Bengali food is full of rich flavours, strong spices, and deep stories. It’s not just about taste. It’s about memory, traditions and culture. In Kolkata, food is love. Every meal tells a story, from the past, shaped by history, family and festivals. If you ever, visit Kolkata or want to explore Bengali food, here are 10 amazing dishes you must try, according to my gastronomical expertise! Some are spicy, while some are sweet, and all are full of flavour, so get ready for a food tour of Kolkata.
1. Best Bengali Food: Bhapa Ilish (Steamed Hilsa Fish)
Hilsa, or “Ilish,” is one of the most loved fish in Bengal. It is soft, oily, and full of flavor. The best way to enjoy it is Bhapa Ilish—a steamed dish where the fish is cooked with mustard paste, green chilies, and mustard oil. Some families cook this by placing a steel tiffin box inside a pot of boiling rice. Others use modern steamers. Either way, the result is the same: a delicious fish dish that melts in your mouth. If you’re in Bengal during monsoon, this dish is a must!
2. Iconic Bengali Food: Mutton Biryani
Though biryani came from other parts of India, it became a Bengali favorite over time. In Bengal, Mutton Biryani is cooked with long-grain rice, soft mutton pieces, and most importantly. A boiled potato! Yes, that’s right. Bengalis love adding potatoes to their biryani. It adds a soft, flavorful touch. Many people also enjoy it with Chicken Chaap or Mutton Rezala, but even without any sides, Bengali biryani is a treat on its own.
3. Veg Bengali Food: Shukto
Shukto is a light and slightly bitter Bengali vegetable curry. It’s usually served at the beginning of a meal. Made with veggies like raw banana, bitter gourd, drumsticks, and potatoes, it is cooked in a mild milk-based gravy. Shukto may taste different from usual spicy Indian food, but it’s very healthy and unique. In many Bengali homes, it’s a regular item and also a traditional dish in weddings and pujas.
4. Breakfast: Green Peas Kochuri with Cholar Dal
This is a classic Bengali breakfast combo. It’s light and yum. Kochuri is a puffy bread made from flour and stuffed with spiced green peas. It’s deep-fried until golden brown. It goes best with Cholar Dal—a sweet and thick Bengal gram dal cooked with coconut bits and mild spices. This meal is especially popular during winter when fresh peas are available. It’s filling, tasty, and perfect for starting your day.
5. Dhokar Dalna: Famous Food of West Bengal
Dhokar Dalna is a vegetarian dish but full of flavour. It’s made from lentil cakes (dhoka) that are first steamed and then fried. These cakes are then cooked in a tomato-based gravy with Indian spices. Surprisingly, the name “Dhoka” means betrayal! But don’t worry—there’s nothing tricky about the taste. This dish is perfect for people who don’t eat onions or garlic, especially during religious occasions.
6. Mochar Ghonto (Banana Flower Curry)
Have you ever eaten a banana flower? In Bengal, we make a dish called Mochar Ghonto using the flower of the banana tree. It’s chopped finely, boiled, and then cooked with potatoes, coconut, and sometimes even prawns. It takes a lot of time to prepare, but it’s worth it. The taste is spicy, slightly nutty, and very unique. If you’re trying Bengali food for the first time, this is a special dish to remember.
7. Daab Chingri (Prawns in Tender Coconut)
Daab Chingri is one of the most beautiful Bengali dishes. It’s made by stuffing prawns into a tender green coconut, along with mustard paste and light spices. The whole coconut is then sealed and cooked. The result is soft, juicy prawns that have soaked up the coconut water and mustard flavours. It smells amazing and tastes even better. It’s best served with rice.
8. West Bengal Famous Dish: Labra with Khichuri
Labra is a mix of seasonal vegetables cooked together without a lot of spices. It may look messy on the plate, but it tastes magical..especially when paired with Khichuri, a Bengali-style rice and lentil dish. This combo is commonly served during Saraswati Puja and other festivals. It is pure comfort food that brings back memories of school days, friends, and home.
9. Dimer Devil (Bengali Scotch Egg)
This snack is a favorite at old Bengali restaurants in Kolkata. Dimer Devil is a deep-fried dish where a boiled egg is covered with spicy minced meat (usually mutton), dipped in breadcrumbs, and fried until golden. It’s crispy outside, soft inside, and full of flavor. Serve it with mustard sauce (kasundi) and a cup of tea, and you’ve got the perfect evening snack.
10. Rosogolla: West Bengal Traditional Food
You can’t talk about Bengali food and skip dessert! Rosogolla is Bengal’s pride and joy. It is always among Bengali food names. These are soft, white balls made from fresh chena (cottage cheese) and cooked in light sugar syrup. Rosogolla is sweet, juicy, and melts in your mouth. While you can buy canned versions from stores, nothing beats a fresh one from a sweet shop in Kolkata. It’s best enjoyed warm and fresh.
Bonus: Where to Try These Bengali Dishes in Kolkata
Bhapa Ilish: Bhojohori Manna, Saptapadi Restaurant
Mutton Biryani: Arsalan, Aminia, Royal Indian Hotel
Shukto & Labra: Kewpie’s, 6 Ballygunge Place
Kochuri & Cholar Dal: Local sweet shops in North Kolkata
Daab Chingri: Oh! Calcutta or Kasturi Restaurant
Rosogolla: Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick, KC Das
Final Thoughts
Bengali food is full of emotions. From the spicy flavours of mustard oil to the soft sweetness of Rosogulla, it’s a journey for your taste buds. Whether you’re a fish lover or a vegetarian, there’s something in Bengali cuisine for everyone. So next time you’re in Kolkata. Or even at home, trying new recipes. Don’t forget to try at least one of these dishes. You’ll discover that Bengali food is more than just a meal..It’s an experience!
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