If you saw the Goan Seafood Company, you would expect that the owner had – at very least — been to Goa. He hasn’t. Although he’s more than qualified for the job – David Hunkin has got a degree in electronic engineering. He came up with the idea for the company when his brother set up a small fish festival in his home town of Mevagissey. “I came up with the Goan theme because I’ve always struggled to get my wife to eat fish, particularly oily fish, but I found that she liked it if I used it in Indian (and particularly Goan) dishes.” He hasn’t looked back since. Nor has his wife.

untitledWhat is your signature dish?

Goan Mackerel Masala Dahl – boneless fillets of fresh mackerel cooked in our own freshly made Goan masala paste, served with our special masala dahl, steamed Basmati rice and fresh kachumber salad.

The British are a nation of shopkeepers. If I told you I thought you were cool and entrepreneurial – an embodiment of the British spirit – what would you say?

I would agree.

Do you get pushed around by the authorities? Any examples?

Not really. We are inspected very frequently by food hygiene professionals, but they are doing their job, and they are always impressed with our operation, so we don’t have a problem with them. We have more problem with some of the festival production teams, not providing what we need or not being organised in time.

How have things changed in the world of British street food since you started?

We started out just at the time that people were expecting more than burgers and chips. We are now helping to push up the standards in festival food, and the public are demanding better quality.

How many people can you feed in a day?

Probably 1,000 if we really tried
Are you rich?

Not materially, but I get a lot of pleasure from the very good feedback we get which makes me emotionally rich.

Would you open a restaurant if you had the chance?

I’ve always fancied it but my wife is dead against it. Actually, it’s good doing what we do – working very hard for four months and then ticking over for eight.