Kolkata's hilsa: tracing the fish from river to plate

Kolkata's iconic hilsa fish has long been a subject of culinary fascination, with connoisseurs claiming they could distinguish the taste based on the river stretch it came from. The question of whether Ganga hilsa differs from Padma hilsa remains a point of debate among enthusiasts.

Markets in Kolkata now carry hilsa from various sources, including fish from Gujarat, raising questions about authenticity and taste. The journey of hilsa from ocean to river to plate reveals the interplay between ecology, local appetite, and inherited cultural preferences that have shaped the city's relationship with this prized fish.