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

TasteAtlas, a culinary guide website, recently released its list of the World's 100 Most Iconic Seafood Dishes, and India is represented twice on this list. The first dish is Chingri Malai Curry from West Bengal, which holds the 63rd spot. Chef Virender Singh Rai, an executive chef at Tikitii Goa, explains that this curry's success lies in its simplicity - the perfect blend of creamy coconut milk, aromatic whole spices, and succulent prawns.

The natural sweetness of the prawns harmonizes with the richness of coconut milk, while a moderate amount of spice ties everything together.

Chef Sadaf Hussain points out that the historical connections between Bengal and Southeast Asia have long facilitated culinary exchanges. Unlike Malaysian and Singaporean cuisines, which incorporate lemongrass and galangal, Bengali versions rely on spices and ingredients that are more characteristic of the region.

Another Indian dish on the list, Karimeen Pollichathu from Kerala, ranks at 94. This traditional Kerala delicacy involves fresh pearl spot fish marinated in a spicy masala paste, wrapped in a banana leaf, and pan-fried until tender. Chef Rai notes that the banana leaf imparts an earthy aroma and ensures the fish stays moist, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

The balance between the fresh fish and the warm, deep, and subtly spicy masala makes Karimeen Pollichathu a truly authentic representation of Kerala's seafood cuisine.