar proud with our tradition

[@vikrantsahoo2008]

What a confidant women love and respect & awesome food and community

[@dharmicpath5140]

Welcome to deccan. Women here are fierce!

[@rohitwani344]

From 2:35 . That’s when you know ! IDLI wala agaya hai ! 😂 listen carefully

[@pranaykasarlawar387]

Sahi pakde he.....🤣🤣

[@vighnesh_m]

Nice catch!!

[@priyapandit7462]

I've learnt so much in this video. The lady was so lovely and explained everything so well. Very authentic! 🙂

[@zainabjahan4322]

More power to us Indian women .

[@kotimoto]

The pillar bearers of our country...

[@MohitKarnik]

The Coastal Belts if Western India Raigad, Ratnagiri, Goa, Karvaar , Mangalore, Kerala etc. are predominantly Matriarchal . Traditionaly the money side of the household is controlled by women hence u will see them covered in Gold. Streedhan is the term we use for it . Our mothers, sisters and wives call the shots at home. Its a tradition that is still upheld but is changing due to more and more boys and girls marrying outsiders from other parts of the country where its more patriarchal.

[@mayankaranya]

Support govt in population control and UCC then .

[@tanya2378]

@@MohitKarnik you haven't been to northeast ? NE is female dominated

[@tanya2378]

@@mayankaranya lol 😝 they don't use condoms

[@rmk986]

The lady who cooked food. Hats off to her. See the happiness on her face. Anubhav Sir ,this vlog made me hungry and Happy. Pls do Home cooked special episodes more.

[@SrikantNair76]

Hats off for covering the natives of Mumbai.

[@tarunpopu]

I'm a mumbaikar and a foodie(I thought I knew the city inside out) . I watch food videos from all over the world. Your show especially the local hosts you pick, is seriously something else. Keep up the good work man!

[@MrJH15]

Almost 5 years ago Kunal Vijaykar Sir explored koli cuisine and then no one really touched this gem of culinary life.. awesome episode!!!

[@MrJH15]

Delhi Food Walks 🙏

[@roxenb4737]

Love to see this type of videos where we see authentic local food, nowadays everyone just going for Cheese,Butter,Instagram foods and missing our Indian Cuisine.

[@MrSirAussie]

VERY FRIENDLY KOLI FISHING COMMUNITY.

[@MadhuGupta-wd1zv]

Lady way of talking r so nic

[@iamganeshghanekar]

Sol kadi is a soul kadi i love it.. Fabulous content..

[@sunilbodke6392]

i love koli people because i was staying in naigaon koliwada vasai in 1980 very good and loving people

[@shrikantbhoir4582]

गर्व आहे मी कोळी असल्याचा ❤️. Thank you sir for the Video.

[@dranshul9276]

Nice❤️

[@sanjuktaganguly2545]

thank you 🙏for showing Koli community of Versova superb video. stay blessed

[@bramaramba-3893]

I never knew that Mumbai has such an excellent part and portions of people....I always thought Mumbai food as delicious vada pav...pav bhaji...all types of Puri's and different sweets...Anubhav ji....you showed us the beautiful part of Mumbai....very memorable episode of Delhi Food walks....Home-made -food by the beautiful and traditional and caring lady....I would like to thank the lady "Love you Amma and God bless you"☺👏👍

[@srisri856]

I don't like this food...

[@amuakre7085]

@@srisri856 who cares....😏 I belong to Koli community from northern Mumbai and your statement hurts😡 I hope U r from other planet next to Mars...

[@MrUtoobee]

2:44 Idliwala Cycle. The sound that only a mumbaikar can relate to.

[@sajidali842]

I stay in Andheri Would love to visit the home of this hospitable lady. Happy Mother’s Day to Everyone.

[@sudneshkeny2149]

Thanks a lot. For Exploring the Real Mumbai #Koli Community Food. I think u are the first person from Delhi who had explore the Koli Food much better. Buy the way, I also belong from Koli Community. It's an great honar for ous. That you had made special video on Koli Food.

