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Bombil Fry | Traditional Saltwater Fish Dish From Mumbai, India | TasteAtlas

Bombil fry

(Bombay duck fry, बॉम्बिल फ्राय)

Bombil fry, also known as Bombay duck fry, is a popular Maharashtrian dish from the western coast of India, particularly Mumbai. Bombil is the Marathi name for the Bombay duck fish, which is not a duck but actually a type of lizardfish.


This thin, elongate fish is abundant in the Arabian Sea and especially prolific in the waters around Mumbai. The "fry" part of Bombil fry involves marinating the fish in a combination of semolina (rava) and spices like turmeric, red chili powder, and occasionally garlic-ginger paste, before deep frying it until it's crispy and golden brown.


This dish is widely appreciated for its crispy texture on the outside and soft, melt-in-the-mouth fish inside, often enjoyed with a side of chutney and served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.