Bengali cuisines are a symmetry between herbs, spices, sophisticated taste palette that compliments the tropical weather of West Bengal. A well-balanced diet comprising of fresh vegetables, fish, curd and coolers, make Bengali cuisine unique and unparallel in the World. The lightness blended with tangy sauces ignites a millions of passions in your taste buds. Bitter, mildly spicy, sweet and tangy – all in a single exquisite healthy preparation. Bengal is considered the ‘Intellectual capital’ of India – perhaps all the intellectual took birth from the culinary sophistication of traditional Bengal! Some famed fables state ‘Bengal -the sweetest part of India’ perhaps due to the sweet tooth of Bengalis.   The array of sweets keep the critics overwhelmed and in awe of its complex simplicity. Come, let’s explore the wonderful secrets of Bangaliana cuisines. Explore our food, learn to cook some of them and discover places where you can experiment with your favorite Bangaliana dishes!

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The bitter the Better. Shukto is one such bitter dish that every Bengali is fond of. It’s bitter in taste and contains all vegetables like that of potato, brinjal, bitter gourd etc. cooked in mustard oil. If you are in the sick zone and your taste buds are not working properly than Sukto is the best medicine to take an attempt to recover soon.  Hence, Shukto is the best home remedy to bring back your taste buds to normal while cleansing your intestines.

Where to find at Kolkata:- 

Sholo Ana BangaliRestaurant (Behala, ), KosheKosha Restaurant (Behala), Bhojohori Manna (Ekdalia, Hazra, Salt lake Sector 1, Hatibagan, Salt lake sector V, Esplanade, Barasat,) 6 Ballygunge Place(Ballygunge, Salt Lake, Rajarhat) SareChuattor (Southern Avenue),Sonar Tori(Salt lake sector 1)

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If you need protein that is complex, simple and yet outlandishly tasty – then fish head with Moong dal curry is the best to get all the taste buds flying! Fish head also contains Omega-3 & Vitamin “A”, which keeps our heart and brain healthy. It’s healthy as well as delicious which is a traditional Bengali dish, which goes hand in hand with rice. We can thank Moong dal for its amazing nutrient content. If you add a little dish to your daily diet than you can get a balanced body. It aids in weight loss, it improves the hearts health. Nowadays every child are having diabetes problem so moong dal is best option to keep diabetes under control. Moong dal is a great source of nutrient for vegetarians.

Where to find at Kolkata:- 

Sholo Ana BangaliRestaurant (Behala, ), KosheKosha Restaurant (Jadavpur), Bhojohori Manna (Ekdalia, Hazra, Salt lake Sector 1, Hatibagan, Salt lake sector V, Esplanade, Barasat,), Saptopadi,TeroParbon(Hindustan park), Lokaahar(Jodhpur Park), RaajbarirKhawa (Santoshpur),

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The perks of having jackfruit are many. It is low in calories and sodium. It contains Vitamin A and C which helps preventing from inflammation which leads to chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. High in Fiber and it is often substituted as meat. Jackfruit tastes sweet and fruity flavour and it contains protein to that much of a 3 grams of protein per cup. It is a good source of Potassium which helps in reducing Blood Pressure. Jack fruit, due to its high fibre and texture is also called as meat for vegetarians!

Prawns are sea-food which has many health benefits too. It contains Omega fatty acids which prevent from heart diseases. It is also rich in Selenium which prevents in growth of cancer cells. Calcium and Vitamin E helps in maintaining the skin, teeth and bones. Prawns are stuffed with Proteins, which helps in providing body growth and development. 

Where to find at Kolkata: – 

Sholo Ana Bangali Restaurant (Behala, ), Bhojohori Manna (Ekdalia, Hazra, Salt lake Sector 1, Hatibagan, Salt lake sector V, Esplanade, Barasat,),Padmaparer Rannaghor(Golpark), 6 Ballygunge Place(Ballygunge, Salt Lake, Rajarhat), Raajbarir Khawa (Santoshpur), Aami Bangali (Salt Lake sector 1),

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              Curds are also known as Yogurt or Dahi. It is rich in Calcium, Vitamin B-2, B-13, Potassium, and Magnesium. Curd contains good bacteria that help in clearing the digestive system and treating well when one faces stomach upset! These bacteria also help in proving a good immune system to the body while preventing airborne diseases. The Calcium and Phosphorus in curd helps in the development of strong teeth and bones. Having curd everyday benefits in losing weight while remaining fit that prevents the accumulation of cortisol in our body,a cause for obesity and hypertension in the body.

