"I am a Kashmiri married to a Bengali. We had just shifted to Kolkata in 2015. We have been together for 6 years now and it just seems a part and parcel of our life to explore regional delicacies of each other's states. Ilish Macher Jhol was one of the first I wanted to explore here. Finally, one weekend my husband decided to walk me through the food extravaganza and food markets of infamous Kolkata. I was dressed up my best to commence my journey.
We booked a table at a restaurant suggested by our close friends. Super excited we ordered Ilish Macher Jhol along with some hot steamed rice and accompaniments. The smell of mustard mingled with the aroma of a menagerie of spices around. My appetite has increased in manifolds, ever since I stepped into the restaurant. The scenic charm of great food devoured around me by others and the fragrance of mouth-watering dishes had taken away all my focus from the conversation I was engaged in. Eagerly waiting and hungry, my eyes moved from one corner to another looking for a waiter carrying our meal to us. Finally, a waiter seemed to walk towards us and I was so sure that this is it. This is the moment when I will finally taste the Bengali’s divine delicacy. I was almost sure, till the waiter slipped and all the food came splashing on me and my husband, like a thunderstorm of food debris. I really wanted to taste it but looks like the lucky winner was my dress and the table in front of me that day. But, if you guys are still interested in this recipe, then do write to Chef Varun Arora at varun.arora@meyerindia.in“