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For most siblings across India, the major festival to celebrate is Raksha Bandhan. But for most people in Eastern states of India, Bhai Dooj is the main sibling-oriented Hindu festival of the year. In Bengal, where every festival provides immense feasting opportunities, the festival of Bhai Dooj is referred to as Bhai Phonta—and the celebrations associated are grand indeed. This year, Bengal and Bengalis everywhere will celebrate Bhai Phonta 2023 on November 15, 2023.
Like every year, Bhai Phonta 2023 will be a time when brothers, no matter where they are, will find their way to their sisters’ homes to go through a number of traditional rituals. The story behind Bhai Phonta in Bengal is linked to a legend regarding Lord Yama and his sister, Yamuna, as per Hindu mythology. It is believed that Lord Yama, the God of Death, visited his sister Yamuna on the tithi of Bhratri Dwitiya. She applied sandalwood tilak on his forehead and fed him a grand feast of his favourite foods.
As a blessing, Lord Yama swore that any siblings who follow these rituals on Bhratri Dwitiya will be granted long lives and they would not have to meet him, the God of Death, in any untimely occasion. The thing to note here is that the purpose of longevity, curiously enough, is served through an elaborate feast, which makes Bhai Phonta today one of the most food-oriented festivals in Bengal.
In fact, the tradition now is to not only serve brothers with indulgent and traditional delicacies from the huge repertoire of Bengali cuisine, but also include non-Bengali favourites like Chaat and cheese-laden treats for younger kids. The trouble is, because most siblings have to cover multiple homes, it is always better to have a Bhai Phonta menu that serves well as a breakfast as well as a lunch or an evening snack. If that is just what you are looking for in a Bhai Phonta 2023 menu this year, here are 10 traditional Bengali dishes that are indulgent and perfect for your feasting.
Video Credit: YouTube/Bong Eats
1. Radhaballabhi
This dal-stuffed Bengali Kochuri variety works well as a breakfast, lunch and a snack option at any time. Made with a refined flour or maida dough (anything else is sacrilege for Bengalis, no matter how healthy you may say it is) that is stuffed with a local lentil, Biuli-r Dal or Kolai-er Dal, Radhaballabhi offers a sweet-and-savoury balance in itself. Traditionally served with Aloo-r Dum or Chhola-r Dal, this Kochuri should definitely be on your plate this Bhai Phonta.
2. Chicken Shingara
Okay, so here’s the thing about the Bengali Shingara—it always tastes great when made with potatoes or cauliflowers because of the scrumptious addition of peanut and spices. And yet, on an occasion like Bhai Phonta, a Chicken Shingara cuts it like no other snack or starter. Make the stuffing with minced chicken cooked with onions, peanuts and spices (add a bit of cheese if you or your siblings love it), stuff them into maida shells and deep fry (or air fry) before serving.
3. Mocha Cheese Chop
Mocha-r Chop is a delicacy in Bengal and is sold not only at street shops but also popular restaurants and sweet parlours. Of course, no home cook can compete with the flavours of street-style Mocha-r Chop. But what you can do is make a cheesier version at home by adding grated cheese to your banana blossom, onion, potato and spice blend. Just shape it into a cylinder, coat with breadcrumbs and deep fry or air fry before serving.
4. Mutton Dak Bungalow
Sure, you can totally make a Kosha Mangsho or Mutton Korma for Bhai Phonta, and both these dishes would be indulgent enough. But if you are looking to explore more of Bengali cuisine, then try Mutton Dak Bungalow with its unique blend of spices, potatoes and eggs all in one bowl. Make sure you cook the entire dish in mustard oil and get the right blend of spices for this one, and you will have a gem in your hands.
5. Shorshe Ilish
Of course your Bhai Phonta feast must include at least one Ilish or Hilsa dish because this festival coincides with the end of Hilsa season in Bengal. You could try any number of Ilish dishes for Bhai Phonta, but nothing can beat the simplicity and flavours of Shorshe Ilish. Made with Ilish pieces cooked in a gravy of mustard, yoghurt and often even poppy seeds, this one can be served with plain rice and the meal will turn into a feast automatically.
Video Credit: YouTube/Bong Eats
6. Chicken Rezala
If you are Bengali, then you know just how beloved the Mughlai-origin Rezala is for people across the state. Made with white onions, yoghurt and a blend of whole spices, Chicken Rezala is made without the addition of any turmeric or red chilli paste. Instead, the reliance is on whole spices, green chillies and black pepper, making it a white-coloured dish that always stands out in a Bengali Thali.
7. Pabda Kalia
For those who love rich gravies reeking of onions and tomatoes, and yet capturing the essence of Bengali cuisine, nothing beats a good Pabda Kalia. The Pabda fish need to be fried in mustard oil for best results, while the gravy requires finely chopped onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and plenty of powdered spices. Rich, thick and a bit oily if cooked right, this one is a dish that you and your siblings will simply love.
8. Kolkata Biryani
If you are looking for a one-pot indulgence from Bengali cuisine, Kolkata Biryani is the obvious answer. Make it with mutton or chicken, but make sure there is plenty of fat and the balance of spices is just right. A critical part of Kolkata Biryani is the potato, so make sure they are fried and treated properly. Kolkata Biryani never has an overload of spices or a rich yakhni as its base, so that will help leave more room for other goodies in your Bhai Phonta feast.
9. Labanga Latika
You can and absolutely should add favourites like Sandesh, Rasagolla and Mishti Doi to your Bhai Phonta feast, but if you are looking for something new to cook for the feast, try Labanga Latika. The flaky refined flour dough is pretty easy to make with ghee and water. For the stuffing, get some Khoya and infuse it with coconut, nuts and seeds for a new twist. Wrap it all up in the form of a parcel, seal with a clove and deep fry to perfection before dipping in syrup and serving.
10. Nolen Gur Paayesh
Winter is coming and in Bengal, that also means that Nolen Gur is coming. During Bhai Phonta, the markets get flooded with Nolen Gur sweets, so if you want to make a traditional Paayesh for your brother on this auspicious occasion, make it one with Nolen Gur. Just cook the Gobindobhog rice in milk with cardamom powder, and once the rice is almost cooked, add in the Nolen Gur instead of sugar. Top with plenty of dry fruits, nuts and seeds before serving.