Research shows that having fish daily has many health benefits.Catla fish tops the fish’s list with many benefits. Eating Catla fish can help improve eyesight. It contains Omega fatty acids which protects the eyesight who are suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that happens to cause the retina to degenerate and blurred eyesight. It also helps children to get rid of Asthma. Catla fish contains Iodine, Selenium, Zinc, Potassium, Vitamins A and D. OMEGA-3 in Catla fish helps in protecting the skin from the UV rays.   

Where to find at Kolkata:- 

Sholo Ana Bangali Restaurant (Behala, ), Bhojohori Manna (Ekdalia, Hazra, Salt lake Sector 1, Hatibagan, Salt lake sector V, Esplanade, Barasat,), Padmaparer Rannaghor (Golpark), 6 Ballygunge Place (Ballygunge, Salt Lake, Rajarhat), Raajbarir Khawa (Santoshpur), Aami Bangali (Salt Lake sector 1), The Bhoj Company (B.B.D Bag)

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Mustard seeds are yellow, brown or white in colour. Known as Sarso or Rai in Hindi, Shorshe in Bengali, Mohori in Marathi, Avalu in Telegu to name a few.  Mustard seeds contains Calcium, Dietary Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Protein, Zinc and Selenium which offers protection from heart attacks, asthma or cancer. It also speeds up the metabolism, restrains cancer cell growth, it decreases the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, lowers the high blood pressure.Shorshe has the capacity to calm sore throat, bronchitis and pneumonia. The Magnesium content in the mustard seeds also helps to get relief from migraine problem. Mustard seeds benefits the Asthma patients! The minerals present in it like Copper, Magnesium, Iron and Selenium helps to present the Asthma attacks. 

Ilish, the favourite fish every Bengali people die for! It is known as Hilsa fish. It is a very good diet for keeping the heart healthy. It lowers the amount of cholesterol consumption in the blood. Studies have shown that one extra portion of Hilsa fish can cut down the rate of heart disease in half. It also reduces the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Keeping your eyes bright and healthy is another benefit of having Hilsa fish. It is rich in fatty acid and helps in developing the brain and the nervous system which also includes lowering the cholesterol level. Did you know that in the Bengali families a pair of Hilsa fish is brought in the house in an auspicious occasion!

Where to find at Kolkata: – 

Sholo Ana Bangali Restaurant (Behala, ), Bhojohori Manna (Ekdalia, Hazra, Salt lake Sector 1, Hatibagan, Salt lake sector V, Esplanade, Barasat,), Padmaparer Rannaghor (Golpark), 6 Ballygunge Place(Ballygunge, Salt Lake, Rajarhat), Raajbarir Khawa (Santoshpur), Aami Bangali (Salt Lake sector 1), The Bhoj Company (New Market) Kasturi Restaurant (Barrakpur), Aheli(New Town Axis mall), Koshe Kosha (Golpark South kolkata), Oh! Kolkata (Elgin Road South Kolkata),

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The scientific name of Poppy is Papaver Somniferum. The white poppy seeds are also called as Indian or Asian poppy seeds. It helps in preventing of heart diseases. These seeds contain linoleic acid, an omega fatty acid which are required for heart health. Insomnia or sleeplessness can be dealt with it by having poppy seeds. Isn’t it interesting? Poppy seeds also help in curing mouth ulcers. It is very rich in Calcium and Copper. Calcium which strengthens the bones and Copper for strengthening the bones and the connective tissue. The Zinc factor in the poppy seeds help in improving the immune system. Diabetic patient can add up poppy seeds in their diet list. Poppy seeds help in treating kidney stones. These seeds in India are better known as ‘khuskhus’ and in Bengali language it is known as ‘Posto’. 

Potatoes are one such tubers which every Indian would prefer to see on their plate! A tuber is an underground stem of a plant, which contains buds and from which new plant shoots grow. It contains Zinc, Phosphorus, Calcium, Magnesium and Iron which helps in building bone structure and strength. Consuming potatoes helps in maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Choline is important which helps in muscle movement, mood, learning and memory. It is also good for skin as it contains Vitamin C which works as an antioxidant and helps in preventing damage caused by sun, pollution and smoke. It can be used as a beauty home remedy for the glowing skin!  

