Forget all the fancy restaurants offering overpriced seafood, if you want the freshest, tastiest fish in Dhaka, head down to Seafood Massala and you won’t be disappointed.
From grilled octopus to salmon, the seafood is delivered fresh everyday from the coast. What started as a delivery only shop during the pandemic is now a small but cosy shack where people from all walks of life drop in for some tasty seafood bbq.
Sanower Sunny, owner and cook, offers an array of seafood options - from snapper and octopus to salmon and marlin - bringing them in directly from Chittagong to Dhaka from 2021.
"Securing authentic seafood in Dhaka isn't simple, and maintaining its purity and excellence presents its own set of challenges. However, I've dedicated myself to ensuring precisely that," proudly said the founder. He emphasized that all the seafood and spices used in their dishes are meticulously sourced from Chittagong.
Food
For our fish and seafood, we decided to go with the barbecue marination, which adds a delicious twist to the flavours. The menu offers two creative options - masala and barbecue - and we couldn't resist trying out the latter.
The first we tried was a delicious barbecued golden snapper. The tender fish was expertly marinated with red chilli pepper, mustard oil, and barbecue sauce. The charred skin added a smoky flavour that took the fish to another level.
What really impressed us was the side sauce, which added a spicy and tangy kick to complement the smoky, savoury, and slightly sweet fish. A squeeze of lime juice completed the dish perfectly.
Next up was the salmon, a classic choice when it comes to grilling. This particular salmon had a texture reminiscent of a kebab, which added a delightful twist to the dish. What really stood out was the tender and delicate nature of the fish, along with its subtly refreshing flavour. And of course, dipping it in their mouth watering side sauce only heightened the already delicious taste of the fresh salmon.
Next, we savoured their octopus, grilled to perfection. The meat was tender and succulent, with a hint of sweetness and a slight chewiness. The barbecue marinade enhanced the flavours perfectly, adding a delightful charred taste.
The accompanying sauce was a necessary and delicious addition. while you must have an acquired taste to truly appreciate the unique texture of octopus. When prepared to perfection, the octopus becomes a culinary masterpiece, and every bite is a delightful experience, and we love octopus that's cooked just right.
Considering the amount of attention we've given to the sauce and the fishes, it's clear that the sauce played a significant role in enhancing the flavour. The choice of sauce was carefully considered, and this particular sauce, with its bold and tangy taste, truly hits the spot.
The price range for fish and seafood at Seafood Massala starts from Tk150 and goes up to Tk1,900.
Ambience
Situated along Badda Lake Road, you can find them on google maps, this street shack treats its patrons to the thrill of live cooking and grilling, enveloped in the irresistible scent of freshly prepared seafood. Moreover, diners have the chance to interact with the owner, giving the whole experience a personal touch.
"I may lack in ambiance, but excellence is my forte," Sunny remarked, underscoring the superior quality and ample servings of his culinary creations.
Challenges
Established in 2021, Seafood Masala emerged amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. With many private companies grappling with salary obligations, the founder, Sunny, devised a creative solution: offering homemade seafood dishes for home delivery. As demand soared, Sunny decided to establish a physical shop where patrons could not only savour his delectable grilled seafood but also engage with him directly.
“The journey from kitchen to plate is a meticulous one. Each dish is carefully prepared, cleaned, marinated, and packaged at home. Upon arrival here, all that remains is to grill or barbecue the fish to perfection before serving it to our cherished customers,” he explained.
Navigating through inflation and the current economic climate, Sunny has adjusted the prices of his products. However, his profit margin has remained consistent since the inception of his business.
"Despite market-driven price adjustments, my profit margin has remained steadfast. Yet, any further reduction would pose sustainability challenges," he added.
Verdict
The food is a testament to their commitment to quality, showcasing freshness, marination, and expert cooking techniques. For an exceptional seafood experience, a trip to Seafood Massala is indispensable.
The lively ambiance of the street stall, coupled with the tantalizing seafood offerings, ensures a visit you'll want to repeat time and again. And honestly, the prices are very reasonable compared to other seafood places.
