We’ve all been tricked by the powerful marine lobby into thinking seafood is only for rich people, but that’s certainly not true. If anything, it’s the food of the aam aadmi, but you’d never guess that looking at the price of fish on most menus; unless of course you know exactly where to look. Aradhana is one of those places.
1) The Food: Aradhana Costal Delight has some very impressive Malwani food. It’s not the cheapest place in the world, (a seafood Thali will set you back by about Rs. 300) but the portions they serve are sure worth it. If you do happen to visit, to call for the Crab Thali (Rs.325) or the Shell Fish Thali (Rs.295), each Thali comes with rice, rotis and wade (a Maharashtran puri) an accompaniment of fish curry, some cabbage (if you’re into that sort of thing), and a complimentary serving of dried prawn Sukhat Chutney, which is the best we’ve ever had. The best part is they don’t charge you for extra servings, which we of course asked for; multiple times.
2) The Ambience: Cheap seafood thali restaurants tend to have the feel of a fish market and odour of a wet cloth, but not this one. It’s clean, spotless even, and the staff are extremely courteous. If you were a regular at Mahesh Lunch Home in Juhu before it became so terribly gentrified, you’ll love Aradhana. At least until it makes so much money it starts pairing crab with wine. It’s the kind of place you could take a girl, if you’re both into getting your hands dirty. Also, they say shellfish is an aphrodisiac. That’s definitely something we can get behind.
3) Location, Location, Location: You’ll see Aradhana Coastal Delight the second you walk out of Khar station, it’s impossible to miss. It’s minute’s walk away from 3 Wise Monkeys, Jugheads and Lighthouse Cafe, in case you need to get hammered after (or before).