Where to find at Kolkata: –

Sholo Ana Bangali Restaurant (Behala, ), Bhojohori Manna (Ekdalia, Hazra, Salt lake Sector 1, Hatibagan, Salt lake sector V, Esplanade, Barasat,), Padmaparer Rannaghor (Golpark), 6 Ballygunge Place(Ballygunge, Salt Lake, Rajarhat), Dubbawala(Naktala south kolkata), Saptapadi(Baghajatin), C/o Bangali (Hatibagan North Kolkata), BangaliTero Parbon(Santoshpur), Kopai (Sarat Bose road).

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Split Bengal Gram also called as Chana Dal is an appetite which has all source of Proteins and Minerals such as Phosphorous, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron and Zinc. This dal is Gluten-free. It also helps in lowering the cholesterol level in the bloodstream. Do you know that one cup of cooked split bengal gram provides 33% of your daily protein needed in your body? It contains Potassium and low amount of Sodium which can regulate your blood pressure. It is high in Fiber, Cholesterol and Fat free which helps is losing some pounds! The Zinc in gram is essential in treating night blindness. An interesting fact about split Bengal gram is that it reduces hair fall and makes hair healthy!   

Where to find at Kolkata:- 

Sholo Ana Bangali Restaurant (Behala, ), Bhojohori Manna (Ekdalia, Hazra, Salt lake Sector 1, Hatibagan, Salt lake sector V, Esplanade, Barasat,), Padmaparer Rannaghor (Golpark), 6 Ballygunge Place(Ballygunge, Salt Lake, Rajarhat), Dubbawala(Naktala south kolkata), Saptapadi(Baghajatin), C/o Bangali(Hatibagan North Kolkata), Bangali TeroParbon(Santoshpur), Kopai(Sarat Bose road), I Love Haldiram(russel Street)

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Pointed gourd is often considered as a poor man’s vegetable! This green vegetable has many health benefits. It contains Vitamin C, A, B1 and B2. It also provides a great source of Calcium which is important for the bones. It is low in calories and helps in controlling the cholesterol level of the body. The seeds of the pointed gourd help in controlling the level of blood sugar levels and recommended for people who suffers from constipation. Pointed gourd has the capacity to boost the immunity system. It helps in treating flu, throat problem and high temperatures. It also contains a high amount of fiber, which helps in digestion. Due to contamination and the rise of pollution level in the air people are aging in a rapid pace and having pointed gourd can save you from this disaster as it contains Vitamins A and C which helps in fighting free radical molecules thus encouraging the aging signs.     

Where to find at Kolkata:- 

Sholo Ana Bangali Restaurant (Behala, ), Bhojohori Manna (Ekdalia, Hazra, Salt lake Sector 1, Hatibagan, Salt lake sector V, Esplanade, Barasat), 6 Ballygunge Place(Ballygunge, Salt Lake, Rajarhat),), Saptapadi(Baghajatin), C/o Bangali(Hatibagan North Kolkata), BangaliTeroParbon(Santoshpur), Kopai(Sarat Bose road), Rendezvous(Salt lake)

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Chitala Fish- A knifefish from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan commonly found in Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Mahanadi river basins. This fish is low on fat and calories which acts as an anti-aging. It helps in reducing the rate of heart diseases while balancing the blood pressure. A complete source for Omega-3 fatty acids which boosts our immune system that contains less fat. Do you know that this Chitala fish is based on the beliefs of Hinduism? It is believed to be one of the avatars of Lord Narayana (Vishnu), where Narayana was born as a golden knifefish to kill the demon!

Where to find at Kolkata:- 

Koshe Kosha (Ballygunge gardens), 6 Ballygunge Place (Salt Lake Sector 1), The Bhoj Company (Dalhousie), Saptapadi(Hindustan Park), Bhojohori Manna (Sector V salt lake), Oh! Calcutta (Elgin Road), Kasturi Restaurant (new market), TeroParbon(Hindustan Park), lokaahar(Jodhpur Park), RajbarirKhawa(Santoshpur), AamiBangali(Santoshpur Avenue), Dui-Paar Bangla (Kaikhali Airport).

