In Bangladesh, food is not only a component of life, it is a culture, heritage, and flavor. Bangladeshi cuisine is known to have an exclusive combination of flavor and culture that no food enthusiast can resist whether it is a spicy curry or a sweet delicacy. So, in case you are a foodie and you are going to make a cultural trip, ensure that you obtain your tourist visa for Bangladesh, and go there with an empty stomach.
Each part of Bangladesh contributes its own touch to local cuisine, be it spicy fish curries of the river towns, or the sweets that are eaten on festivals. Bangladesh cuisine has something tasty to offer to everybody with a variety of fresh ingredients and centuries-old traditions that have been inherited by generations. So, here are 10 of the most classic foods you just cannot miss out on when sightseeing in this bright country.
Here are the 10 Traditional Foods of Bangladesh
1. Hilsa Fish Curry (Ilish Bhuna)
Hilsa, the national fish of Bangladesh is a quintessential in the most Bengali homes. Cooked in mustard seeds, green chilies and mustard oil, Ilish Bhuna has a just right combination of tangy and rich taste that is just right with plain rice. It is not a dish but it is an emotion which is deeply rooted to our culture and our festival of Bangladesh.
2. Kacchi Biryani
Kacchi Biryani is a traditional festive dish, a scented rice dish, marinated mutton, yogurt, saffron and a mixture of spices. What is special about it is that the raw meat and rice are cooked together and the flavors mix ideally. It is a delicious meal that is mostly served during weddings and special events.
3. Panta Ilish
Panta Ilish is a simple but delicious dish that includes fermented rice and is served with fried Hilsa, green chilies, and onion. It is a traditional one that is popular for Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh) and is liked so much because of simple and comfort. This dish is really refreshing especially in the hot summer.
4. Shorshe Bata Maach
This is a traditional Bengali dish in which freshwater fish is cooked in mustard seed paste, resulting in a piquant and sour dish. When eaten with hot rice, Shorshe Bata Maach has a distinct earthy flavor that is characteristic of Bangladeshi home cooking. It should be tried by those who like the real fish dishes.
5. Chingri Malai Curry
Chingri Malai Curry is a rich and creamy dish of juicy prawns cooked in creamy coconut milk and has got a lot of subtle flavors. It has a savory sweet taste because to the aromatic spices and coconut. This is one of the items that you would include on a special occasion menu, and any seafood lover would enjoy it.
6. Bhuna Khichuri
Bhuna Khichuri is a restorative rice and lentil dish often eaten with beef curry or fried eggplant. This is one of the favorite dishes of this dish, which is served on rainy days and on special occasions such as Eid because it is rich in flavor. The mixture of ghee, spices and the slow cooking gives it a warm, comforting and very satisfying taste.
7. Patishapta
Patishapta is a Bengali sweet preparation, a type of crepe made in rice flour and filled with a filling of jaggery, coconut and khoya. These desserts are mainly cooked in winter festivals and they are served cold or hot. They are spongy, sweet and tasty and taste good with a cup of tea.
8. Fuchka (Pani Puri)
Fuchka is the Bangladeshi derivative of Pani Puri, fried hollow shells filled with sour tamarind water, mashed potatoes, spices and chickpeas. It's a blast of flavors and textures that you must sample as you wander through the streets of Dhaka or Chittagong.
9. Mishti Doi
Mishti Doi, an Indian dessert yogurt, is produced by fermenting milk with jaggery or sugar.It is thick and creamy, and has an unresistible caramelized taste. It is typically consumed after meals and during festivals, when it is served chilled. This dessert symbolizes hospitality and celebration in Bangladesh.
10. Beguni
Beguni is a simple yet delicious snack comprised of eggplant slices coated in a seasoned batter of chickpea flour and deep fried till crispy. Beguni is usually prepared during Ramadan or on rainy days. This crunchy dish is served with rice or on its own with a cup of tea.
Conclusion
Bangladeshi cuisine is a delicious blend of flavor, culture, and spirit. Every dish has a story of the people and the land- the rivers that supply fresh fish to the markets with their spices. One of the finest ways to explore the Bangladesh culture is through the exploration of traditional foods.
So when you are willing to take a culinary journey, make sure that you get your tourist visa for Bangladesh in advance. The food of Bangladesh will make your trip a tasty experience whether you are in the crowded city of Dhaka or the calm countryside.
