Bengali food culture is one of the most diverse culinary disciplines in the world. Even though it has gone through several evolutions, its core culture remains intact. Bengalis are famous for celebrating their unique appetite through a selection of dishes, ranging from sweet to spicy infusions. It’s an excellent genre to try out if you want to broaden your culinary perspectives.

The best way to learn about a new culture is by tasting the food that they have to offer. It explains a lot about a nation’s heritage, from their preferred ingredients to their staple dishes.

If you’re looking for a new addition to your palate, here are three reasons you should try out Bengali cuisine:

Instead of eating on plates or bowls, you’ll find yourself embracing the culture by dining in the traditional method that Bengalis observe. Don’t be surprised if you receive a huge leaf in place of a plate. The kolapata has its roots dating back before brass, copper or metal became famous for serving meals. The banana leaf is useful not just in celebrating specific Bengali dishes but also serves as a durable and biodegradable plating to serve food on.

Before you eat your meal, you must first wash your hands and be seated on an ashon. The handwoven mat is laid on the floor so you’ll have to learn to eat on the floor. You’ll then receive a brass glass as part of their custom. Although most restaurants aren’t as strict with these rules, their dining etiquette is a testament to how meals are treated as important rituals.

Bengalis believe that it’s best to enjoy food from your hands. It’s an enlightening experience that allows you to experience the complete texture and flavour of every dish. By utilising your tactile senses, you form an intimate bond with the Bengali cuisine.

Although there are separate serving spoons per dish, you are encouraged to use your hands when eating. Generally, Bengalis prefer eating with the right hand as is the tradition since eating with the left is considered offensive. It’s best to remember this eating etiquette when you’re eating at a Bengali restaurant.

A traditional Bengali lunch consists of a whopping seven-course meal. Each section contains a unique arrangement of ingredients that are sure to wake up your taste buds. The first course is Shukto, which includes a mix of fresh vegetables with light spices. Next comes a unique blend of rice, lentils and vegetable-based curry. Afterwards, you’ll receive another helping of rice but this time, with fish-based curry. The fourth course wraps up your rice meals with a meat-based curry.

Next comes a shift in flavour from spicy to sweet with delicacies like Rasagulla and Sandesh. The sixth course adds up to the previous one with more sweet confections like the Mishti Doi. Finally, the seventh course is a serving of Paan for dessert.

It’s a generous compliment to finish your food in a Bengali household. It’s a gesture of respecting the cook’s culinary skills. Table conversations are a crucial part of Bengali meals, with discussions ranging from sports to politics. This makes every meal rich in both mind and body.

Knowing the different cultures of diverse culinary disciplines give you a greater understanding of its culture and historical roots. Being informed about Bengali cuisine will make you realise how unique an experience you can have from simply having a taste of their dishes.

You should eat dishes from different cultures at reputable establishments to ensure that you’re tasting a cuisine’s true flavours. If you want to dine in the best Indian restaurant near London bridge, book a reservation with us today at Tower Tandoori!