A Bengali wedding is known for its rich culture and traditions, and one of the best highlights of these Bengali weddings is the food. The Bengali wedding menu is a feast that offers mouth-watering dishes. They offer varied dishes from aromatic biryani to sweet dishes like rosogulla and sandesh. The menus have a variety of traditional dishes which are passed through generations, reflecting the culinary heritage of Bengal. Bengali wedding food is a true tradition that makes every meal an unforgettable experience for guests.
Have a look at these delicious dishes served at Bengali weddings which leave guests delighted. We have curated a selection of all the food from starters to drinks.
Traditional Bengali starters have a variety of dishes which can be both vegetarian or non-vegetarian. These starters are flavorful and delicious wedding meals, making a wonderful experience from the beginning.
☛ Starters
1. Shingara
It is a crispy pastry that is filled with spicy potatoes, peas, and nuts. It is also known as Samosas. It is a Bengali version of samosa smaller than the regular samosa.
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2. Aloo Chop
Aloo chops are spicy mashed potato fritters(pakoras) that are deep-fried until they are crispy brown. It is a famous street food in Bengal. Aloo chop is paired with rice or a hot cup of tea
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3. Beguni
It is a sliced eggplant (brinjal) which is dipped in a gram-flour batter before being fried or deep fried in oil.
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4. Vegetable Pakoras
It is a mixed vegetable fritter which is a crispy and flavorful dish. It has vegetables like onion, potatoes, gram flour spices and herbs. They are also known as pakora or pakura
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5. Phuchka
It is a street food which is also known as golgappa or water balls. They are made with small puris filled with mashed potatoes and spicy water.
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☛ Non-Veg Starters
1. Machh’er Chop
Machh’er chop is a fish pakora made with tender, spiced fish fillets. It is classic Bengali fish croquette
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2. Murg Malai Tikka
It is a creamy marinated chicken pieces that are grilled to perfection.
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3. Chingri Paturi
Chingri Paturi is a Bengali dish where prawns are wrapped in banana leaves and cooked with Bengali spices.
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4. Kakori kebab
Kakori Kebab is a chopped meat kebab that is spiced with traditional Bengali flavors.
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➥ Appetizers and Soups
Appetizerand soups are perfect to warm up your guest’s appetite. These Bengali dishes not only enhance the dining experience but also set a delightful tone for the courses to come.
1. Dhokar Dalna
Dhokar dalna is a savory lentil cake curry that is served with potatoes. It is made from ground yellow split peas seasoned with spices and shallow-fried. These cakes are simmered in spicy tomato gravy which makes it a comforting and flavorful dish.
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2. Shukto
Shukto is a mixed vegetable curry that is slightly bitter, often served as an accompaniment. This dish is flavored with a mix of spices, including panch phoran (a Bengali five-spice blend) and a touch of jaggery for sweetness.
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➥ Main Course
The main course is where Bengali cuisine is undeniably outstanding, there are a variety of Bengali dishes in the main course which are either vegetarian or non-vegetarian.
Veg Main Course
1. Aloo Posto
Potatoes cooked with poppy seeds, a classic Bengali vegetarian dish. This dish balances the rustic flavors of potatoes with nutty poppy seeds, spicy green chilies, and a few savory Bengali spices & seasonings
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2. Cholar Dal
Bengal gram lentils cooked with coconut and ginger, and a blend of spices like cumin, asafoetida and bay leaf. This Bengali dish is a bit sweet and often served with fried rice or luchi.
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3. Potoler Dolma
It is a traditional Bengali dish made of pointed gourd (potol) stuffed with spiced potato.
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4. Echorer Dalna
Echorer dalna is a flavorful Bengali curry made of raw jackfruit (echore). It is a popular vegetarian dish known for its taste and texture and it is often served with rice or chapati.
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Non-Veg Main Course
1. Chingri Malai Curry
In this curry, prawns are simmered in a luxurious coconut milk sauce with added spices such as ginger, garlic, and green chilies. This rich and creamy dish is a favorite in Bengali cuisine.
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2. Kosha Mangsho
The mutton pieces are slow-cooked with a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, garam masala, and asafoetida which results in a rich and thick gravy. The slow cooking process makes the meat tender.
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3. Ilish Macher Paturi
A Bengali biye is incomplete without hilsa fish, it is a star for a wedding meal. Hilsa fish is cooked in a mustard seed paste with green chilies and a hint of turmeric. This dish is a typical Bengali delicacy known for its tangy and spicy flavor profile.
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➥ Rice and Bread
In Bengali weddings, rice and bread (roti) play significant roles in the menu. Here’s a brief overview of how they are typically featured:
1. Basanti Pulao
It is a typical Bengali pulao that is cooked in ghee with dry fruits and rasines. The special feature of this pulao is that it is light yellow in color and sweet in taste.
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2. Basmati Rice
It is a fluffy and fragrant rice that goes well with any curry. It is the foremost choice for a Bengali meal.
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3. Luchi
Luchi is a soft and deep-fried bread that is light and airy. It is served with rice, vegetable curries and gravies.
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4. Paratha
It is a flaky flatbread that can be stuffed with various fillings such as spicy mashed potatoes or it can be enjoyed plain. Parathas are served with spicy gravies or vegetable dishes.
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➥ Side Dishes
Here are some Side dishes that might be featured in a Bengali wedding menu
1. Bengali Chutney
Various types of chutneys are offered in Bengali weddings some of them are Kancha Amer Tok, Narkel Bata, Kasundi and shukto chutney.
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2. Salad
Fresh vegetable salads with a light dressing are served in a Bengali wedding which typically include ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. It provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy main dishes.
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➥ Desserts
Bengali weddings are renowned for their elaborate and delicious desserts. Here are some popular Bengali sweets that might be featured in a wedding menu
1. Rosogulla
Rosogulla is one of the most famous desserts in Bengal, and you can find this dish in every Bengali wedding menu. It is a soft and spongy ball made from chenna and soaked in light sugar syrup flavored with cardamom.
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2. Sandesh
Sandesh also known as sondesh is a delicate sweet Bengali dish made from fresh chenna and flavored with cardamom. It is garnished with pistachios and saffron.
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3. Mishti Doi
It is a sweetened yogurt that is creamy and smooth in texture made by fermenting milk with sugar and often served chilled.
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➥ Drinks
Here are some popular drinks that might be featured in a Bengali wedding menu
1. Mango Lassi
It is a sweet and refreshing yogurt-based drink blended with ripe mangoes. It’s creamy and provides a cool contrast to spicy foods.
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2. Nimbu Pani
A zesty lemon drink with a hint of sugar and spices like black salt and cumin. It’s perfect for cleansing the palate.
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3. Chaas
A cooling buttermilk drink flavored with spices and herbs like cumin and mint. It aids digestion and complements the rich flavors of the meal.
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Conclusion
The Bengali wedding menu involves balancing traditional flavors with the preferences of your guests. From starters to delightful desserts, each dish reflects the rich culinary heritage of Bengal. By offering a diverse range of dishes, including both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, you’ll ensure that your wedding feast is a memorable experience for everyone.
