Vernekar's is a lovely addition to the already present seafood scene in Pune. While we do have great restaurants like Nisarg, Mahesh lunch home etc. that serve some of the tastiest seafood here, they are somewhat on the pricey side. Understandably, since Pune has no coast and the catch needs to be transported here from places that do. Vernekar's does all that and still manages the budget price range for their menu.
This place is located at Erandwane in Kothrud area of Pune. It's a comparatively small place (approximately 40-50 diners), and you could miss it easily while driving by. The first thing that strikes you is the wall art filled with Goan references. The seating area is simple, bright and lively.
Once seated, we were served Tiwal as an appetizer. It's a kokum based drink with garlic and chili and does get your taste buds going. We ordered the meal from Fish, Curry and Rice section of the menu (highly recommend). I was dying to tuck into the spicy prawns curry, and rice seemed the best option. The food plate that came out was perfect! Crispy fried spicy prawns, a mild coconut cream based prawns curry, solkadhi, Tiwal, mirgunda (a Goan or coastal Maharashtrian papad), dried prawns chutney and a fresh salad. The prawns were juicy and cooked to perfection. The masalas used here do taste different than their Malwani or Konkani versions - slightly more spicy and acidic. Loved it! The only let down for me was the rice. I was expecting a basmati (or a similar) rice, but they serve Indrayani which is short grained and sticky. This is a personal preference, of course. I know many people who would love this type of rice in the meal. We also ordered the rawa fried Surmai. The was a restaurant speciality with rechado masala. It was cooked well and tasted great, but wasn't the highlight of this meal.
The service of this restaurant is great and has a homely feel to it. The staff is polite. Food comes out of the kitchen really fast - very commendable. I would definitely visit this restaurant again, and definitely recommend anyone who is a hard-core seafood lover, to visit as...
Read moreThere are a few restaurants that leave a mark in your heart for their service and for the delicious food that they offer.
I can say this with utmost sincerity that for me “Vernekar’s” is one such place. We opted to have lunch in Vernekar’s and were greeted with an infectious smile by the service staff.
Mr. Ashish who took our food order recommended us perfectly in the dish selection. Tiwal - a welcome drink was power packed and cleaned our palate perfectly just to make it ready for the tasty appetizers - Surmai fry ; Bombil fry and Prawns fry.
The starters were so good that we are still debating which one was the best. Just like few riddles in life, this debate would surely end without a conclusion!
Our expectations for the mains went over the roof post the starters. This expectations was rightly fulfilled by the - Surmai Thali & Pomfret Thali. Everything in the Thali was flavor packed! The prawns curry tasted heavenly with the Tandul Bhakri.
Kismoor ; Solkadi ; Tiwal and their red chutney made each bite an experience in its own way.
Small things matter. At Vernekar’s they understand this and have beautifully crafted this concept in their Thali. Even the rice - “gurgutya Indrayani bhat”(hopefully I am correct in guessing the type of the rice) was perfect with the prawns curry.
Despite being full we decided to end the lunch on a sweet note - their sweet dish - Serra Durra. It was good! But by then we had already entered heaven😀
Thanks Vernekar’s for the beautiful experience.
Thank you Ashish for your service!
100% - 5/5 - hope to see you...
Read moreVernekar's Goan Fish Curry in Pune offers an authentic Goan culinary experience that seafood enthusiasts should not miss. Their seafood thali is a delightful assortment of traditional Goan dishes, showcasing the rich and diverse flavors of the region.
The thali typically includes a variety of items such as fried fish, prawn curry, solkadi, rice, and traditional accompaniments like sukat chutney and mirgunda papad. Each component is meticulously prepared, reflecting the restaurant's commitment to authenticity. For instance, the prawn curry is described as light, mild, and full of flavor, while the fried prawns are crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Guests have consistently praised the freshness of the seafood and the genuine Goan taste. One reviewer mentioned that the Chonak Fish Thali reminded them of their last meal in Goa, highlighting the restaurant's dedication to delivering an authentic experience.
The ambiance of Vernekar's is warm and inviting, with Goan-inspired decor that enhances the dining experience. The staff is courteous and attentive, ensuring that guests feel welcomed and well-served. The restaurant is family-run, and their passion for Goan cuisine is evident in every dish they serve.
In conclusion, Vernekar's Goan Fish Curry offers a seafood thali that is both authentic and delectable, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking genuine Goan flavors in Pune.
There is no wheelchair accessibility!!
Those who are having spicy food issues like me, they should avoid...
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