The Call of the Fish Fry #BlogchatterFoodFest
"Hello, am I speaking to Ms. Reubenna?" a soft, melodious voice asked, with a hint of curiosity. "Yes, that's me," I replied, wondering who was on the other end. There was a brief pause, followed by a gentle sigh and a playful giggle. "This is Ms. Kolkata Fish Fry. I hope I'm not interrupting your dinner plans – or should I say, your fish plans?" I chuckled at the bad pun.
"You're Ms. Fish Fry? As in, the dish?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral. "The one and only authentic Kolkata Fish Fry, dear," she replied, with a chuckle. "Or the Batter Fish Fry, as the Englishmen used to call me – probably because they couldn't pronounce 'Bengali cuisine' correctly."
I raised an eyebrow, amused. "How may I assist you today, Ms. Fish Batter Fry?" I asked politely. The voice on the other end seemed to swell with pride. "Reubenna, dear, I was wondering if you could tell me something. Does Kolkata still love me?" Her voice trembled slightly, and I sensed a deep-seated concern.
"Of course, it does!" I reassured her. "Why would you doubt that? You're still the catch of the day – I mean, the plate." She giggled at my fishing pun.
"Well, with all these momos and pizzas and burgers popping up everywhere, I've been feeling a bit...lost," she said, sounding like a dish with an identity crisis. I understood her anxiety. "Change is inevitable, Ms. Fish Fry," I said. "But classics never go out of style. You're a staple in every Bengali feast, a beloved starter that never fails to impress. Your unique blend of flavors, the crunch of the breadcrumbs...you're the real deal."
The voice on the other end seemed to brighten up. "Really? You think so?" I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. "Absolutely. Bengali restaurants can't imagine a menu without you. Paired perfectly with freshly cut onion rings, crisp cucumber slices, and a side of hot, spicy mustard sauce, you're an unbeatable delight that never fails to impress. You're a part of our heritage, our culture. You're more than just a dish – you're a fin-tastic experience."
The sigh this time was one of relief. "Thank you, Reubenna. You've given me new hope – and a few fishy jokes." I smiled, happy to have reassured her. "You're welcome, Ms. Fish Fry. Kolkata will always cherish you, and I'll make sure to spread the word. You have a fin-credible day, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything else." As I ended the call, I couldn't help but wonder if I'd just imagined the whole conversation – but the warmth in Ms. Fish Fry's voice lingered, leaving me with a sense of delight and a newfound appreciation for the classic dish.
This blog post is a part of #BlogchatterFoodFest
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Mister Tikku
It would be impossible to imagine a Bengali lunch without fish, right? Malayalis love fish too and it's their staple diet. Changing now for various reasons. I'm planning to write a post on Malayali fish curries and fries in this series.
ReplyDeletePlease do, I still haven't got time to read the posts of the series as I am travelling, but I am so eager to learn about various culinary experiences.
DeleteAw this Fish Fry was adorable. Glad you could reassure it of it's place.
ReplyDeleteHaha thank you
DeleteI could literally smell the fish fry as I read this what a mouthwatering, memory-soaked post! I love how you connected food with nostalgia so seamlessly. It reminded me of my fish feasts—greasy fingers, crispy edges, and all. The way you described the sounds and aromas made me feel like I was right there in your kitchen. I also smiled at the little cultural quirks only we know how emotional a fish fry can be! 😂 You’ve got a real knack for storytelling through food. This piece was comfort on a plate. I’m now craving a proper coastal meal, thanks to you.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that it could make you crave for fish
DeleteBut classics never go out of style - so accurate, love this blog!
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteI’m not Bengali, but this made me smile because we Mangalorean Catholics are just as obsessed with our spicy fried fish and rice!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading and glad you could relate.
DeleteI can understand the love for fish fry in coastal regions , its like the love for lassi and dal chawal in North India. Such classics can never go out of fashion.When you described the serving fish fry with onion rings and cucumber slices and that hot mustard sauce, I was drooling.
ReplyDeleteHaha, yes Fish fry is a staple for any occasion in Bengal.
