Land of rivers Bangladesh boasts a rich and equally fascinating cuisine of seafood. Plenty of fresh water rivers, coastlines, and Bay of Bengal lead to seafood becoming an integral part of the food culture of the country. Fishery and seafood do not just turn into food, but part of Bangladeshi tradition, economy, and daily dish. The cuisine is brimming with spices, aromatic herbs, and age-old cooking traditions that have been handed down generation after generation.

In this article, we introduce you to 10 absolute essential authentic Bangladeshi seafood dishes that truly reflect the country’s authentic flavor.

Traditional Bangladeshi Seafood Dishes

1. Ilish Bhuna (Hilsa Curry)

Ilish or Hilsa is Bangladesh’s national fish and is sought after for its soft texture and delicate taste. The Ilish Bhuna is a pungent and hot dish in which the Hilsa fish is cooked slowly over mustard oil, onions, green chilies, and a variety of Bangladeshi spices. It is served with plain white rice so that the exquisite flavor of the Hilsa becomes more apparent. It sometimes involves yogurt or tomatoes being incorporated for a blast of extra taste.

Why You Should Give It A Go:

• The pungency of mustard oil and Hilsa used together provides a unique flavor.
• It is an old Bangladesh recipe and typically prepared for celebrations like Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year).

2. Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa in Mustard Sauce)

The second iconic Hilsa dish, Shorshe Ilish, involves the fish cooked in a paste made of thick mustard seeds, turmeric, and mustard oil. The mustard imparts the natural taste of Hilsa a further pungency, and it is one of Bangladesh’s most prized seafood dishes.

Why You Should Try It:

• The combination of Hilsa and mustard is culinary magic.
• It’s a hit with most Bengali households and festivities.

3. Chingri Malai Curry (Prawn Coconut Curry)

Chingri (prawns) are a staple of Bangladeshi cuisine, and Chingri Malai Curry is royal-worthy. This decadent dish is prawns in a rich coconut milk sauce flavored with cardamom and cinnamon spices.

Why You Should Try It:

• The combination of spices and coconut milk gives a creamy but hint of sweetness flavor.
• Perfect for special occasions and can be paired with fragrant basmati rice.

4. Rupchanda Fry (Pomfret Fry)

Rupchanda (Pomfret) is a common fish that’s normally deep-fried to golden crisp. Rupchanda Fry is also turmeric, red chili powder, garlic, and lime juice seasoned before frying in mustard oil for extra flavor.

Why You Should Try It:

• The crispy exterior and soft interior give the texture with an awesome contrast.
• It is usually accompanied by a dal (lentil soup) and rice as a hot meal on the side.

5. Loitta Shutki Bhuna (Stir-Fried Dried Bombay Duck)

Shutki (sun-dried fish) is not to everyone’s taste, but if you enjoy pungent flavors, then you should have a go at the Loitta Shutki Bhuna. Loitta (Bombay duck) is sun-dried and then stir-fried with onion, garlic, and chilies and is therefore a concentrated, umami-rich dish.

Why You Should Try It

• A unique and strong-flavored dish enjoyed by seafood fans.
• It’s a mainstay in many rural households and a symbol of Bangladeshi culture.

6. Chingri Shutki Bhuna (Dried Prawn Stir-Fry)

Chingri Shutki, or dried shrimp, is a variation of Shutki Bhuna, where little dried shrimps are pan-fried with garlic, onions, mustard seeds, and loads of chilies. It’s very pungently flavored and works best with plain rice.

Why You Should Try It:

• The smoky, strong flavor makes the Shutki a winner.
• It’s a high-protein meal with a very Bangladeshi flavor.

7. Kakra Jhal (Spicy Crab Curry)

Crabs, known locally as Kakra, are a seafood treat by the sea. Kakra Jhal is a spicy crab curry made with tomatoes, green chilies, and mustard oil. The curry is very pungent and loaded with bold flavors.

Why You Should Try It:

• The crab’s meat absorbs the flavor of the rich spicy gravy.
• It’s a great dish for those who prefer seafood with some spiciness.

8. Bhetki Paturi (Barramundi Wrapping in Banana Leaf)

Bhetki Paturi is a very ancient dish where Barramundi fish is marinated in mustard paste, wrapped in banana leaves, and barbecued or steamed. It keeps the moisture content intact and provides a smoky flavor to the fish.

Why You Should Try It:

• The tender, flaky texture of Barramundi is enhanced with mustard marinade.
• Steaming and cooking in banana leaves impart a strong, earthy flavor.

Two more traditional Bangladeshi fish delicacy for you as a BONUS! This two try worthy fish don’t directly falls under the seafood category but they have strong appeal to the fish gourmets in the country.

9. Pabda Macher Jhol (Pabda Fish Curry)

Pabda Mach (Butterfish) is a small freshwater fish and is typically served in a light, soupy curry known as Pabda Macher Jhol. Prepared with tomatoes, mustard seeds, potatoes, and very little spice so as to not overpower the natural flavor of the fish.

Why You Should Try It:

A testament to Bangladeshi home cooking’s simplicity and grace.

A light, healthy meal, perfect for daily fare.

10. Koi Macher Kalia (Climbing Perch in Rich Gravy)

One of the various freshwater fish in Bangladeshi rivers is Koi Mach (Climbing Perch). Koi Macher Kalia is a rich, creamy gravy dish in which the fish is cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices such as cinnamon and bay leaves.

Why You Should Try It:

Koi fish is believed to have medicinal properties and is commonly recommended for recovery from disease.

The dish is delicious, palatable, and can be served with steamed rice.

The Influence of Seafood within Bangladeshi Tradition

The vast array of fish and seafood is not only indicative of Bangladesh’s geographical diversity but also of its close connection with its rivers and coastlines. Traditional cooking methods, passed down through the years, aim to enhance the natural flavor of the catch, most often employing readily accessible and uncomplicated ingredients.

The coastal regions also have the luxury of indulging in a range of seafood chutneys and pickles that provide an incredible explosion of flavors. The availability of such diverse ingredients has led to the development of a large number of regional specialties that form an essential part of the country’s culinary heritage.

Bangladesh seafood cuisine is rich, pungent, and traditional. Ranging from the mild Hilsa curries to the pungent flavor of dried fish stir-fries, each food is imbued with culture and heritage. Mild or spicy, rich gravies, there is something for all seafood lovers in Bangladeshi cuisine.

Thus, if at any time in the future you get a chance to visit Bangladesh or wish to try its flavors at home, these 10 classic seafood meals to try are on your ‘to-do list.’ Enjoy the authentic flavor and experience the zest of Bangladeshi culinary culture!

Among these, what have you tried, or among these which of these you impatiently wait to try?

Farhana Islam
Agriculturist, Researcher
Fisheries Resource Management, CVASU