When people order Bangladeshi food, they often pick a curry and rice. But there are many small dishes that make the meal even better. These side meals may look simple, but they are packed with flavour. In many Bangladeshi homes, the side dishes are just as important as the main meal.
The best-tasting Bangladeshi small side meals are made with everyday ingredients like potatoes, lentils, aubergines, onions and fresh chillies. Many recipes also use mustard oil, which gives Bengali food its well-known taste.
These small dishes can be mashed, fried or lightly cooked with spices. Some are served with rice, while others are enjoyed as a snack with a cup of tea. If you want to try traditional Bengali side dishes, these are a great place to start.
What Makes Bangladeshi Small Side Meals So Special?
Bangladeshi side dishes are made to add more taste to your meal. Instead of eating only one curry, people often enjoy two or three small dishes together. Every dish brings something different to the table.
Flavours That Work Together
Bengali food mixes different flavours in a simple way. You might taste a little spice, a little smokiness and a little tanginess in the same bite.
Most recipes use fresh onions, green chillies, coriander, garlic and mustard oil. These ingredients are easy to find, but together they create a taste that stands out.
That is why many people searching for authentic Bangladeshi small plates enjoy family-run Bangladeshi restaurants.
Small Side Meals and Curries Are Different
A curry is usually the main dish. Side meals are there to add more flavour and variety.
For example, you might eat rice with chicken curry, a spoon of aloo bhorta, some lentils and a crispy snack on the side. Mixing these dishes together is how many Bangladeshi families enjoy their meals.
Some side dishes are also great on their own. Shingara, piyaju and beguni are popular snacks that people often eat in the afternoon or with tea.
Common Ingredients You'll See
Many Bangladeshi side dishes use the same fresh ingredients.
Potatoes are used in mashed dishes and fried sides. Aubergines are roasted or fried for a soft, smoky taste. Lentils make meals filling and add protein. Fresh green chillies give a little heat, while mustard oil adds a strong flavour that many Bengali people love.
Some dishes also use fish or dried fish, especially in coastal areas of Bangladesh.
These simple ingredients are the reason Bangladeshi food tastes so different from many other South Asian dishes.
Best Tasting Bangladeshi Bhorta Dishes
If you ask a Bangladeshi person about their favourite side dish, there is a good chance they will say bhorta. Bhorta means mashed food mixed with onions, green chillies, mustard oil and simple spices. It is easy to make, but it has plenty of flavour.
Aloo Bhorta (Mashed Potato)
Aloo bhorta is one of the most loved dishes in Bangladesh. It is made with boiled potatoes, chopped onions, green chillies, mustard oil and a little salt.
It is soft, slightly spicy and goes well with steamed rice and dal. Many people also enjoy it with fried fish or an egg. If you are trying Bengali food for the first time, this is a safe and tasty choice.
Begun Bhorta (Mashed Aubergine)
Begun bhorta is made by roasting an aubergine until the skin is burnt. The soft inside is then mixed with onions, chillies and mustard oil.
The roasted aubergine gives the dish a smoky taste. It is a great choice if you do not eat meat and want to try something different.
Shutki Bhorta (Dried Fish Mash)
Shutki bhorta is made with dried fish. It has a much stronger smell and taste than fresh fish, so it is not for everyone.
People from coastal parts of Bangladesh have enjoyed this dish for many years. If you like seafood with bold flavours, you may enjoy shutki bhorta. If you are trying Bangladeshi food for the first time, you might want to start with aloo or begun bhorta before trying this one.
Other Bhorta Dishes Worth Trying
There are many kinds of bhorta, so you can try something new every time you order.
Egg bhorta is made with boiled eggs and spices. Tomato bhorta has a slightly sweet and tangy taste. Dal bhorta is made with mashed lentils and is very filling. Some restaurants also make bhorta with pumpkin, beans or other vegetables when they are in season.
Crispy Bangladeshi Snacks and Small Plates
Not every Bangladeshi side dish is mashed. Some of the most popular ones are crispy snacks that are perfect before your main meal or with a cup of tea.
Shingara
Shingara looks like a samosa, but there are a few differences. It usually has a thinner pastry and a crispier bite.
Inside, you will often find potatoes, peas and mild spices. Many people eat shingara with tamarind or mint chutney. It is one of the best Bangladeshi starters UK restaurants serve.
Piyaju
Piyaju is a crispy fritter made with lentils, onions and spices.
The outside is crunchy, while the inside stays soft. It is a favourite snack during Ramadan, but people enjoy it all year round. If you like onion bhajis, you will probably enjoy piyaju too.
