Celebrate the Queen of the River, Hilsa aka Ilish, at these food festivals that will leave your tastebuds begging for more. Achari, Tel, Cutlet, Shorshe Ilish – we found them all.
Love Maach Bhaath? Here are the Best Places to Get Your Hilsa Fix this Monsoon
Ten-Second Takeaway
Sundarbans Hilsa Festival
Tour the Sundarabans this Monsoon and get up close and personal with Hilsa in its natural habitat. The tour starts in Kolkata and takes you along the scenic river routes and of course they lay out elaborate Hilsa lunches. Fresh fish straight from the river makes for awesome lunch and all the Hilsa fix you need.
When: Every Friday of July and August
Where: Sundarbans
Time: 2 nights and 3 days
Pocket Pinch for Two: INR 1000+
6 Ballygunge Place
The masterchefs of 6BP are set to once again make magic with Ilish this year at their Hilsa festival. On the menu are Ilish Machher Cutlet, Achari Ilish Kumror Doga Diye and the innovative Anaras Ilish. They also have Ilish thalis which come complete with Ilish macher tel, Ilish macher dim bhaja, Chachra and Bhapa Ilish. The ultimate fish-ey happiness!
When: Aug 2 to Aug 17
Where: All outlets of 6BP
Time: 12.30 pm – 3.30 pm for lunch and 7 pm – 10.30 pm for dinner
Pocket Pinch for Two: INR 1000+
Kasturi
Right through the year Kasturi serves up some delectable Hilsa creations which taste even better in the monsoon when Hilsa is in season. We love the Smoked Boneless Hilsa, and the interesting Hilsa Dhakai Korma, and the traditional Bhaapa Shorshe Hilsa. They also have a Hilsa biryani served on occasion which is worth giving them a call for.
Where: Marquis Street, New Market area.
Anil Maitra Road.
Time: 12:30 PM to 11 PM
Pocket Pinch for Two: INR 500+
Oh! Calcutta
Known for some of the most delicious Bengali food in Kolkata, Oh! Calcutta serves a Mochar Hilsa in banana leaf which will literally melt in your mouth. The Smoked Hilsa, a dish adapted from the British Raj, is served with fries and vegetables. For all the mango-lovers out there, the Aam Aachar Ilish is a must-try. Get your hands dirty and really enjoy a heavenly ‘Bangali’ lunch.
Where: Forum Mall
Time: 12.15 pm – 3.30 pm for lunch and 7 pm – 11 pm for dinner
Pocket Pinch for Two: INR 2000+
Bhojohori Manna
Ilish Pathuri, Smoked Hilsa, Steamed Mustard Hilsa… try the classics at one of the oldest and most renowned Bengali restaurants in the city. The steamed dish comes in a divine gravy of mustard paste and mustard oil. Also check out their special Hilsa fish head preparations for an authentic feel of Bangaliyana.
Where: Ekdalia Road
Salt Lake
Hindustan Road
Time: Noon – 10:30 pm for dinner
Pocket Pinch for Two: INR 600+
#LBBTip
Be prepared to get your hands messy while eating!