Two Indian favourites make TasteAtlas’ World’s 100 Most Iconic Seafood Dishes list

TasteAtlas, a culinary guide website, has released its world rankings of the 100 most iconic seafood dishes. India has earned two notable positions, with Chingri Malai Curry from West Bengal at #63 and Karimeen Pollichathu from Kerala at #94. Chingri Malai Curry, a popular Bengali dish, features prawns cooked in a creamy coconut milk sauce with aromatic whole spices and a touch of spice.

Chef Virender Singh Rai, Executive Chef at Tikitii Goa, explains that the dish's success lies in its simplicity, where the natural sweetness of prawns harmonizes beautifully with the richness of the coconut milk and a moderate spice level. Chef Sadaf Hussain highlights the historical connection between Bengal and Southeast Asia, noting that trade routes, colonial encounters, and cultural exchanges facilitated the exchange of culinary influences between the two regions.

Meanwhile, Karimeen Pollichathu, a traditional Kerala dish, showcases the region's seafood prowess. Fresh Karimeen (pearl spot fish) is marinated in a spiced, aromatic paste, wrapped in a banana leaf, and traditionally pan-fried or cooked until tender. The leaf imparts an earthy aroma, while the banana leaf ensures the fish stays moist, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Chef Rai emphasizes that the balance between the fish's freshness and the warm, deep, and slightly spicy masala is what makes the dish truly representative of Kerala's traditional seafood cuisine. Some other seafood dishes featured on TasteAtlas' list include Conchitas a la Parmesana, Tacos Gobernador, Oto Nigiri Sushi, and Kalamar Tava.