Beguni
Beguni is made by dipping thin slices of aubergine in a spiced batter before frying them.
It is crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. Many people eat beguni with rice and dal, but it also makes a tasty starter on its own.
Chotpoti and Fuchka
If you enjoy street food, these two dishes are worth trying.
Chotpoti is made with chickpeas, potatoes, boiled eggs, onions and a tangy sauce. It has a mix of sweet, spicy and sour flavours.
Fuchka is made with small crispy shells filled with mashed potatoes, chickpeas and spicy tamarind water. Every bite is crunchy and packed with flavour.
These dishes are becoming easier to find in Bangladeshi restaurants across the UK, and they are a fun way to try something different from the usual curry.
Best Bangladeshi Vegetarian Small Side Meals
You do not need to order meat to enjoy Bangladeshi food. Many of the most popular side dishes are made with vegetables and lentils. They are simple, tasty and go well with almost any meal.
Dal Dishes
Dal is made from lentils and is eaten in almost every Bangladeshi home. It is cooked with onions, garlic, turmeric and a few simple spices.
A bowl of dal goes well with rice, bhorta or vegetable dishes. It is also a good source of protein, so it helps make your meal more filling.
Vegetable Bhaji
Bhaji means vegetables cooked with spices.
Some popular choices are aloo bhaji (potato), bean bhaji, pumpkin bhaji and mixed vegetable bhaji. These dishes are light, easy to eat and full of flavour without being too spicy.
If you want a healthy side with your takeaway, a vegetable bhaji is always a good choice.
Why People in the UK Like These Dishes
More people in the UK are choosing vegetarian meals than ever before. Bangladeshi restaurants have plenty of options because vegetables have always been an important part of Bengali cooking.
If you are new to Bengali food, start with aloo bhorta, begun bhorta or dal. They are easy to enjoy and go well with almost every curry.
Best Bangladeshi Small Meals to Order at UK Restaurants
Not sure what to order? Start with a few simple side dishes and build your meal from there.
Good Choices for First-Time Customers
If this is your first time trying Bangladeshi food, these dishes are great places to start:
- Aloo Bhorta
- Shingara
- Beguni
- Piyaju
They are easy to enjoy and give you a good idea of what traditional Bengali side dishes taste like.
If You Want to Try Something Different
Once you know the basics, you can try stronger flavours.
Shutki bhorta is a popular choice if you enjoy seafood. Some restaurants also serve fish side dishes and recipes from different parts of Bangladesh that you may not find in a normal curry house.
Meals That Go Well Together
One of the best ways to enjoy Bengali food is to mix different dishes.
You could order steamed rice with aloo bhorta and dal for a simple meal. Shingara and piyaju go well with paratha or chutney. Mixing soft, crispy and spicy dishes together gives you a better idea of how Bangladeshi families eat at home.
How to Choose the Right Bangladeshi Side Meal for Your Taste
Think about the food you already enjoy.
If you like mild food, choose aloo bhorta or dal. If you enjoy smoky flavours, try begun bhorta. If you like crispy snacks, order shingara or piyaju. If you enjoy strong seafood flavours, give shutki bhorta a try.
A good tip is to order two or three side dishes instead of only one. You can share them with family or friends and try more flavours in one meal.
Where to Find Bangladeshi Small Side Meals in the UK
You can find great Bangladeshi food in many parts of the UK, especially in London. Brick Lane and East London are well known for their Bangladeshi restaurants, many of which are run by families who have been cooking Bengali food for years.
If you would rather eat at home, you can order food online through ChefOnline. It is an easy way to find local Bangladeshi restaurants and order everything from bhorta and bhaji to shingara, beguni and your favourite curry in one place.
The next time you order Bangladeshi food, add a couple of side dishes to your basket. You may find that they become your favourite part of the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tasting Bangladeshi small side meals?
Some of the most popular choices are aloo bhorta, begun bhorta, shingara, piyaju, beguni, dal and chotpoti.
Which Bangladeshi side dishes are vegetarian?
Aloo bhorta, begun bhorta, tomato bhorta, dal, vegetable bhaji and beguni are all vegetarian.
Are Bangladeshi side dishes spicy?
Some are mild, and some are spicy. If you are unsure, ask the restaurant for a mild version.
What is bhorta?
Bhorta is a mashed side dish made with vegetables, eggs or fish mixed with onions, green chillies and mustard oil.
Where can I order Bangladeshi food online in the UK?
ChefOnline lets you order Bangladeshi food online from local restaurants across the UK.
