Alibaug’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of local flavours and coastal influences. Fresh seafood, especially prawns and fish, takes centre stage in many dishes. Don’t miss the opportunity to savour authentic Maharashtrian cuisine and the best food in Alibaug like “sol kadhi,” a tangy coconut-based drink, and “puran poli,” a sweet stuffed flatbread. For a taste of the sea, indulge in delicious seafood thalis or try local delicacies like “bombil fry” (fried Bombay duck). Alibaug also offers a variety of vegetarian options, including flavorful curries and vegetable preparations.
10 Best Food In Alibaug
Discover a wide range of culinary delights in Alibaug and find below top 10 food in Alibaug.
1. Kombdi Vade
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Kombdi Vade is a signature Malvani dish, where a spicy and tangy chicken curry is paired with vade—fried, fluffy rice flour bread. The chicken curry is cooked with coconut, garam masala, and red chilies, giving it a deep, flavorful taste. It’s a perfect combination of crispy vada and spicy chicken. For an authentic taste, visit Sanman Restaurant, a go-to for Malvani cuisine. The dish is often accompanied by sol kadhi, a tangy, cooling drink made from kokum and coconut milk, which helps to balance the heat of the curry.
Best Restaurant: Sanman Restaurant, Alibaug
2. Prawns Fry
Prawn Fry is a popular coastal delicacy in Alibaug, known for its crispy, flavorful exterior and succulent prawns inside.The tangy and spicy marinade complements the natural sweetness of the prawns, while the crispy semolina coating provides a satisfying crunch. It’s typically served with lemon wedges and a side of fresh salad or sol kadhi to balance out the spices. Made with fresh prawns, the curry is slow-cooked in coconut milk, turmeric, chilli, and a special spice mix, giving it a creamy yet spicy flavour.
Best Restaurant: Fulora Restaurant, Alibaug
3. Fish Thali
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A Fish Thali is a complete seafood meal that showcases the flavours of coastal cuisine. It typically includes steamed rice, spicy fish curry, fried fish, sol kadhi (a tangy coconut-based drink), chapati, and side accompaniments like pickles and vegetables. The fresh catch, often pomfret or surmai (kingfish), is cooked with a rich blend of Malvani spices and coconut, offering a delightful mix of spicy, tangy, and savoury flavours. Try it at Aparanta in Radisson Blu Resort, Alibaug.
Best Restaurant: Aparanta Restaurant, Radisson Blu Resort, Alibaug
4. Pomfret Fry
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Pomfret Fry is a signature dish of the Konkan coast, offering a perfect balance of texture and flavour. Fresh pomfret fish is first marinated in a blend of coastal spices—turmeric, red chilli powder, and coriander—along with garlic and a splash of lime juice to enhance the flavour. The fish is then coated in semolina or rice flour, giving it a satisfying crispy crust. Shallow-fried until golden brown, the exterior is crunchy while the flesh remains moist, flaky, and flavorful.
Best Restaurant: Patil Khanaval in Alibaug
5. Sol Kadhi
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Sol Kadhi is a refreshing and tangy beverage traditionally served in the Konkan region of Maharashtra and Goa. It’s not just a drink but also a digestive, often enjoyed alongside spicy seafood or after a heavy meal. Sol Kadhi is primarily made from two key ingredients: kokum and coconut milk, which together create a delicate balance of sourness and creaminess. Sol Kadhi is typically served with spicy seafood dishes like Kombdi Vade or Prawn Curry as its mild, tangy, and creamy flavours help soothe the palate after a rich, spicy meal.
Best Restaurant: Hotel Guruprasad, Alibaugh
6. Bombay Duck Fry
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Bombil Fry is another seafood gem where Bombay duck, a type of fish, is coated in semolina and spiced batter, then deep-fried to perfection. The result is a crispy exterior with a melt-in-your-mouth fish inside. It’s a simple yet beloved snack that pairs well with drinks. You’ll find excellent Bombil Fry at Suruchi Veg & Non-Veg Restaurant, offering a cosy atmosphere. Bombay duck fry is often served as a snack or appetiser, and it’s known for its unique flavour profile that combines sweetness, umami, and a slight bitterness.
Best Restaurant: Suruchi Veg & Non-Veg Restaurant, Alibaugh
7. Bhakri With Fish Curry
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Bhakri is a traditional rice or jowar (sorghum) flatbread that pairs beautifully with the rich and spicy coastal fish curry. The curry, made with fresh catch of the day, typically has a tangy, coconut-based gravy with a punch of local spices. For an authentic taste, visit Sai Vatika, where the simplicity of the dish speaks to the heart of coastal cuisine. The combination of the hearty bhakri and the flavorful fish curry creates a satisfying and comforting meal that is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.
Best Restaurant: Suruchi Veg & Non-Veg Restaurant, Alibaug
8. Clams Masala
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Clams Masala is a spicy and robust dish made from fresh clams cooked in a thick, aromatic gravy of onions, tomatoes, and a mix of coastal spices. The dish is bursting with flavour and is best enjoyed with bhakri or rice. Hotel Alibaug is known for its rustic, homely preparations of such traditional coastal fare, making it an ideal place to try this.Clams Masala is best served hot with steamed rice, bhakri (a type of flatbread), or even bread.
Best Restaurant: Hotel Alibaug, Alibaug
9. Modak
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Modak is a sweet dumpling traditionally made during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi. The outer layer is made of rice flour or wheat, while the filling consists of grated coconut and jaggery, flavoured with cardamom. It’s then steamed or fried, resulting in a soft, sweet treat. Try this at Bhimraya Modak Center, famous for serving authentic, freshly prepared modaks. The harmonious blend of sweetness from the jaggery, freshness from the coconut, and warmth from the cardamom creates a satisfying flavour explosion.
Best Restaurant: Hotel Alibaug, Alibaug
10. Vada Pav
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Vada Pav is Maharashtra’s most beloved street food—a spiced mashed potato fritter (vada) served in a bun (pav), with chutneys and fried green chilies. The crispy, spicy vada contrasts perfectly with the soft pav, making for a quick and satisfying snack. Ramchandra Vada Pav near the beach is known for serving some of the best in town, where the flavour and crispiness of the vada are unmatched. The vada is typically flavoured with garlic, green chilies, and spices, giving it a bold taste.
Best Restaurant: Ramchandra Vada Pav, Alibaug
Alibaug is a culinary treasure trove, offering a diverse array of flavours that showcase the richness of coastal Maharashtrian cuisine. From the spicy Kombdi Vade to the succulent Prawn Curry, each dish reflects the local culture and traditions. Seafood lovers can indulge in fresh Pomfret Fry and Clams Masala, while those with a sweet tooth must try the delightful Modak. Vada Pav provides a taste of Mumbai’s street food scene, making it a must-try for visitors. Experience the delight of the best food in Alibaug, book your trip to Alibaug with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Shakti Rajpurohit / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only