Kolkata is the Capital of West Bengal. This city has many historical places and traditions, which make it more popular in India. People of Kolkata says that “In Kolkata, every bite is an invitation to a feast of flavors”. From Desi kitchen to local streets every corner in this city you must get flavourful foods. Kolkata is notable for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, but in this new generation, many traditional dishes are getting lost due to their busy lifestyles and no cooking skills.
If you are a foodie and love to try new food, here are some lists that are underrated in Kolkata, that you must try :
1.Chingri Bhorta(Mashed Prawns)
Chingri Bhorta is a traditional Bengali dish made from prawns cooked and then mashed with spices, mustard oil, and green chilies. “Bhorta” refers to a dish with the main ingredient mashed or blended with a flavorful and often spicy combination. Chingri Bhorta is typically served as a side dish with plain steamed rice or traditional Bengali dal. For Bengalis, It isn’t just food; it’s a way to connect with their roots and savor the essence of their culture. In many Bengali households, Chingri Bhorta is more than a meal; it’s a tradition passed down through generations. Whether you’re enjoying it on a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, it’s a dish that brings people together.
Ingredients For Chingiri Bhorta:
- Fried Prawns
- Chopped onion
- Green chilly
- Lemon Juice
- Coriander Leaves
- Mustard Oil
- pre time: 10 min
- cook time: 10 min
2.Bhapa Ilish (Steamed Hilsa Fish)
Bhapa means Steamed, and Ilish is known as a type of Fish. It features ilish fish It’s often enjoyed during special occasions and is a great way to experience traditional Bengali cuisine .Cooked in a mustard-based sauce, often steamed. Bhapa Ilish is best enjoyed with plain, steamed rice. The rice’s mildness balances the mustard sauce’s flavors and complements the delicate ilish fish. Enjoy this dish as much as you enjoy eating it. It’s a wonderful way to connect with a bit of Bengali heritage.
Ingredients For Bhapa Ilish:
- Ilish Fish
- White Mustard seed
- Black Mustard seed
- Turmeric Powder
- Salt
- Mustard Oil
- Green Chilly
- pre time: 10 min
- cook time: 15 min
3.Muri Ghonto
Muri Ghonto is the best and one of the authentic dishes of kolkata. Muri Ghonto is a dry dish made with fried fish heads (known as macher matha or muro in Bengali), potatoes, very little rice, and myriad spices. This dish is often enjoyed as a comforting meal, especially during special occasions or as a part of everyday Bengali cuisine. For me, Muri Ghonto is more than just food; it’s a connection to my roots and a reminder of family meals shared around the table. It’s a dish that embodies the essence of Bengali home cooking, where every bite tells a story of tradition, love, and the joy of cooking with ingredients that make the most of what you have.
Ingredients For Muri Ghonto:
- Rice
- Fish Head
- Onion
- Potato
- Ginger and garlic paste
- Tomato
- Turmeric, Red chilly, Coriander, Cumin powders
- Salt
- Ghee
- pre time: 15min
- cook time: 20 min
4.Shukto
Sukto is a traditional Bengali dish that embodies the complexity and depth of Bengali cuisine. Its unique taste, a blend of bitter, sweet, and savory flavors, reflects the Bengali culinary tradition of balancing diverse tastes. For me it is one of the healthy dish for my family. Because Shukto consists of a mild bitter taste with a smooth and creamy gravy. Sukto served hot with a generous helping of steamed rice. Enjoying Sukto not only provides a taste of Bengal but also offers a glimpse into the region’s culinary heritage.
Ingredients For Shukto:
- Potato
- Bitter gourd
- Drum stick
- Eggelephant
- Bori
- Bay leaf
- Mustard oil
- Salt
- Milk
- Water
- pre time: 10 min
- cook time: 20 min
5. Dhokar Dalna
“Dhokar Dalna” is a classic Bengali dish, known for its rich flavors and distinctive taste.”dhoka” refers to a type of spiced lentil cake rather than deception. Dhoka is made from chana dal (split chickpeas), which is seasoned, steamed, and then cut into pieces. These pieces are then simmered in a spicy, tangy curry. Serve your Dhokar Dalna hot with steamed rice or Bengali-style chapati. It’s perfect for a cozy meal or to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients For Dhokar Dalna
- Chana dal
- Potato
- Bay leaf
- Mustard Oil
- Ginger and garlic paste
- Turmeric, Red chilly, Coriander, Cumin powders
- Garam masala
- Salt
- Ghee
- pre time: 15 min
- cook time: 25min
Kolkata’s food is a reflection of its cultural richness and historical influences. These are not underrated but our busy lifestyle made them underrated as we are not connected to cooking, But if you try these foods you must enjoy these foods as well as their cooking process.
