Top 5 Quintessentially Bengali Restaurants In Kolkata To Satiate Your Ilish Cravings
A foodie's guide to Kolkata's monsoon favorite Hilsa delicacies and the dining destinations where you can find them
20 Jul, 2024 by Gargi Bisht
In Kolkata, monsoon and Ilish are two sides of a single coin; you can’t have one without the other. When the rain clouds gather, they bring the season of Ilish (Hilsa in English), an indigenous variety of herring that is every Bengali’s favorite fish. Hilsa is an integral part of Kolkata's culinary heritage. Not only is it the staple diet, but also an indispensable legacy that marks every important occasion in a true blue Bengali's life from ceremonies related to marriage, birth, death, and everything in between. Whether you love the aromatic flavors of Ilish Bhapa or the zingy piquance of Shorshe Ilish, the finest restaurants of Kolkata are all set to serve you the season’s best catch. So, join us as we take you on a gastronomic journey to explore and savor some of the best Hilsa dishes at the top restaurants in Kolkata to make the most of what the season has to offer.
Sonar Tori, City Centre 1, Sector 1, Salt Lake
One of the best Bengali restaurants in Kolkata, Sonar Tori is the very epitome of Bengali culture. With expertise in authentic Bengali cuisine, this epicurean destination is known for bringing quintessential recipes from Bengali households to their glossy gilded tables. Like in many Kolkata restaurants, the culinary influences of Bangladesh somehow seeps into the menu of Sonar Tori as well. Their much-awaited 'Ilish er Ullash' Hilsa Festival menu goes live tomorrow (20th July) and features a bounty of monsoon special Hilsa renditions highlighting the versatility and richness of Bengali heritage.
Must Haves: Borishali Ilish, Bhapa Ilish, Ilish Macher Dimer Bora, Mawa Ghat Ilisher Bhorta, lish Panikhola, Kancha Lonka Ilish, Pur Bhora Bhetki, and Daber Shondesh.
Cost for two: ₹ 1200
6 Ballygunge Place, Ballygunge, Kolkata
A charming and one-of-a-kind restaurant, 6 Ballygunge Place gives you exactly what it promises, a homely and wholesome Bengali dining experience. The menu of 6 Ballygunge Place is a culinary celebration of Bengal and offers all of the classics of the cuisine. With an extensive curation replete with Hilsa delicacies, this restaurant in Kolkata is a dream come true for every true blue fan of 'Ilish Maach'.
Must Haves: Hilsa Cutlet, Bhapa Ilish (Steamed Hilsa in Mustard Gravy), Ilish Bhaja (Marinated Fried Hilsa), Kosha Mangsho (Mutton Curry), Daab Chingri (Prawns Cooked in Coconut Shell), and Bhapa Doi (Steamed Yogurt Pudding).
Cost for two: ₹ 1000
Oh! Calcutta, Silver Spring Arcade, Science City Area
One of the most renowned Bengali restaurants in Kolkata and all across India, Oh! Calcutta is prominent for serving nostalgic flavors of Calcutta. The décor of the place is simple yet elegant and the service is also great. When it comes to food, you can trust Oh! Calcutta to roll out the most authentic Bengali delicacies dripping with traditional flavors. In the true style of a quintessential Bangla restaurant, during the Monsoon season, Oh! Calcutta curates an exemplary lineup of various Hilsa-based dishes from boneless to smoked and traditional to innovative with a modern flair, this stellar venue has it all!
Must-haves: Ilish Fish Finger, Smoked Hilsa, Mochar Ilish, Ilish Bhaja, Cholar Daal, Kosha Mangsho, and Betki Fish.
Cost for two: Rs 1500
Aaheli, Peerless Hotel Kolkata
One of the best restaurants in Kolkata, Aaheli offers tasteful decor and comfortable seating and provides a delightful dining experience. The ambiance is a fusion of modernity and traditional elements, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Aaheli's Hilsa specials are the epitome of Bengali authenticity. Their signature offering 'Dhumrogondhi Ilish' (a boneless fillet of hilsa with ground mustard) is a showstopper dish that has a delectable smoky flavor to it. Their crispy Hilsa cutlets are a foodie-favorite preparation here as are the rice pancakes (Patishapta) that feature a luscious Hilsa filling.
Must-haves: Dhumrogondhi Ilish, Shorshe Ilish, Borishali Ilish, Kumro Patay Ilish Mora, Bhetki Paturi Roll, Jhuri Aloo Bhaja, Kolkatar Kosha Mangsho, Murshidabad Mangsher Pulao.
Cost for two: ₹ 1600
Gondhoraj, Sector 1, Salt Lake
With a myriad of different Hilsa recipes on its menu, Gondhoraj is one of the best Bengali restaurants in Kolkata you should head to this monsoon. Their signature Eilish Tel Jhol is a wholesome house specialty that takes you back to the good old days. Featuring a rich, spicy mustard oil sauce clung to the tender pieces of Hilsa fish, this is a lip-smacking delicacy that is as vibrant as the monsoon rains.
Must-haves: Boneless Eilish Bhapa, Doi Elish, Eilish Paturi, Ilish Beguner Jhol, Eilish Bhaja, and Mangshor Chop.
Cost for two: ₹ 1000
Written By
Gargi Bisht is an event copywriter/conceptualizer turned writer currently working with EazyDiner Pvt. Ltd. Compulsive eater, book hoarder, dog lover and pop culture enthusiast with an innate love for storytelling. Usually the quietest person in the room, Gargi is an introvert who loves her own company. When not eating, can be found in front of her laptop watching movies. Knows a thing or two about art and literature.