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Banana Flower (Mocha) – The origin of the banana flower is in Southeast Asia- Indo Burma region with its scientific name as Musa Spp. The nutrient content in banana flower is Manganese, Iron, Copper, Dietary Fiber and Potassium. This banana flower has the power to cure infections, diabetes, and anaemia. It helps in solving the problems related to menstruation and weight loss. It also has an amazing capacity to boost up the mood and reduce stress and anxiety. Having a banana flower also helps to keep you strong from inside by taking care of your gastrointestinal health as well as from outside as it contains anti-aging power.

Prawns (Chingrimach)- Prawns are seafood which has many health benefits too. It contains Omega fatty acids which prevents from heart diseases. It is also rich in Selenium which stops it from the growth of cancer cells. Calcium and Vitamin E helps in maintaining the skin, teeth and bones. Prawns are stuffed with Proteins, which helps in providing body growth and development. 

Where to find at Kolkata:- 

Mach Magic (Golpark), Aaheli (New market), Kasturi Restaurant (new market), Swadhin Bharat Hindu Hotel ( College Street),

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Purple in colour and spongy in touch Eggplant or Brinjals are the cousins of potatoes, tomatoes and bell peppers! A good medium of Dietary Fibbers and Minerals like Manganese, Copper and Potassium. Eggplant helps in reducing blood sugar levels as it contains high in fibre and polyphenols. Brinjals are versatile ingredient and can be cooked in many different styles and can be incorporated into a dish. You can make it interesting by baking, roasting or by grilling it.

Where to find at Kolkata:- 

6 Ballygunge place (Ballygunge), Posto (Garia), Saptapadi (Hindusthan Park),

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Cabbage – Cabbage is a leafy vegetable which comes in purple or pale green colour. An interesting fact about cabbage is that it is thrown in the category to that of the Lettuce family due to its twin appearance! Some interesting facts about Cabbage –

1. Cabbage is cruciferous vegetable. Now you must be wondering what are those? These are vegetable of the family of Brassicaceae with many species, or genera cultivars being raised for food production such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, which are similar green leafy vegetables.
2. Cabbage contains chemicals which helps in protecting against the negative effects of radiation.
3. It helps in protecting from cancer as it contains sulforaphane.
4. Cooked cabbage of about half a cupcontains 81.5 micrograms of Vitamin K.

GobindoBhog Rice –

Background of GobindoBhog Rice –

Rice from West Bengal and it is small-grained. It is a khaasdhan or special grain which is offered to Lord Krishna on Janmashthami, a Hindu festival which is the celebration of birthday of Lord Krishna. This rice is white in color and is aromatic and sticky. It is basically cultivated in parts of West Bengal – Bardhaman, Hoogly, Nadia and Birbhum.

GobindoBhog rice is low in Gluten, Fat and Cholesterol and rich in Fiber. It helps in digestion and a good supplement for skin. Medically proven that this rice helps in burning the excess fat in the body. It is high in Minerals like Calcium and Iron. Gobindobhog rice is primarily used to make exotic delicacies of West Bengal such as payasam /kheer. Khichuri, which is one of Indians staple diet and Bengali’s favourites is also made from this rice.

Where to find at Kolkata:- 

Kasturi Resturant (New Market), Swadhin Bharat Hindu Hotel (College Street), Koshe Kosha (Park Street), Oh! Calcutta (Science City), Kopai (Southern Avenue), Aaheli (Esplanade)

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Barramundi or Asian Sea Bass –

Barramundi or BhetkiMaach is what the Bengali’s call and has engrossed every fish food lover to add this to the fish lovers list! This fish has the capacity to make human lose weight, fight from cancer, prevent diabetes, balance the cholesterol level and strengthen the bones. The name barramundi fish, depicts as a large-scaled river fish and is taken from the Australian aboriginal language. It is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, Proteins, Vitamins A and D, Sodium and Potassium. This fish protects your brain and keeps it healthy. Burramundi fish are impressively rich in Selenium, Zinc, Calcium and Magnesium that the body needs for stronger bones.      

Where to find at Kolkata:- 

The Bhoj Company (New Market), Bhojohori Manna (Hatibagan), Oh! Calcutta (Science City), Aaheli (Esplanade), Saptapadi (Hindustan Park), SudiparRannaghor (Hindustan Park)

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Cauliflower- Cauliflower is a vegetable. It’s a plant which reproduces by seed. Cauliflower has quite impressive nutrient elements. It contains Calories, Fibre, Vitamin C, K, and B6, Folate, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese and Phosphorus. Cauliflower is high in fiber and consuming fiber can help in preventing constipation or inflammatory bowel diseases. It also prevents obesity. Cauliflower are a good source of antioxidants which helps in protecting he skin from inflammatory or radicals and against several chronic diseases. This vegetable is low in calories and high in fiber and water which helps in assisting the body for weight loss. 

