5 Mouth Watering Bengali Fishes That Will Leave You Hooked Beyond Hilsa

Bengalis are often synonymous with their extreme fondness for fish. The very mention of Bengali cuisine is incomplete without the dishes made from various types of fish. Hilsa has been the flag bearer of Bengali love for fish, however the reality is that their taste buds go far beyond that. Here are some of the most popular and delicious types of fish and their recipes that are a must try for anyone looking to indulge in authentic Bengali cuisine.

While the debate about which is the most sought after fish in Bengal is always a topic of interest among the locals, however, nothing can beat the reputation and the demand for Hilsa (Ilish). Known for its unique sweetness, it has been for ages the king of all fish in the eyes of Bengalis. Despite its small bones, Hilsa is loved in the form of mustard-based curry known as 'Shorshe Ilish' which is widely popular across the region.

Apart from Hilsa, another type of fish which is in great demand in Bengal is Bhetki. Scientifically known as Lates Calcarifer, Bhetki is a very versatile fish and can be cooked in various styles. From being deep fried to being cooked in a traditional Bengali curry, Bhetki can add its delicious flavor to any dish. One of the most sought after recipes made from this fish is 'Bhetki Macher Paturi,' where the fish is wrapped in banana leaves with spices and steamed to bring out the juicy flavor.

Rui, also known as the Indian Carp, is another widely available fish in Bengal. With its firm texture and mildly sweet taste, Rui is often cooked in thick and rich gravies. A classic example of this is 'Rui Macher Kalia' which involves marinating the fish in a mixture of spices and yogurt, before being deep fried in a mixture of oil and frying the masalas and finally adding it to the curry to give it a rich flavor.

Among various types of prawns, Golda Chingri is a delicacy specifically found in the coastal regions of Bengal. With its relatively small size and highly delicious taste, Golda Chingri also has many health benefits for the consumers. Chingri Macher Malai Curry, prepared using coconut milk, mustard oil and various spices, is one of the most delectable dishes that one can crave for in Bengal.

Pomfret is another fish, which although not found in plenty, is always in high demand among the locals. Due to its juicy texture, Pomfret is often cooked with minimal spices. A very tasty and mouth watering dish prepared using Pomfret fish is 'Pomfret Macher Jhal Fry' which involves applying spices to the fish and then shallow frying to give it a crispy outer covering to savor with its softer inner texture.