DeleteI went to a Bengali wedding ages back. And I was surprised to see that fish was part of the gifts! It was such a novelty for me.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, Ambica, that is called Tatta in Bengali, both the boy's family and the girl's family send gifts to each other on the morning of the wedding, and fish is an integral part of that gifting ritual.
DeleteI can never imagine the classic Fish Fry being forgotten! Every generation introduced to it will love it! Glad you put it's concerns to rest, Reubenna! Delightful read! Mayuri
ReplyDeleteThank you so much
DeleteWhat an interesting and foodie call! If only our food could talk to us we would revere it more and eat mindfully. Fish fry can never go out of fashion. Curried fish maybe will fade out soon, but fish fry will stay forever.
ReplyDeleteHaha, I feel so too
DeleteIts just amazing how you have interpreted this. I have a Bengali friend and I love to listed to her saga about how she loves fish. Loved reading it
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, I don't have fish, but still cannot say no to this fish batter fry.
DeleteVery cute conversation with the fish-fry I loved reading the jokes and the sensible reassurance.
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteWhat a cute story reminding us that some dishes never go out of style, or fail to satisfy our taste buds.. the fish puns were fin-tastic in my opinion too :D
ReplyDeleteHaha thanks Manali
DeleteDespite being a vegetarian, loved your version of fish fry ..should I say batter fish fry?
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked
DeleteIt's cute. It made me smile through and through. Just a cute little story of a fish and the one who loves it. That's so awesome
ReplyDeleteYes, the Fish Batter Fry
DeleteBangali ami mach khabona tai kakhano hoi. Ati priyo amar ei Fish Fry ta bhai. Ek kamore e shante mele, mon bole arek kamor nao na bhai. Ami boli are bhai chinta karo na... amar aro khan pachek chai. Beautifull penned food story loved it.
ReplyDeleteHaha, moja hoche ami machh khai na..but ei fish fry ta ke na bolte pari na
DeleteAbsolutely delightful read! The way you guide readers through each component ; the seasoned fish, the pickled topping, and those sweet little festival dumplings ; shows both care and culinary passion. I love fish fry as an Odia.
ReplyDeleteThanks for liking
DeleteIt’s so true, no matter what’s new, some dishes stay close to our hearts. Kolkata Fish Fry sounds like a real treasure. Beautifull penned.
ReplyDelete-Anjali / Messymom
Thank you so much
DeleteWhat a delightful and creative read! I absolutely loved the fun twist of giving a voice to Ms. Fish Fry, so quirky yet so heartwarming.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked
DeleteLoved how you captured the emotional connection food can create. The fish fry felt less like a dish and more like a shared memory.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words
DeleteThis was such a delightful read! I smiled the whole time — what a creative way to honor a classic. It reminded me how food carries not just flavor, but beautiful stories and cherished memories. Loved it!
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot :-)
DeleteOur love for our traditional foods is deeply heartfelt, isn't it? This was a fun read. In my case, probably dal baati would be on the other side. :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, traditional food can never be compared to any trendy alternatives
DeleteFish fry with kasundi is the best. Pizza and burgers can never compare to it. I enjoyed reading this conversation. The cartoon is also very cute.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, ma'am, for your kind words
DeleteAww, Miss Fish Fry is a cutie! :) I like a good authentic food than a pizza, for sure!
ReplyDeleteAnyday, :-)
DeleteWhat a delightful, pun-packed tribute to a Bengali classic! Ms. Fish Fry’s midlife crisis felt hilariously real—this piece made me smile and crave mustard-dipped nostalgia. Fin-tastic writing indeed!
ReplyDeleteHaha thanks Kanchan
DeleteThis was a cute read. I love how the fish fry gained reassurance from your way of describing the dish
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteTell me you are Bong without telling me you are Bong. People often ask me such questions when they see me eating fish or mishthi. I just loved the article, and yes, Kolkata without goria special fish fry with kasundi or mutton cutlet at Panchanan dar adda is incomplete.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I took my daughter to some of the famous eateries during our trip to Kolkata...she is waiting for her next holiday to explore more. Kolkata and its street food Zindabad.
Delete