Radish – An edible root vegetable. Well, Radish is not everyone’s cup of tea that one prefers on their plate and it is mostly because of its smell and taste. But it cleanses your tummy thus, detoxifying the whole digestive system. Radish help in controlling the damages done to the Red Blood Cells (RBCs). The Potassium content in radish helps in reducing the blood pressure specially who suffers from hypertension. If you put a small portion of radish in your salad during the summer days than you can keep your body hydrated because of its high-water content. 

Brinjal –Purple in colour and spongy in touch, are the cousins of potatoes, tomatoes and bell peppers! A good medium of Dietary Fibers and Minerals like Manganese, Copper and Potassium. Eggplant helps in reducing blood sugar levels as it contains high in fiber and polyphenols. Brinjals are versatile ingredient and can be cooked in many different styles and can be incorporated into a dish. You can make it interesting by baking, roasting or by grilling it.

Drumsticks – A rare plant which has the amazing characteristics where one can have the seeds, flowers, leaves and stems that are edible and nutritious. Drumsticks are a big YES to patients suffering from diabetes. It helps in maintaining the blood-glucose level. The next health benefit is especially for all the young girls and boys who gets irritated with pimples! Yes, it reduces pimples. Having drumsticks can solve your problem of pimple as the intake helps in purifying blood. They are good for hair and skin because it contains Vitamin A and B, and Folic Acid which helps in achieving a flawless skin and hair. Due to the present of Calcium and Iron it helps in improving strong bones.

Pumpkin – Pumpkins place of origin was Mexico. Commonly known as vegetable but scientifically known as a fruit is very delicious in taste and nutritionally have impressive benefits. These are rich in Vitamin A and C which helps in boosting the immune system, and its high antioxidant content helps in reducing the risk of chronic diseases including heart diseases and cancer. Pumpkins can be easily roasted, pureed into soup or even baked into pies. Its seeds are also consumable and highly nutritious.    

Broad Beans – Its scientific name is Viciafeba and it is also known as faba beans or feva beans. These are green legumes. These beans are loaded with Minerals, Proteins and Fiber. It also contains Folate which helps in promoting the proper functioning of brain and spinal cord development in infants. It boosts the immune system. Manganese and Copper are found in ample quantity in broad beans which helps in strengthening the bones. Did you know the fact that intake of broad beans increases the blood iron levels which is a saviour from anaemia? It also helps in relaxing the blood vessels and decrease the blood pressure.

Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes are root vegetables. These ae generally sweet in taste and comes in variety of shapes and colours. Sweet potatoes are very rich in Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants and Fibers. Antioxidants in sweet potatoes helps in protecting the body from radical damage and chronic diseases. It has Vitamin B6, which helps in conversion of food into energy. In the year 2008, a study conducted by a researcher,found thatthe extract of white skinned sweet potato improves the insulin sensitivity in people suffering from type 2 diabetes. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommended the adults aged 19 years and above should consume 22.4 g to 33.6 g of fiber each day.

GobindoBhog Rice –

Background of GobindoBhog Rice –

Rice from West Bengal and it is small-grained. It is a khaasdhan or special grain which is offered to Lord Krishna on Janmashthami, a Hindu festival which is the celebration of birthday of Lord Krishna. This rice is white in color and is aromatic and sticky. It is basically cultivated in parts of West Bengal – Bardhaman, Hoogly, Nadia and Birbhum.

GobindoBhog rice is low in Gluten, Fat and Cholesterol and rich in Fiber. It helps in digestion and a good supplement for skin. Medically proven that this rice helps in burning the excess fat in the body. It is high in Minerals like Calcium and Iron. Gobindobhog rice is primarily used to make exotic delicacies of west Bengal such as payasam / kheer. Khichuri, the Bengali’s favourites is also made from this rice.

Where to find at Kolkata:- 

Khichuri Bhog (Kestopur), The Bhoj Company (BBD Bagh), EbalaObela (Naktola), Prince Restaurant (New Market)