Description
Emperor — Vilai Meen in Tamil — is a handsome reef fish with firm, sweet white flesh, well loved for a crisp fry and a flavourful curry.
Loved across communities
A good-value premium fish enjoyed in Tamil, Malayali and Sri Lankan coastal homes. Its sweet white flesh and firm texture make it an easy, reliable choice for a special meal.
Popular dishes
The classics are a crisp vilai meen varuval (fry) and a tangy emperor curry. The firm flesh grills nicely and holds its shape in a tamarind kuzhambu.
Recipe ideas
Cook it in a Goan fish curry or bake it as Fish Nirvana. More in our seafood recipes.
Prepared your way, packed fresh
We prepare it to order — whole, steaks, or curry cut. Every order is prepared by hand, then vacuum-packed in an individually sealed bag and dispatched fresh on the day it leaves us, at £12.49 per kg.
Good to know
Is Emperor the same as Vilai Meen?
Yes — Vilai Meen in Tamil. It’s a firm-fleshed reef fish loved for frying and curries.
What does emperor fish taste like?
Sweet and clean with firm white flesh — a mild, approachable fish that takes spice well.
Does it have many bones?
It has a central bone and holds together in firm pieces, so it’s straightforward to eat.
What’s the best way to cook it?
A crisp fry, a tangy curry, or a simple grill all suit it; the firm flesh won’t fall apart.
How is it packed for delivery?
Prepared to order, vacuum-packed in a sealed bag and sent chilled, so it arrives fresh and clean with no leaks in the box.
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