[@sudneshkeny2149]

@@delhifoodwalks Your Most Welcome Sir ji

[@kartikmaharana463]

can you share this Masala (25 Ingredient and 7 Type Chili)

[@sudneshkeny2149]

@@kartikmaharana463 Sry but, I Can't expose my community Koli Mala.If you want to try then you can visit any time in mumbai

[@sudneshkeny2149]

There are more places like varsova in Mumbai

[@discuswell6238]

@@sudneshkeny2149 mala mahit aahe sangu ka??😂😂

[@divyaniverma1567]

It's something different than the normal speciality like vada pav..good work . Looking forward for some more interesting cusine..👌👌👍👍👍

[@satejbhor6765]

Their is lot more veg n Non veg. cuisine in Mumbai, other than Vada pab

[@raavan202]

You north indian don't deserve this

[@raavan202]

You deserve 10 rupees vada pav

[@carrymeenaaunty4452]

@@raavan202 bsdke vada pav is almost 20 bucks here in mumbai 😂😂😂

[@riyapoojary5131]

Best episode of your channel..

[@DJ-wm4ew]

Respect to this lady for taking the time to immerse the presenter into her world, explaining the culture of the koli people, how it influences their cuisine and the love and dedication she put into all of the dishes. I would love to try this myself. Love from the UK 🙏

[@zaheerj]

One of the best video about Koli community and culture and awesome food.

[@reshmasawant2413]

Sir you should explore more food origins from maharashtrian farmers, those food is simple but way more delicious n too healthy. God bless you Sir n thank you for introducing this food to the world.

[@reddyv7982]

Respect to the madam "HARSHA Ji" who explained about her community 🙏🙏🙏... Thanks ma'am for showing us wonderful dishes ...thanks to u r family too 🙏👍🙏

[@JitendraYadav-ts9ch]

Mataji aapko pranam....Aapne bahut achcha explain Kiya. Thanks Delhi food🙏

[@IxxxMnMxxxI]

bohat barhia video hay, daikh kay bohat jaankari mila koli food or community kay baray main.

[@vky863]

ये है भारतीय माँ और उसकी रसोई की ताकत,,, मुझे नही लगता किसी भी बड़े से बड़े होटल में इस जैसा खाना मिल पाए,,,love u mother...

[@ulkeshthawkar1049]

This is one of the best episode on your channel keep exploring the food and culture of different communities of our country 👍

[@parneetsandhu3610]

Big salute to all the women .. A woman is an epitome of hardwork, perseverance and dedication..Moreover the episode was very informative and interesting..

[@lalaland8112]

What a phenomenal lady. What yummy food. Reminded me of mangalore pearl restaurant in Bangalore :)

[@AcousticAllure]

Top class host, and an equally awesome lady. Thanks for sharing your experience with the larger audience.

[@bollywood631]

One of the best episode from Delhi food walks . Truely enjoyed this episode . Great 👍🏻

[@AQUILA.369]

Mr. Sapra this is One of the best ultimate vdo of ur channel. Salute to the lady.

[@learn-2-earnn]

These people are the actual real occupants of Mumbai , but sadly they have been pushed to the fringes by people coming later on from outside

[@jayeshgohel8905]

Kya baat he. Bahot hi badhiya. Very nice information.

[@swathichatakonda2442]

She just prepared awesome FOOD , The way she is preparing roti was awesome Bro , which one you like the Most Bro ?

[@manjeetthakur9502]

Great cook& sweet mom. What a combination. So good

[@AbhijitMondal-nm3qh]

She is one of real master chef of Kollis, great edutainment for everybody, thank you all.

[@debsengupta2710]

Thank you Anubhav, Meeting KOLI family and its food. Mumbai although having many Fish cuisine you can try more in the city especially old Sea-food restaurants.

[@ak20k6]

Very strong and confident lady! Great video!

[@vladlock]

Really well done ji, thanks for showing parts of various communities that people would otherwise not know about if they only watched large-scale/en-masse production programs!

[@vishalgupta-tr2qk]

Good to see apart from food, exploring the culture n orientation of the cuisines.

[@ruchiramunjal6061]

WOW !! Delicious Mouth Watering home cooked food plus such vast varieties of fish .

[@Thepoobooshow]

And amazing hosting by koli community.🤗

[@jenil5491]

Aunty was so awesome teacher she was explaining things so nicely:-)

[@aloksingh3000]

Felt so good to know about koli community 👍,so Welcoming, cheerful and Humble

[@4real675]

Watched the entire episode ... Loved the preparation of lobster and prawns honestly... Not to forget Harsha ji's way of expressing the Koli's cuisine was indeed a mesmerising & esp the tiny details about masalas & the kind of influence they play on the respective sea food preparation . Mouth watering food Mr.Sapra 💓💓😳🤤😋😋

[@akritisharan4957]

So nicely she has explained the role of a woman in the household and also the main occupation. Brilliant commentary while cooking as well. Very homely.

