Let’s admit it: when we mention being hungry, tired and in no mood to cook, it becomes too tempting to just grab the smartphone and Google “takeaway close to me.” Scrolling until an appealing option appears is pretty much inevitable.
By now, you must have at least one preferred Indian takeaway you order from. A very good contestant could be butter chicken or even fiery vindaloo, not forgetting a delicious crispy samosa as well. Whether you lean towards one side or the other, Bengali food is an option worth trying.
If you're planning to order food for a Friday night in, or even if it's just a fun, spontaneous craving, this guide is intended to showcase some incredible Bengali cuisines that you really need to give a chance.
So, What’s So Special About Bengali Food?
Firstly, it is worth noting that Bengali cuisine originates from the eastern regions of India, including West Bengal, as well as Bangladesh. The most important characteristic to note is that “it is all about flavour.” Bengali cuisine is renowned for its distinctive culinary characteristics. Instead of focusing on spice for its own sake, Bengali cuisine ensures it has bold, rich, and satisfying dishes.
Rice, fish, lentils, and not forgetting mustard (**you will notice a lot of mustard oil and mustard seeds as well**), are just a handful of staples in Bengali which serve as base ingredients. The food has an extraordinary blend of being warm and comforting, while even tasting better after sitting in the fridge for a night. Realistically speaking, though, leftovers seldom stay for long.
Best Takeaway Bengali Foods
For your next binge, we highly recommend checking out Bengali restaurants. Browse through takeaways near me and discover what's intriguing in terms of Bengali cuisine.
1. Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa Fish in Mustard Sauce)
You can call it ilish, and it's still going to be a household name. If you’re a fish fan, this one is for you. It’s quite a traditional dish. Hilsa is one of Bengalis' favourites and is usually prepared in houses with a rich sauce of mustard and chilli paste, which is stored as a gourmet, so to speak. Bold, tangy, and flavour-packed - That’s gold.
But as a heads up, ilish is notorious for its bones, ilish lovers, and a few fanatics will still say it’s worth the effort.
2. Chingri Malai Curry (Prawns in Coconut Gravy)
This one's a proper treat. Juicy prawns in a smooth coconut-based curry, with just enough spice to make it enjoyable. Chingri malai curry, which is well complemented by rice, is served with a soft base and its warming and creamy flavour provides the house flavour.
3. Kosha Mangsho (Slow-Cooked Mutton Curry)
Prepare yourself for a flavourful experience with the rich, dark spiced gravy, infused with tender chunks of soft mutton. Comfort food at its finest, Kosha mangsho surely packs a punch.
This dish is best enjoyed with luchi—a fluffy and deep-fried bread like puri.
4. Begun Bharta (Mashed Aubergine with Mustard Oil)
This dish is guaranteed to surprise you. Smoked aubergine, raw onions, mustard oil, and green chilli all come together to create an addictive masterpiece known as begun bharta.
Even if aubergine isn't your thing, this dish might just change your mind.
5. Roshogolla & Mishti Doi (Sweet Tooth Heaven)
Are you still hungry for dessert? Roshogolla is a must-try Bengali dish. They are soft cheese balls soaked in syrup that melt in your mouth.
Bengali cuisine is incomplete without these staples, to say the least.
How to Find Bengali Food When You're Ordering Online:
Delivery apps never seem to have good Bengali takeaways compared to your local curry houses. However, there is a way to spot the best Bengali food online easily, and it is very simple:
Get specific: Looking for Indian food? Type in "Bengali mutton curry near me" or “shorshe ilish online” and order away.
Look for ilish, doi maach (fish in yoghurt curry) or misit doi on the specialisation section of their menu. If you see that on their menu, rest assured, you are in good hands. You’ve certainly scored big when locals remark on kosha mangsho, saying it tastes “like home”. Check the reviews.
Also, keep in mind that many top Bengali places are family-owned. They may not have glitzy websites or massive social media followings, but their food is incomparable.
Make Your Next Takeaway a Bengali One
We understand that it's easy to fall into a rut where you order the same meal from the same restaurant. However, the next time you're scrolling through ‘takeaways near me’, we recommend trying something different.
To add to your list of favourites, Bengali dishes are sure to awe you with their depth of flavour, sitting deep within the definition of “cuisine” as they infuse warmth and love, making them unforgettable.
So, don't stop; chow down on that kosha mangsho, get the chingri malai curry, and make sure to leave some space for mishti doi. You will not regret it.
FAQ: Your Bengali Takeaway Questions Addressed
1. Is Bengali food excessively spicy?
Not for all the dishes. For others, they might pack a little punch, but focus primarily on fire rather than flavour. In Bengali cuisine, balance is a must—mustard, ginger, and chilli, with some sweetness added sometimes.
2. Are there veggie Bengali takeaway options?
Absolutely! This set of Veggies, like shukto (a veggie soup) and begun bharta, along with chana dal, are staples. This is the reason why many Bengali households incorporate these into their meal plans.
3. Where can I find Bengali takeaway near me in the UK?
Try scouting regions that are home to bigger South Asian populations: For example, ‘Bengali restaurant’ in Google or on your go-to food delivery app. From there, East London, Birmingham, and Manchester will serve you your fill.
If you want to spice things up on a typical Friday night, try Bengali cuisine. It’s flavorful, comforting, and will soon become your favourite takeaway food option.
