Which Fish Is Best for Kids?

For children, start with mild fish that has few bones: pomfret, boneless basa or bhetki fillets, and rawas or surmai steaks. These are easy to eat and gentle in flavour. Save bony fish like bangda, rohu and katla for later.

This guide is about taste, texture and bones, not medical advice. Ask your doctor about allergies or when to introduce fish.

Easiest fish to start with

Fish	Why it suits children	Ask the seller for
Pomfret	Soft and mild; one central spine, few small bones	Cleaned whole fish, or curry pieces
Basa	Very mild; sold as boneless fillets	Boneless fillets or fingers
Bhetki	Mild, firm white fillets	Boneless fillets
Rawas	Mild, firm, flaky white flesh	Steaks (one central bone)
Surmai	Meaty; steaks with one central bone	Steaks

Fish to wait on

Bangda (mackerel): strong flavour and fine bones.
Rohu and katla: freshwater carp with many fine bones.
Bombil: very soft, but has a central bone. Fine once children are used to fish.

Tips for serving fish to children

Ask for boneless cuts or steaks. Sellers on Relifish let you choose whole, cleaned or cut.
Check for bones yourself. Flake the cooked fish with your fingers before serving.
Keep the masala mild. Turmeric, salt and a little lemon, then shallow-fry or steam.
Cook fish the same day. Fresh fish tastes milder; older fish smells and tastes stronger.

How to check fish is fresh

Clear eyes and bright red gills
Firm flesh that springs back
A clean sea smell, never sour or of ammonia

Compare sellers and see today’s fish prices for Thane, South Mumbai and Kamothe, or read how ordering works.