[@sunshine8202]

Like all of your vlogs. You come across as very humble and down to earth

[@paragsonalkar]

Superb episode. Watched it completely. I used to stay very close to versove and aware of the hardworking people. They always feed you with a smile on their face.

[@rubydoobydoo]

Sucha clean kitchen

[@nakulkadam2684]

Jai chatrpati shiv shambhu maharajah ki jai.... Jai agri koli...jai ekvira...Aai...nice video....

[@amitgarg1472]

such nice clean kitchen, measured technique and a wonderfully simple, yet confident demeanor of the host. Looks like a great lunch!

[@anishmamahabier3704]

Wow amazing video The lady really cooked delicious food

[@Fortunately8]

High quality Video and Awesome Host.

[@vikassingh7820]

unique way of representing culture through food,, really nice sir

[@anshdevil813]

Awsome quality content bro..loved it..keep it up..

[@urvishpithawala3565]

Salute this woman who making food And the way she teach how to cook koli food 👌

[@rohitjoshi20]

Superb info. Authenticate koli recipe. Love to try it.

[@akhileshgujarkar]

बहोत ही लाजवाब विडिओ अनुभव सरजी... ऐसा लग रहा था कि हम भी आपके साथ घूम रहे हैं... थँक्स फॉर मेकिंग सच अ ऑसम विडिओ

[@gabbarrf1745]

Loved the food and the aunties who made it.

[@yogitadalvi1351]

Anubhav....this is actual taste and real kind people of Mumbai.

[@parveensiddiqui4559]

Loved this vlog. Waiting for more and more information. Thanks

[@ND-to3gz]

the best video..of ur collection.. thnks for this.. i hv been in mumbai..long ago..

[@rahulpachangane9124]

Ek dum mast missing my home food ... Mumbai

[@pran441]

Just awesome👌🏻 Yei Hain Mumbai Meri Jaan!

[@travel__show]

This Kind of what i am really looking for.. great work big bro

[@heenadafade7833]

One of the best food tours! Loved the Koli cuisine and the way it was explored... This is something different we like to see in your videos✌

[@afshahsaba8696]

Such an amazing video I found, really felt good.👍👍👍

[@pkmkb1790]

Heart of our people are pure diamond, love from Varanasi, prosperity & happiness to our people

[@Aashirwad_]

Thank you so much Anubhav for exploring unknown hidden cuisene of Native Mumbai and koli people's... And special Thanks to Harsha ji for sharing her delicious Recipies

[@prashvv]

What an amazingly humble lady (Harsha). I am very inspired. The hard work and struggle has transformed her into such a humble and hospitable person.

[@virginiachristopher6721]

Super I loved your video and the koli community food

[@darpanmanek6443]

great to see some different content from mumbai

[@kirankm2050]

beautiful.... beautiful..... just beautiful...💕💕💕💕......aunty ji cooked some real food which is💯 Indian n 💯 healthy one 🙏🙏

[@megastud21]

This is the best episode of all.

[@mattapallisrihari5371]

Sapra ji koi nahi koli bat apne first good one sir so nice

[@sushantnarang7552]

Very Authentic. Kudos to the cooking lady .

[@BeHappy-ls7ie]

Superb video, & Sir you are very Lucky person and nice human being everyone give to support from heart.

[@nadianoor2]

Aunbhav Sapra I have watched all your channel episodes, but the Kohli people episode is the best . I admire their food quality and the way these people have progressed in 20 to 5 years as per mentioned by the lady. 💕

[@vyomthakur1831]

I have been to their place and I must say that they are some of the most hospitable people I've met...not to mention the scrumptious meal that followed

[@humunbeing]

very nice lady in explaining community traditions

[@steppets25]

Beautiful episode 👌🏼😍😃 I love our Koli community ❤️🙏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Wonderful, strong yet sweet lady Harsha 🥰🌹💕God Bless You 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️

[@kiddoworld8632]

This video is awesome .. hats off to hardworking women

[@hsr139]

Simply wow.. mouth watering

[@vinodpatil0135]

One of the best videos of your channel. You managed to do justice to various aspects of Koli people by briefly covering their cooking style, a sneak peak into their livelihood, business and the role of women of this community, some of which was news to me, despite staying in Mumbai. The brilliant lady made this even more interesting by confidently & eloquently describing everything she had to share.

[@pervinkapadia2487]

Thanks for the Kolis food and culture vlog. They are the . Originals of Mumbai.

[@realityofhands3253]

1st time sunna about kolis , great folks,love from Karachi Pakistan