Seafood Festival, South of Vidhyas, The Orchid Mumbai

There are dining experiences that merely feed the appetite… and then there are those that transport you into a heavenly medley of divine flavours and taste. On the final day of the much-anticipated Seafood Festival at South of Vidhyas, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, Sumita Chakraborty, Founder & Editor-in-chief, TheGlitz, stepped into a celebration that felt less like a restaurant festival showcase and more like a carefully choreographed ode to India’s coastal soul. Hosted at South of Vidhyas, The Orchid Mumbai, the festival unfolded as a sensorial journey… rich with aroma, rhythm, and the unmistakable comfort of food cooked with memory and mastery.

The Amazing ‘Fish Village’ Ambience

Nets brimming with the ocean’s bounty… exquisite sea catch laid out on ice… from gleaming surmai (king mackerel) to succulent lobsters, shrimps, prawns, and a dazzling array of fresh seafood… set the ‘Seafood Festival’ tone the moment one entered. Adding to the theatrical charm, the staff, both men and women, were dressed in traditional ‘Koli’ attire, their presence lending authenticity and warmth to the experience. The earthy textures, maritime accents, and unmistakable Koli spirit transformed the elegant South of Vindhyas into a vibrant coastal haven… an evocative fish market tableau that celebrated Mumbai’s fishing heritage in all its glory for the Seafood Festival.

No wonder, from the moment the experience began, the atmosphere set the tone. Warm lighting, a steady hum of conversation, and the visual drama of freshly prepared dishes created an inviting, almost festive cadence. It was clear this was a culmination, not just of a festival, but of meticulous planning and culinary intent.

The Menu

The menu itself read like a love letter to India’s vast coastline. Each dish carried regional authenticity while remaining accessible, never intimidating. The seafood was unmistakably fresh… glossy, succulent, and cooked with restraint, allowing the natural flavours to shine. Here, we must mention Chef Bala has indeed surpassed all expectations. Whether it was delicately spiced, lightly grilled, or slow simmered in aromatic gravies, the seafood spoke of tradition rather than trend.

What stood out was the balance. Bold coastal spices were present, yet never overwhelming. Coconut, curry leaves, tamarind, mustard seeds… each element appeared thoughtfully layered, creating depth without chaos. And what do we say about the magnificent textures… crisp exteriors giving way to tender flesh, gravies clinging luxuriously to seafood, and the comforting sight of appam, rice and accompaniments completing the plate. It was indulgent, yet deeply familiar.

A Coastal Feast Served With Soul

What made the Seafood Festival at South of Vindhyas truly special was not just the abundance, but the way each dish arrived with a story, warmth, and unmistakable coastal soul. We began our journey with comforting bowls of Nandu Rasam and Chemeen Rasam… light yet deeply flavourful, setting the tone for what was to come. Soon after, plates of Prawn, Surmai and Basa Fry were served fresh and crisp, their familiar flavours instantly evoking memories of seaside meals and bustling fish markets.

As the evening unfolded, the kitchen took us deeper into India’s coastal heartlands. The beautifully wrapped Meen Pollichathu, slow-cooked to tender perfection, and the rustic Kundul Ularthiyathu reflected Kerala’s gentle, spice-led cooking. Robust flavours followed with Prawn Bhartad, Raal Vattal, and Chapa Vepudu, each dish arriving warm, aromatic, and generously portioned… comforting without being overwhelming.

The main courses felt like an embrace. Bowls of Malabar Meen Curry, Meen Ghassi, Kane Curry, and the richly spiced Raal Perattal were served alongside soft appams and crisp kal dosas – we said no to the rice – allowing us to mix, match, and savour at leisure. Crab lovers at the table were especially indulged, with Nandu Chettinad – bold and utterly satisfying.

Adding a touch of celebratory indulgence were standout dishes like Chimbori Rassa and Kalyera Vartha Curry, served with finesse yet retaining their rustic coastal charm. The meal concluded on a gentle, nostalgic note with Mampazha Payasam that soothed the palate and lingered long after the last bite.

This was not a rushed tasting or a display of excess. It was a lovingly served coastal feast… thoughtful, generous, and deeply rooted… where every dish felt like it came straight from a seaside kitchen, plated with care and served with heart.

Regional Supremacy

South of Vidhyas has always been known for its steadfast commitment to regional integrity, and the festival reaffirmed this philosophy. There was no attempt to “modernise” for effect. Instead, kudos to Chef Bala and his team who let the cuisine speak… confidently, proudly, and without compromise. Watching the dishes – from the starters to the main course arrive in the thaali, one sensed a narrative unfolding: the sea as provider, the kitchen as storyteller.

The Service

Equally noteworthy was the service… attentive without intrusion. South of Vidhyas’ staffer Viresh made sure we were comfortable and looked after. The staff too with smiles on their lips moved seamlessly, ensuring plates were introduced with context and cleared with grace.

The Finale of The Seafood Festival

This South of Vidhyas ‘Seafood Festival’ was definitely a ‘must visit’. We had thankfully made it to the finale of the Seafood Festival. And the final day energy lent a special warmth to the afternoon. There was a sense of collective appreciation. Conversations lingered, plates were revisited, and the pace slowed, encouraging indulgence without rush. It was a delectable seafood meal as it should be… unhurried, immersive, and generous.

TheGlitz Says

The Seafood Festival at South of Vidhyas was not about spectacle… it was about substance. A quietly confident celebration of India’s coastal cuisines, it reminded us that the most memorable luxury often lies in authenticity, warmth, and flavours that stay with you long after the last bite.