New Martin Hotelhidden gem in Mumbai

Mumbai is known for its diversity in every form and food isn’t far behind. From regional favourites to international cuisines, there is plenty of choice. While restaurants are mushrooming across the city at a rapid rate, it seems like the smaller lesser publicised eateries are the ones that are actually packing a punch. Of all the regional cuisines readily available, the one that you don't see in most places is authentic Goan food. It seems surprising that a city like Mumbai whose residents can’t get enough of the sunshine state doesn't offer many Goan joints. But this little Colaba treasure serves up some of the best (and possibly only) Goan dishes in the city.

Colaba is a trendy bustling South Mumbai neighbourhood that is home to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and a host of fine dine restaurants. Tucked away in one of its many by lanes is New Martin Hotel, a small no fuss no frills yet spankingly clean grade 2 level restaurant that has been delighting diners for decades. Ironically the owners are Managalorean but they seem to have their pulse on traditional Goan recipes and crowd pleasers. There is no reservation system or fancy elaborate menus. No uniform clad waiters or fancy cutlery and crockery. What you get is simple functional tables and benches, where if you’re lucky you and avoiding lunch hour rush, you get the entire table to yourself and don't have to share with fellow diners. The menu for the day is scribbled with chalk on a blackboard that is mounted on the wall and service here is swifter than you can imagine. If you're confused or a first timer visitor and usually the staff can tell, they will offer to help you out provided you’re ready to trust their judgement. If you’re not as adventurous with your food choices then stick to some of their better-known dishes like fish curry rice, pork sorpotel, vindaloo or prawn pulao. The steak with onion and chips might not be traditionally Goan but it’s one of their secret weapons in their arsenal as its flavour really comes from the simplicity of the dish. The best part about eating at Martin's as it's fondly referred to, is that you can eat a feast and pay a bill amount that would usually equal to a single dish in a more upscale eatery. It's easy on your pocket and most folks leave belching in delight. New Martin Hotel might not be as easily located but that's more likely to be coincidental rather than a strategic move. But either way this still remains a hidden gem when it comes to local eateries because except for the usual suspects who've been dining here for years, it is still relatively unheard of by most Mumbaikars.

The writer is a food blogger