Bombay Duck, locally called Bombil, is a legendary coastal delicacy cherished for its unique soft texture, melt-in-the-mouth taste, and adaptability to deep-fried and dried preparations. Despite its name, it's not a duckβit's a soft-fleshed lizardfish commonly found in the Arabian Sea, especially near Sindh's coastal belt.
Extremely popular in Karachi's traditional homes and restaurants
Known for its tender texture and mild seafood flavor
Perfect for frying, drying, and spicy chutney-style dishes
A nostalgic comfort food in coastal Pakistani cuisine
Taste: Mild, oceanic, and subtly sweet
Texture: Very soft, almost gelatinous when cooked
Best For: Deep-frying with masala, sun-drying, chutneys, and crispy snacks
Scientific & Local Classification
English Name: Bombay Duck
Local Names: Bombil, Bummalo
Scientific Name: Harpadon nehereus
Habitat & Catching Method
Body Shape: Long, soft-bodied, and eel-like
Coloration: Pale translucent grey with soft bones
Fins: Minimal dorsal fin; slippery, boneless appearance
Distinct Features: Fragile flesh, small eyes, open mouth
Usually available in small to medium sizes, between 100g to 250g, but bulk orders for dried Bombil can be arranged seasonally.
Cutting & Cooking Preferences
Preferred Cuts:
Whole (Cleaned)
Headless & Gutted
Butterfly Cut for Frying
Dried (Seasonal)
Cutting Yields:
Popular Cooking Methods:
Deep Fried with Red Masala
Crispy Bombay Duck Fry
Sun-Dried Bombil for Storage
Grilled on Tava
Bombil Bhujia / Fry Masala
Rich in Protein β Supports daily energy and recovery
Low in Fat & Calories β Perfect for light diets
Source of Iodine & Phosphorus β Helps thyroid and bone health
Easily Digestible β Ideal for children and elders
Natural Anti-Bacterial Compounds β Especially in sun-dried form
SEO Keywords for Google Ranking
Bombay Duck in Karachi, Buy Bombil Online Pakistan, Fried Bombil Karachi, Soft Fish Delivery Pakistan, Seafood Babu Karachi, Dried Fish Karachi, Order Bombil Fish, Online Fish in Karachi, Desi Fish for Fry, Pakistani Coastal Fish
Order Fresh or Dried Bombil from Seafood Babu
Get authentic Bombay Duck (Bombil) delivered right to your doorstep! Whether you love it crispy fried or sun-dried for chutneys, Seafood Babu ensures freshness, hygiene, and the real coastal taste of Karachi. βπ