West Bengal houses numerous food options for the people visiting it, along with hundreds of visual wonders. Make sure not to miss out on the best by thinking West Bengal is all about sweets; there is a whole range of food of West Bengal that reflects the culture and heritage of the state. You will be able to find fabulous food in West Bengal that includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
1. Loochi Aloordum
The famous combo served primarily during breakfast and lunch, or collectively brunch, has won numerous hearts globally. Flour dough deep-fried in oil has the perfect crunch and softness that will make your heart melt. The crisp upper covering is the particular favorite of kids. Aloordum is filled with spices; you may go for gravy or dry, depending on your preferences. This famous food in West Bengal is served in almost all street shops and local restaurants.
2. Kathi rolls
The roll, invented in the City of Joy, must not be missed when you are in West Bengal. History says we owe the invention to the British because they thought it was unhygienic to eat the kebab with bare hands. Whatever be the reason, Bengalis take pride in the oh-so-delicious roll. It is a flavourful dish with roasted kebabs wrapped in paranthas. You may also add egg and other items like mutton, paneer according to your taste. Along with the meat, the filling includes onions, chilies, a dash of lemon juice, and sauces to bring out the exquisite flavors. Kathi roll is one of the most famous foods in West Bengal.
3. Bhetki maach er paturi
West Bengal is hyped for their fish preparation, and not without reason! With an infinite number of beautiful dishes, paturi is the one you cannot afford to miss out on. This fish will melt in your mouth instantly; you won’t have to fiddle for sorting out its bony cartilages. The fish is marinated with mustard, coconut, and love, and wrapped up with a banana leaf. After that, it is steamed so that the spices can penetrate the fish and increase its flavor. West Bengal food items will definitely linger and explore your taste buds.
4. Kosha mangsho
Are you tired of eating chicken? It is time to switch to some red meat. The tender flavors of mutton are well complemented with the pleasing flavors and spices of West Bengal. This is the staple food eaten in West Bengal and is generally accompanied by rice and salad. Some of the curries include yogurt to enhance the flavors even more. You will be able to fetch some wonderful kosha mangsho from restaurants; make sure they are reputed so you get the best. If you do not like rice, you may eat paranthas as an accompaniment.
5. Shukto
Any kid born and brought up in West Bengal will jump at the opportunity of having Shukto. There is a vast amount of preparation that goes into making it. Shukto has layers of flavors and numerous vegetables incorporated in the broth. In spite of being a vegetarian dish, non-vegetarians equally savor the taste of shukto. Shukto is generally served as the first dish along with rice. This food of West Bengal includes vegetables like brinjal, drumsticks, bitter gourd, numerous spices, and a splash of milk. There is no other alternative to start your Bengali traditional meal than with shukto.
6. Chingri maach er malaikari
West Bengal food supplies the entire state with a variety of fish, and so this list includes fish prepared in different ways. Prawn is a favorite seafood worldwide; in West Bengal, it is served with a twist in curry, with coconut sauce in it. If you do not like spicy food, West Bengal will not leave you disappointed. Coconut gives the curry a bit of sweet flavor and the spice is balanced well. In a few restaurants, the curry is served inside a fresh coconut, making it feel earthier. It is best served with rice.
7. Aloo Posto
The food of West Bengal tastes equally good when there is no meat or fish included. Aloo posto with freshly cooked rice and a dash of ghee will leave you awestruck if cooked the right way. Aloo posto has many variations; you can include onions, cauliflower, and gourd to experiment with the flavors. In West Bengal, you will find aloo posto on a breezy day with cooked lentils. Ground poppy seeds are the main ingredient in the dish along with chili and a few spices. Thalis of West Bengal always include aloo posto.
8. Biryani
There are countless restaurants serving biryani in West Bengal. The biryani served here has a big chunk of potato in it and also an egg. You will find Biryani served differently in different parts of India. Try the food of West Bengal to know how it is made in West Bengal. In West Bengal, you can purchase biryani for under 100 rupees in any street shop. However, it can go up to 500 rupees in reputed restaurants.
9. Misti Doi
Yogurt but sweetened, as the name suggests. Misti Doi, is food eaten in West Bengal as a dessert, generally after lunch. Misti doi has gained popularity all over India due to industrialization, but it was first made in West Bengal due to the sweet tooth of Bengalis. So if you have a sweet tooth, you can give it a go.
10. Sweets
Tender sweets made of curdled milk are a very famous food of West Bengal. It will melt in your mouth as soon as you eat it. So try out some sweets at the end of your meal to complete it. You should not leave West Bengal until you try the famous rasgullas.
West Bengal is a foodie’s paradise. If you are a fancy food, you will find a variety of flavors here. Whatever your taste is, the food of West Bengal will not fail you. West Bengal is not just the hub of traditional Bengali food, but you will also find diverse street foods, Moghlai cuisine, Indo-Chinese cuisine, and many more. You will find the perfect amalgamation of taste and spices in West Bengal food items.
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