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The Sundarbans are a magical and vast mangrove forest that is home to a wide variety of wildlife and a vibrant culture. This UNESCO World Heritage site, which is shared between Bangladesh and India, is home to the awe-inspiring Royal Bengal tiger as well as intricate river systems and thick mangroves, which together create a surreal setting. The people of the area live in harmony with the tides; their culture is firmly anchored in their particular surroundings. This legacy is reflected in the local cuisine, which is both simple and flavourful, crafted from the bounty of the land and the waters. The food here tells the story of the Sundarbans—a story of resilience, tradition, and the delicate balance between man and nature.
Video Credit: YouTube | Foodka Series
Fascinatingly, Sundarbans flavours draw on the long history of Bengali cuisine while also incorporating local ingredients and techniques. You can taste the mangroves, the rivers, and the people who have lived in the Sundarbans for generations in every dish. Trying local food here is not just a meal; it’s a journey through the heart of Sundarbans.
Not only this, the Sundarbans have been a favourite scenic spot for films as well. In 2014, an adventure thriller, Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans was shot in here. Later on, the TV series Abar Proloy was also filmed in the forest of Sundarban in West Bengal
Some Must-Try Foods If You Are Visiting Sundarbans, West Bengal
Hilsa
Bengali cuisine has a particular fondness for Hilsa, sometimes called the "king of fish," and the Sundarbans are among the best places to find this fish. One of the most beloved dishes in the Sundarbans region is Hilsa, which thrives in the area's rivers and estuaries. There are various ways to enjoy this delicacy—whether it’s the classic Hilsa curry, steamed Hilsa wrapped in banana leaves, or Hilsa fry, each preparation offers a unique taste experience. The flavour of Hilsa in Sundarbans is unparalleled, owing to the fresh catch directly from the local waters. Visitors are encouraged to try this dish during their stay, so that they don’t miss out on this culinary masterpiece.
Chingri
Chingri, or prawns, are another specialty of the Sundarbans, offering a taste that is both delightful and distinct. Sundarbans prawns are known for their size and flavour, often prepared in a variety of ways. From the traditional prawn malai curry, where the prawns are cooked in a rich coconut milk gravy, to the simpler prawn fry, every dish is a testament to the region’s love for seafood. The prawns here are caught fresh from the rivers, ensuring a succulent and tender bite each time. For seafood lovers, Chingri is a must-try, offering a taste that captures the essence of Sundarbans.
Kosha Mangsho
Kosha Mangsho, a spicy and rich meat curry, is a favourite among Bengalis, and the Sundarbans is no exception. This dish, typically made with mutton, is cooked slowly to allow the spices to infuse deeply into the meat, creating a flavourful and hearty meal. The dark, dry curry is perfect when paired with rice or chapati and is often enjoyed on special occasions or during boat cruises in Sundarbans. The deep, rich flavours of Kosha Mangsho in Sundarbans provide a comforting and satisfying experience, making it a dish worth trying for those who enjoy robust, spicy food.
Honey
The Sundarbans is also renowned for its pure and natural honey, collected from the wild by local honey collectors, known as 'Mawalis.' The honey from Sundarbans is unique due to the diverse flora in the mangroves, which impart a distinct flavour to the honey. This honey is not just sweet but also rich in medicinal properties, often considered a health elixir. Visitors to Sundarbans can enjoy the taste of this natural honey in its purest form or take a bottle home as a souvenir. It’s a true taste of the wild, offering a sweet connection to the land and its traditions.
Nokshi Bori
Nokshi Bori is a traditional Bengali food item, deeply rooted in the culinary culture of Sundarbans. These are lentil dumplings, intricately shaped and often used to enhance the flavour and presentation of dishes. The locals prepare Nokshi Bori with great care, using a mixture of lentil paste that is shaped into intricate designs and then dried under the sun. These artistic dumplings are not just visually appealing but also add a delightful crunch and flavour when added to curries. For visitors, trying Nokshi Bori is a way to appreciate the artistry and tradition of Sundarbans cuisine.
Kakra Jhal
Kakra Jhal, or crab curry, is a delicacy that you must try when visiting Sundarbans. The crabs here are marinated with spices and cooked with a masala paste made from ginger, garlic, onions, and green chilies. The result is a flavourful and aromatic dish that captures the essence of Sundarbans’ seafood offerings. The tender crab meat, combined with the spicy gravy, creates a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Crab lovers will find this dish to be a highlight of their culinary exploration in Sundarbans.
Local Sweets
No culinary journey in Sundarbans is complete without tasting the local sweets. The region offers a variety of traditional Bengali sweets, such as Rasgulla and Sandesh, but it’s the homemade sweets, known as 'pithas,' that truly reflect the local culture. Pithas are made during the winter season and come in various flavours—sweet, salty, or spicy—each offering a different taste experience. Another popular sweet is 'Naru,' made from coconut and sugar or jaggery, often prepared during festivals. These sweets provide a sweet ending to any meal and are a must-try for those looking to experience the traditional flavours of Sundarbans.
The culinary delights of Sundarbans are as rich and diverse as its landscape. Each dish tells a story of the region’s natural bounty and cultural heritage. From the fresh catch of Hilsa and prawns to the rich curries and traditional sweets, Sundarbans offers a unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience. Visitors should take the time to savour these flavours, as they provide a deeper connection to the land and its people, making the journey to Sundarbans truly enriching.
