Food In West Bengal

Food History of West Bengal, India

West Bengal's cuisine is a rich blend of complex flavors and an amalgam of influences coming from its varied history involving several dynasties and cultures. The state received significant influence from the Mughals, British, Portuguese, and other cultures which shaped its culinary traditions. Rice and fish are the staple foods of Bengal and owing to the numerous rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra, there is an abundance of freshwater fish, which has led to a varied and extensive fish-based cuisine. Vegetarian dishes are equally important, thanks to the influence of Vaishnavism and the availability of a wide array of vegetables, pulses, and fruits in the region. Sweets made from milk products are a hallmark of Bengali cuisine, reflecting the spread of dairy farming and cattle-rearing in the region.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in West Bengal for Tourists

1. Machher Jhol (Non-Veg): A traditional Bengali fish curry that is light and flavored with spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Pair it with rice for an authentic Bengali meal.
2. Shukto (Veg): A bitter-sweet medley of vegetables, including bitter gourd, and infused with a variety of spices. It strikes a complex flavor balance and is usually eaten as a first course.
3. Aloo Posto (Veg): A comfort food made with potatoes and poppy seeds, this dish is subtle yet satisfying, and typically enjoyed with rice.
4. Luchi (Veg): These deep-fried flatbreads made from refined flour are the Bengali version of puris and are often served with aloo dum or cholar dal.
5. Cholar Dal (Veg): A hearty lentil dish made with Bengal gram, it's seasoned with coconut, ghee, and a mix of spices.
6. Sandesh (Veg): A dessert made from paneer or chenna, Sandesh boasts a delicate flavor with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and comes in various shapes and flavors.
7. Misti Doi (Veg): A fermented sweet yogurt that's a traditional and beloved dessert in Bengal. It's creamy with a hint of caramel.
8. Rasgulla (Veg): Made from ball-shaped dumplings of chenna, simmered in light sugar syrup, it's one of Bengal's most famous sweet treats.
9. Begun Bhaja (Veg): Fried brinjal slices coated with turmeric and salt, Begun Bhaja is a simple yet classic accompaniment to the main meal.
10. Dalna (Veg): A mixed vegetable curry rich in ghee and flavored with garam masala, dalna is a common feature in meals across West Bengal.

Top Famous Restaurants in West Bengal with Address and Famous Food

6 Ballygunge Place, Kolkata

Address: 6, Ballygunge Place, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal.
Famous Food: Daab Chingri (Non-Veg), a prawn curry cooked inside a tender coconut.

Aheli, Kolkata

Address: The Peerless Inn, 12, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata, West Bengal.
Famous Food: Bengali Thali (Both Veg and Non-Veg), a platter offering an array of Bengali dishes.

Kewpie’s Kitchen, Kolkata

Address: 2, Elgin Lane, Elgin Road, Kolkata, West Bengal.
Famous Food: Kosha Mangsho (Non-Veg), a spicy and flavorsome mutton curry traditionally served with luchi.

Bhojohori Manna, Kolkata

Address: Multiple locations across Kolkata.
Famous Food: Ilish Bhapa (Non-Veg), a delicacy where hilsa fish is steamed with mustard paste and wrapped in banana leaves.

Nobin Chandra Das & Sons, Kolkata

Address: Various outlets including in Gariahat, Kolkata, West Bengal.
Famous Food: Rasgulla (Veg), an iconic Bengali sweet originated by Nobin Chandra Das himself.