Are you aware that West Bengal isn't about sweets and maach bhaat or macher jhol? It is a heaven for both non-vegetarian and vegetarian foodies. Did you know that Bengali cuisine has a proper multi-course structure? Yes, and it is much similar to French cuisine? Instead of having it all at once, Bengalis like to have their meals served course-wise. Bengali food is vibrant and delightful, from street foods to Mughlai foods and a spread of confectioneries and sweets.
Here are five foods that you cannot miss in Bengali Cuisine:
1. KOLKATA KATHI ROLLS
Kathi roll! Do you know that is one of the famous and popular food from Kolkata? Yes, and you will be excited to learn about its filling. The Kathi roll is loaded with tomatoes, onion, mutton, paneer or chicken wrapped in layers of paratha. Hence, this roll is suitable for both non-vegetarians and vegetarians. You can also get a custom-made paratha suiting your taste buds.
2. KOLKATA BIRYANI
Biryani is one of the most prevalent specialities of Kolkata. It has a different aroma of rich masalas mixed with desi ghee cooked with juicy mutton/chicken and rice. The evergreen masala biryani comprises large potato cubes, meat and boiled eggs, making it one wholesome treat. Rich flavour and sauteed spices make the biryani a mouth-watering recipe.
3. MISHTI DOI (BENGALI SWEET YOGURT)
Your meals are incomplete without dessert, and Bengali cuisine is incomplete without the sweet curd, i.e. palatable mishit doi. Mishti Doi leaves a sweet taste behind and helps calm down immediately after a meal. This light dish has a dense and thick texture, and when dry fruits are added, it delivers a crunchy flavour like ice cream.
4. KOLKATA STYLE MUGHLAI PARATHA
Speaking of Bengali treats, the Kolkata style Mughlai paratha has a new level of uniqueness. The paratha is stuffed with veggies, minced meat or egg that will make your mouth drool.
5. FLUFFY LUCHI AND ALOOR DUM
Luchis made out of maida! Bengali cuisine is incomplete without the deep-fried fluffy golden luchis. They can be enjoyed with rich gravies like aloor dum and some spicy dry veggies.