This Bengali seafood classic just made it to world's best prawn dishes
TasteAtlas has revealed its list of the world's best shrimp and prawn dishes, and one beloved Bengali classic has swum its way onto the global ranking.
Every time a new global food ranking drops, there's a good chance an Indian dish has made the cut. It's true, Indian food is finding new fans around the world. The fun part is seeing which regional favourite everyone is talking about this time.
The excitement feels a little more special when the recognition goes beyond the familiar crowd-pleasers and shines a light on regional gems locals have cherished for years.
This time, the spotlight is on Bengal's seafood. It's aromatic, rich in spices and absolutely flavourful.
International food and travel guide TasteAtlas has released its ranking of the world's Best Shrimp and Prawn Dishes, and one Bengali classic has secured a spot among the top dishes across the globe.
Bengali dish makes it to global list
West Bengal's Chingri malai curry clinched the 11th spot in the global ranking, which features over 80 dishes. It is also the only Indian dish on the list.
When it comes to Bengal and non-vegetarian food, seafood is a staple in almost every home. And among the many fish and seafood dishes that grace Bengali tables, few enjoy the kind of star status that Chingri malai curry does.
The dish is a scrumptious combination of prawns simmered in a rich, creamy coconut milk gravy, flavoured with aromatics and spices that strike a delicate balance between sweet, savoury and mildly spicy. TasteAtlas describes it as a "traditional Bengali curry made with prawns cooked in coconut milk, often enriched with garam masala and mustard oil before being served with rice."
In Bengal, it is often served during celebratory occasions such as the Bengali New Year and weddings, and now also makes for a perfect lazy Sunday brunch.
While the dish is immensely popular, there isn't one definitive tale that explains exactly how it came into existence. If local lore is to be believed, some trace its origins to maritime trade links with Southeast Asia. The word "malai" is believed to have evolved from Malay influence, and the use of coconut milk in the dish points to culinary exchanges that took place through trade routes connecting Bengal with present-day Malaysia and neighbouring regions.
And Bengal is not the only place known for its prawn curry. The western coastal belt — Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala and other regions — also offers delectable prawn curry and rice combinations. Here, the curries tend to be a bit tangier and spicier.
The list features a variety of shrimp and prawn dishes from across the globe. Claiming the top spot is Tacos Gobernador, a Mexican seafood favourite that combines shrimp with cheese and tortillas. It is followed by Camarones al Mojo de Ajo, another Mexican classic featuring shrimp sauted in butter with plenty of garlic, chilli and spices.
The third position goes to Spain's Gambas al Ajillo, a popular tapas dish of shrimp cooked in garlic-infused olive oil. Close behind is Gambas a la Plancha, another Spanish favourite where whole shrimp are simply seasoned with salt and quickly grilled to let their natural flavours shine. Rounding out the top-ranked dishes is Bobo de Camaro, a beloved speciality from Brazil's Bahia region, made with shrimp simmered in a rich, creamy pure of cassava and coconut milk.
Every time a new global food ranking drops, there's a good chance an Indian dish has made the cut. It's true, Indian food is finding new fans around the world. The fun part is seeing which regional favourite everyone is talking about this time.
The excitement feels a little more special when the recognition goes beyond the familiar crowd-pleasers and shines a light on regional gems locals have cherished for years.
This time, the spotlight is on Bengal's seafood. It's aromatic, rich in spices and absolutely flavourful.
International food and travel guide TasteAtlas has released its ranking of the world's Best Shrimp and Prawn Dishes, and one Bengali classic has secured a spot among the top dishes across the globe.
Bengali dish makes it to global list
West Bengal's Chingri malai curry clinched the 11th spot in the global ranking, which features over 80 dishes. It is also the only Indian dish on the list.
When it comes to Bengal and non-vegetarian food, seafood is a staple in almost every home. And among the many fish and seafood dishes that grace Bengali tables, few enjoy the kind of star status that Chingri malai curry does.
The dish is a scrumptious combination of prawns simmered in a rich, creamy coconut milk gravy, flavoured with aromatics and spices that strike a delicate balance between sweet, savoury and mildly spicy. TasteAtlas describes it as a "traditional Bengali curry made with prawns cooked in coconut milk, often enriched with garam masala and mustard oil before being served with rice."
In Bengal, it is often served during celebratory occasions such as the Bengali New Year and weddings, and now also makes for a perfect lazy Sunday brunch.
While the dish is immensely popular, there isn't one definitive tale that explains exactly how it came into existence. If local lore is to be believed, some trace its origins to maritime trade links with Southeast Asia. The word "malai" is believed to have evolved from Malay influence, and the use of coconut milk in the dish points to culinary exchanges that took place through trade routes connecting Bengal with present-day Malaysia and neighbouring regions.
And Bengal is not the only place known for its prawn curry. The western coastal belt — Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala and other regions — also offers delectable prawn curry and rice combinations. Here, the curries tend to be a bit tangier and spicier.
The list features a variety of shrimp and prawn dishes from across the globe. Claiming the top spot is Tacos Gobernador, a Mexican seafood favourite that combines shrimp with cheese and tortillas. It is followed by Camarones al Mojo de Ajo, another Mexican classic featuring shrimp sauted in butter with plenty of garlic, chilli and spices.
The third position goes to Spain's Gambas al Ajillo, a popular tapas dish of shrimp cooked in garlic-infused olive oil. Close behind is Gambas a la Plancha, another Spanish favourite where whole shrimp are simply seasoned with salt and quickly grilled to let their natural flavours shine. Rounding out the top-ranked dishes is Bobo de Camaro, a beloved speciality from Brazil's Bahia region, made with shrimp simmered in a rich, creamy pure of cassava and coconut milk.
