Where does Shorshe Ilish come from?

Shorshe Ilish — country of origin: Bangladesh.

What is Shorshe Ilish made of?

Fish, mustard seed, mustard oil, chilli, turmeric.

Which allergens does Shorshe Ilish contain?

Contains fish and fish products. Contains mustard and mustard products.

How do you pronounce Shorshe Ilish?

শর্ষে ইলিশ (Bangla) is pronounced /ʃɔrʃe iliʃ/.

Shorshe Ilish

শর্ষে ইলিশPronunciation (IPA) /ʃɔrʃe iliʃ/

Hilsa fish simmered in a sharp, pungent sauce of ground mustard seed and mustard oil, the classic Bengali way of cooking the fish.

Also known as: Sorshe Ilish · Ilish Shorshe · Hilsa Mustard Curry

Allergens & declarations

Contains

Fish

Contains fish and fish products

Mustard

Contains mustard and mustard products

This describes the classic recipe, so you know what to ask about. It is not a declaration for any particular kitchen — recipes and suppliers vary, and only the restaurant can tell you what is in the dish it serves.

In detail

Shorshe ilish is hilsa fish simmered in a sharp, pungent sauce of ground mustard seed and mustard oil. It is a classic Bengali dish, cooked in Bangladesh and in the Indian state of West Bengal, where hilsa is much prized. Hilsa is the national fish of Bangladesh.

What it really is

Hilsa is a rich, oily fish with many fine bones, cut into pieces for this dish. Mustard seed is ground to a paste and loosened with water, then turmeric and chilli go in, and mustard oil is poured over. The fish simmers in this sauce until it is cooked through and the gravy thickens. The taste is sharp and pungent, driven above all by the mustard.

The sauce is cooked with the fish, not poured over it afterwards.

How it's served

Hot, with plain steamed rice, which soaks up the gravy.
In a shallow bowl with its sauce, the pieces of fish still on the bone.
As one dish within a meal of rice and other dishes, not as a sandwich-style single item.

Name the fish as hilsa (ilish), and say whether it is fresh or frozen, since guests ask.
Flag fish and mustard. The sauce is built on mustard seed and mustard oil, and mustard is a declarable allergen.
Standard ingredients are mustard seed paste, mustard oil, turmeric and chilli. Say how hot the chilli is, because guests vary in their tolerance.
Warn that the fish has many fine bones, and state whether rice is included or sold separately.

Typical ingredients

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Frequently asked questions

What is Shorshe Ilish?: Hilsa fish simmered in a sharp, pungent sauce of ground mustard seed and mustard oil, the classic Bengali way of cooking the fish.
Where does Shorshe Ilish come from?: Shorshe Ilish — country of origin: Bangladesh.
What is Shorshe Ilish made of?: Fish, mustard seed, mustard oil, chilli, turmeric.
Which allergens does Shorshe Ilish contain?: Contains fish and fish products. Contains mustard and mustard products.
What is Shorshe Ilish also known as?: Sorshe Ilish, Ilish Shorshe, Hilsa Mustard Curry.
How do you pronounce Shorshe Ilish?: শর্ষে ইলিশ (Bangla) is pronounced /ʃɔrʃe iliʃ/. Select the speaker button next to the dish name to hear it.