Discover the best of rural Bengal with this delicious food guide. From traditional dishes to unique regional cuisine, we’ll take you on a gastronomic journey.They say “Kolkata is all about vat-machher jhol, and mishit doi” – quite weird for a bong like me who never liked mishti doi or machher jhol.
I was born and bred in the rural areas of West Bengal devouring comforting bong delicacies thrice a day. Though some restaurants provide these dishes, a few of them have been able to capture the real rustic aspect of the bong meals.
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A few of my favorites are:
#1. Doi-cheere:
Cheere = flattened rice (called poha in other parts on India).
Doi = yogurt
Doi cheere is basically a “one- pot-porridge”. Most Bengalis must’ve had this once in their lifetime considering the fact that it is a ritual to eat doi-cheere on wedding day. However, for me, doi-cheere with kola (banana) is still a favorite breakfast.
#2. Gola ruti (wheat flour pancake)
Yes! Growing in a Bengali house-hold and having gola ruti on busy days is a habitual thing. While the entire world is going healthy with oats pancake, the Bengalis are busy relishing gola ruti.
#3. Machher matha(muro) diye dal:
Machher matha(muro) = fish head
Dal = lentils
Lentils are popular throughout India. Every part of India has its own distinct way of cooking dal (lentils). However, fish head or muro is only used in West Bengal. Does it sound gross? Yes it does! Does it taste gross? Definitely not! And here’s a fun fact, machher matha diye dal is a staple menu for Bengali weddings, not to mention the fact that fish is regarded auspicious by Bengalis.
#4. Shukto
A Bengali vegetarian dish made with loads of veggies. If you love veggies more than non-veg like me, then go for this. It’s loaded with bottle gourd, beans, sweet potato, banana (green), drumsticks and a spoonful of ghee. This is also a staple for special occasions. It is believed to increase your metabolism and keeps you healthy.
Foodie’s advice : shukto is best served with rice.
#5. Pithe
Pithe is basically made with rice batter. Every winter in our house, pithe is a staple breakfast. Well, for me, it’s both breakfast and dinner. My childhood was spent watching my dadu (grandpa) sitting under the warm winter sun and enjoying pithe with gur (jaggery).
#6. Lote Machher Jhuro
lote maach = bombay duck
lote machher jhuro is Bombay duck-keema. Lote maach or loitya is one of my favourite fish of all time. This underrated delicacy is a must-have for anyone visiting Kolkata. It’s cooked with garlic and onion with tons of spices that makes it taste like heaven.
Foodie’s advice: It is best served hot with rice.
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#7. kumro chochhori (kumro= pumpkin)
Also called kumror chokha, this lip-smacking delicacy is also a vegetarian bong dish. It’s made with ripe pumpkins and potatoes that are slowly cooked with spices for taste.
Foodie’s advice: It is best served hot with rice or luchi (deep-fried flat bread).
Few restaurants you can check out for rural bong delicacies :
1. Bhajahari manna
2. Saptapadi
3. Kasturi
4. Bhuter raja dilo bor
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