Bengalis are insanely famous across the globe for their never-ending affair with delectable dishes. You can stay straight for one year in West Bengal and yet won’t run out of options to eat something new each day. From main course to snacks to desserts, you will find so many varieties in Bengali cuisine.
Although it is not possible to explore each and every Bengali dish during your trip to Kolkata, we have enlisted a few of them, which you should not miss at any cost. Each of these dishes is rooted in the tradition and enriching culture of West Bengal. Visit an amicable Bong family, and the eldest member of the family will share interesting anecdotes while you cherish the food.
Scroll down to know more about 4 lip-smacking Bengali dishes you should try at least once in your life!
Shorshe Ilish
Shorshe Ilish is also known by the name of Ilish Bhapa or Bhapa Ilish. It is an extremely popular Bengali non-vegetarian dish. Ilish or Hilsa is the most popular fish in West Bengal, and it is quite expensive as well. The dish is made with a fine preparation of mustard paste, where the fish pieces are steamed inside banana leaves. The entire preparation looks so enticingly beautiful and charming that you won’t be able to take your eyes away. And once the fish is cooked completely and they open up the banana leaves, the aroma of the dish is to die for. You can gulp this down with piping hot steamed rice.
Suppose you wish to taste this gastronomical wonder head to Oh! Calcutta. Enjoy the traditional meal while soaking the opulent ambience.
Luchi aloor dom
This is an ideal dish for your lazy holiday brunch. Luchi aloor dom is the combination of two dishes – luchi and aloor dom. Luchi is quite similar to puri, which is widely eaten in North India. In comparison, aloor dom is the spicy preparation of potatoes. Luchi is made with loads of love and a dash of oil, onion seeds and maida. The fragrance of aloor dom comes from the Bengali paanch foron or a mixture of five spices. You can experience heaven in each bite of this delicious dish.
Head straight to Fairlie road in Kolkata to taste this amazing dish. Or, if you have any Bong friend, his/her mother herself will make you eat this scrumptious dish during your stay.
Mutton Biriyani
Biriyani tastes different in different corners of our country. Each state has its own set of spices and techniques using which they prepare delectable biriyani. But when in Kolkata, do not forget to try Bengali Mutton Biriyani. A unique thing in their biriyani is that they serve huge chunks of potato and sliced boiled egg with each serving. Besides, they use dollops of ghee for that intoxicating aroma. The potato chunks are cooked in slow heat in strong and flavourful spices and will melt in your mouth. The best part, of course, is the juicy, tender mutton pieces cooked in ghee and Bengali spices.
Arsalan is hands down the best place to have a plateful of this heavenly delicacy in Kolkata.
Kosha Mangsho
If you are fond of mutton, then you need to taste this spicy mutton gravy. The special thing about this special dish is its gravy which is not runny in consistency. The mutton and potato chunks are cooked on low flame. The main ingredients of this dish from which it derives its taste and flavour are cloves, cinnamon, onion and lots of garlic and ginger. You can relish it with hot steamed rice or chapati.
Bhojohori Manna has to be on your list if you wish to taste the best Kosha Mangsho in Kolkata.
Wrapping Up
Once you treat your taste buds with these Bengali dishes, you will crave more. Take this risk on your own responsibility knowing that there is no looking back. Bengali cuisine is bound to create an addiction within every foodie.