Bengali food a must to taste

Food is an important part of all festivals and more so, for Bengalis during the recent Durga Puja. In fact, they have three important elements at every pandal — the Devi Protima (the idol of goddess Durga), the stage for cultural programmes, and the food stalls.

For foodies, who've missed it at the pandals, they can still sample it a Bengali restaurant in the city. And these are dishes that you specifically need to ask for during this festive season:

This is not something that you get at the stalls, but it is a very important part of Durga Puja. Bhog is usually the anna prasad offered to the goddess. While it used to be khichdi earlier, over the years, variations have been added and now different kinds of rice and vegetables comprise the bhog.

This is perhaps one of the most famous elements of traditional street food fare and the most popular one too. Kathi rolls are kathi kebabs rolled in layered paratha. The dough is kneaded into a rope and then flatted with a rolling pin to make a paratha that is later stuffed with kebabs of mutton or chicken. They are also available in vegetarian and egg varieties.

Biryani is another specialty that is quite popular during this fest. This style of biryani has evolved from the Lucknowi style and is low on spices and light, so it may come across as a little bland.

What is a Bengali fare without some mishti (sweets)? Every pandal will have at least one sweet shop serving up delicacies, right from rasogollas to mishti doi to sandesh (milkcake). While the health-conscious might steer clear from such high-calorie offerings, these sweets are best enjoyed during the festival.

This is another popular street food that is offered at many of the pandals. While the aloo (potato) chops are the most popular, the macher (fish) chop comes a close second and is served with mustard sauce.