The winner of the lot — Meghna Majhider Ilish is a fusion that works beautifully. The sweet flavour of coconut milk coupled with the aroma of curry powder makes this dish fragrant. With boneless hilsa in it, the curry stands out for its well-balanced flavours. Rs 925
What: River Water Hilsa Festival
Where: Oh! Calcutta, 3rd floor, Silver Spring Arcade and 4th floor, Forum mall
Timings: Noon to 3.30pm and 7pm to 11pm
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,600-plus for two
What’s monsoon without hilsa? The robust aroma of the queen of fish when had with rice is what a perfect Bengali lunch looks like. With monsoon on in full swing, it’s raining hilsa at Oh! Calcutta.
With traditional as well as fusion hilsa dishes, the festival has a total of 11 options, both with and without bones.
“There were a lot of trials that happened before creating the menu. We haven’t experimented much since hilsa has such a strong flavour. We will try and continue the festival till Durga Puja depending on the quality of fish available,” said Debashish Ghosh, general manager, Speciality Restaurants.
Mochar Ilish
Hilsa deboned and mixed with mocha or banana flower, with a hint of spices makes this dish one of the top picks. Have it with steamed rice and moong dal and relish the flavours.
Rs 925
Lal Lonkar Ilish
Made with pickled mountain chillies, the Lal Lonkar Ilish is an unusual hilsa dish. The gravy is spicy with tangy notes. Pair it with steamed rice.
Rs 575
Ilisher Fish Fingers
Crispy and light, these crumb-fried hilsa fingers are the perfect munch on a rainy day. Trying hilsa for the first time? Make your debut with the boneless Ilisher Fish Fingers. Rs 850 (six pieces)
Text: Nandini Ganguly
Pictures: B. Halder
