Seafood can be a healthy and delicious option at mealtimes as it abounds with protein and is low in saturated fats, whilst packing a lot of flavours. However, with so many varieties of seafood available on a menu it can be quite a daunting task to choose your favourite dish be it shrimp, tuna, crab, lobster, oyster or any other. Discover some of the ways seafood lovers can ensure that they are served the best dish of seafood they crave for.

seafood shrimp prawn fire | img via PxHere

As a seafood lover, have a dialogue with the steward or waiter attending to you and inquire how the sourcing of seafood is done for the restaurant. This can be whether sustainable processes are used in sourcing seafood and the frequency of getting the stock at their restaurant. This way you can frequent restaurants which value sustainability, and you can enjoy the dish you love on days when new stocks are in place. such as if it is stocking up every week on Wednesdays, it is best you visit that restaurant on a Thursday when the stocks are just received and fresh.

Sometimes the waiter would not know and would refer you to someone else who can enlighten you. Or you can also talk to a few locals about the restaurant before visiting one as it is better to know more about different places if you like to taste different kinds of seafood.

Of course, if the catch of the day is listed, as it is often done at many a restaurant in Wattala, that is something you would want to try.

Most of us have seen those unfamiliar names on restaurant menus, these can be the manner of preparation or the type of fish. Rather than try it out anyway, be prudent and ask the waiter to tell you about that dish, such as the texture of the fish, the taste and the colour. These findings can help you decide whether you should try it or opt for a different one.

It helps to be savvy about the terms in seafood cooking such as fillet, braised, sauteed, poached or pan-seared or battered, crumbed etc. to help you study the menu faster and make a wise selection.

Be mindful that certain seafood can cause allergies in most people. It can be shellfish or other types of fish and even the ingredients used such as certain oils or nuts used. By checking beforehand, you are being safe rather than being sorry later.

Certain kinds of fish are caught in abundance during some seasons of the year such as crabs and lobsters. When you know it is the season for this seafood, heading to a good restaurant specializing in these dishes is a smart way of ensuring your cravings are satisfied.

Be selective when you choose your favourite dish of fish or prawns or any other by understanding the preparation. Go for dishes that enhance the natural flavour of the fish rather than drown it with sauces, dips, or batters. Go for mild preparations that let you sink your teeth into the flesh and absorb the authentic flavours of the fish or prawns to savour its goodness, wanting to try more. Many discerning visitors from properties such as Pegasus Reef Hotels are astute to pick on such seafood dishes prepared with the finest of traditional Sri Lankan spices.

All of us seafood lovers want to stay healthy yet sate those cravings we have. Hope the tips above will make you a discerning customer on the next seafood restaurant crawl.