Crab Balchao

Soft shell crab is one of my favourite small dishes as a starter or appetiser.  I have eaten it in many different styles including Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and American.  Having an Indian version was new to me so I jumped at the opportunity when it appeared on the menu at Meghdoots restaurant in Petworth.  The crab was prepared in a light batter with ginger, garlic, vinegar and crushed peppercorns, topped with mango chutney and served with a yoghurt dip and salad garnish.  This delicious starter was developed for Meghdoot's recent Goan Food Fiesta which featured a guest Goan chef and offered a range of speciality dishes including King Prawn Cafreal (king prawns in a mint and coriander sauce with coconut) and Fish Ambot Tik (roasted hot and sour fish served with traditional Goan spices and served dry). Owner Sanjay Jha heralded the fiesta a huge success which was sold out every night, so check out Meghdoots website.    

Fish Tikka at Meghdoots, Petworth

Meghdoots Mystique Masala restaurant is an absolute gem yet to be discovered by the masses but highly recommended on Tripadvisor.  I was there last Saturday and had this delicious Fish Tikka.  Made with Tilapia fillets expertly blended with traditional spices and lime this is a dish to savour with every delicious mouthful. Combined with their speciality spinach rice and black lentil dahl and washed down with a glass of cold Cobra, it was perfect Indian cuisine. Tilapia refers to a group of fish called chichlids which are native to Africa and is one of the most sustainable fish according to the Marine Conservation Society.  Tilapia lend themselves well to stronger flavours.