If you ever find yourself traveling to the picturesque hills of Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Gangtok, you’ll most likely travel through this quaint city seated along the foothills of the Himalayas. Hill Cart Road is the main artery of Siliguri. It is a bustling hub of restaurants, bars, numerous shops, and hotels, attracting locals and tourists alike. It also offers a myriad of fish delicacies, a paradise for all fish lovers, so why not indulge yourself with some of the finest fish cuisines?
1.Katla’r Kalia
If your taste buds love the fiery feel of spices, this dish is the one for you! The succulent pieces of fresh Katla fish soaked in tantalizing gravy leads to a symphony of flavors, ranging from spicy and tangy to subtly sweet with every bite you take. This dish, famously served in Bengali weddings is paired with plain white rice or aromatic Bengali ghee rice and will transport you to the heart of every Bengali cuisine.
2.Mourala Macher Chorchori
This traditional Bengali side dish is particularly common in the summer when mangoes are in season. Imagine a tiny medley of fried Mourola fish with some onion, potato, brinjals, and mustard paste that fuse into the fish giving an earthy and slightly spicy note. Serving with raw mangoes gives it a tangy taste and makes you spellbound with every morsel that melts into your mouth.
3.Ilish Bhapa
This classic masterpiece is every Bengali’s favorite dish. Fresh hilsa marinated in special mustard-coconut-yogurt paste seeps into the succulent pieces of the fish as it steams in an enclosed steel box and melts in the mouth with every bite you take. This feast is an ode to the coastal lands of India and celebrates the union of exquisite taste and cultural heritage.
4.Lau Chingri
Indulge in this Bengali delicacy , savoring all the magnificent flavors that transport you to the homes of Bengal. We have all hated bottle gourds as kids, but this class spin-off with tender prawns takes these dull veggies to the next level. Perfectly paired with steamed rice, this comfort dish is something you will not want to miss out on.
5.Bhetki Paturi
You can enjoy this lip-smacking festive meal without picking out bones and with a slightly more economical option than the ilsha fish. A generous fillet of bhetki fish, marinated in a vibrant blend of spices, mustard, and gondhoraj lemon paste is wrapped into little parcels with banana leaves and steamed on low flame. A delightful aroma fills the air as the leaves are unwrapped to reveal the tender and flaky fish. This cuisine is a testament to the richness of the region’s artistry and taste and whisks you away on a culinary escapade.
6.Fish Kabiraji
This crispy tea-time snack will take you back to the regal era of British India with its unique style of cooking fish. A fish fillet is coated in egg batter and breadcrumbs and fried to give it a golden brown exterior like a cutlet. Its crunchy exterior gives away the succulent and savory fish inside as you bite into it. This exquisite cuisine is an ode to the culinary fusion of the East and the West and is a perfect artistry surviving the test of time.
7.Fish Tikka Masala
This delicious fish cuisine takes you on a spice-infused journey by captivating your gustatory senses. The grilled smoky fish, the creamy tomato-based gravy, and the aromatic spices all seamlessly blend to give the perfect fusion of flavors. It is a perfect dish during the winter or monsoon when you’re craving a tandoori dish and easily outshines all the other tikka masalas.
8.Fish Curry
Found in every restaurant on the corner of every street, this authentic Bengali dish accompanied with steamed rice will leave you licking your fingers at the end of the meal wanting to savor every bit of it. The succulent fish absorbs the rich tangy gravy and will delight your taste buds with a burst of sensational flavors. Be sure to look for this dish when you visit the streets of Hill cart road.
9.Daab Chingri
Prepare to embark on a tropical escape to the sultry beaches of Bengal with this flamboyant cuisine. As you crack open the coconut shell to reveal the juicy prawns burrowed inside in mustard and poppy seeds gravy, your senses are ignited with a symphony of flavors. A bite of this gravy-coated prawns tantalizes your palate with the sweetness of the coconuts blending effortlessly with masala spices.
10.Kakra Jhal
This seafood delicacy will envelop your taste buds with a fiery sensation. Cooked in every Bengali house, this exotic coastal dish is a concoction of all the aromatic and masala spices giving it a desi spin-off and a traditional delectable taste. You will relish every bite of these juicy crab meats bathed with rich gravy. So be on the lookout for this culinary masterpiece when you find yourself here.
11.Chingri Malaikari
This heavenly dish will win your heart with its rich, luxurious flavors. As you dive into the tender meat of the prawn bathed in the richness of the gravy, your palate gets teased with a dancing sensation of the aromatic spices and the sweetness of the coconut that leaves a lingering taste on your tongue that will make you want to come back for more.
12.Tel Koi
Dive on a delectable journey with this traditional Bengali cuisine. The Koi fish marinated with aromatic spices, freshly made cumin, and ginger-garlic paste dipped in simmering golden mustard oil is something to die for. Pair it perfectly with steamed plain white rice, and you are good to go.
13.Doi Katla
This mouth-watering delicacy is famous for its yogurt-based gravy that gives a velvety feeling around your tongue. The fish melts perfectly in your mouth and surprises you with an explosion of flavors that range from creamy, to tangy, sweet, and spicy. It’s the perfect dish to satisfy your soul after a long day at work.
14.Pabda Maacher Tel Jhol
This flavourful and unique dish served with piping hot rice celebrates spicy culinary mastery. The delicate and juicy fish made with minimal spices will still take you on a blissful journey to the heart of Bengal, and you will thank the Gods for this culinary masterpiece.
15.Butter Garlic Prawns
These buttery prawns bathed in luscious and rich gravy serve as a great side dish for an eventful evening or a ceremony. The sweet prawns, buttery creaminess, and garlic paste punch will leave you yearning for more.
16.Chilli Fish
Also known as fish Manchurian, these deep-fried tender fish fillets have the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and heat that will make you want to grab onto every piece on the plate. Perfect for a fun get-together, this fish cuisine transports you to a world of spicy indulgence and leaves you craving more.
17.Muri Ghonto
With most of the cuisines focused on the fleshy and juicy pieces of the fish, you must be wondering if anyone could stand to handle the cumbersome process of eating the scaly head of a fish. Well, with the culinary expertise of a Bengali, you don’t have to worry about that. This mushy Bengali dish consists of lentil stew, fish head, and a combination of aromatic spices. Pair this with steamed rice to savor every last bite.
18.Rui Posto
This popular dish made with rui fish or any sweet water fish will leave you mouth-watering with its earthy and nutty aroma of the poppy-seed paste. As you take a bite of the juicy flesh of the fish, you will be delighted with a symphony of flavors that will transport you to heavenly bliss.
19.Chithol Macher Muitha
These fish balls cooked in an onion-tomato gravy during the winter are an absolute delight to your taste buds. Each morsel gives away a combination of taste and textures that leave you in awe. This coastal delicacy is a must-try for anyone who wants a taste of Bengali culinary expertise.
20.Lote Macher Jhuri
This category of fish which is extremely soft and full of water makes it very difficult to cook. But with a touch of Bengali culinary style, it is prepared to perfection with every detail in mind. As you take a bite of this crunchy delicacy, you’ll be delighted as the fish effortlessly melts into your mouth to give your taste buds a perfectly blissful experience.
