In any Bengali wedding, after the shubho drishti and saat paake bandha, what guests look forward to most is—the grand feast! Bengali weddings are known for their lavish spreads, featuring iconic dishes passed down through generations. Whether it’s a day wedding in summer or a winter night reception, these 10 traditional Bengali wedding dishes are always remembered, photographed, and talked about long after the ceremony ends.
Here’s our curated list of the most beloved traditional Bengali wedding dishes that make every biye-bari feast unforgettable.
🥘 1. Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa in Mustard Gravy)
A royal delicacy made with hilsa fish and a pungent mustard paste. The dish is rich, flavorful, and symbolic of Bengali culinary pride.
Perfect For: Monsoon weddings
Why Guests Love It: Soft hilsa, bold mustard—classic nostalgia.
🍗 2. Murgir Jhol (Bengali Chicken Curry)
Light yet flavorful chicken curry, often served during evening receptions. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and loved by guests of all ages.
Pair With: Basanti Pulao or plain rice
🐟 3. Chingri Malai Curry (Prawns in Coconut Gravy)
A luxurious prawn curry simmered in coconut milk and aromatic spices. It’s both rich and refined—a signature item at any Bengali wedding.
When to Serve: Reception or bou-bhaat lunch
Pro Tip: Jumbo prawns always wow the crowd!
🥩 4. Kosha Mangsho (Slow-Cooked Mutton Curry)
No Bengali celebration is complete without this spicy, slow-cooked mutton curry. It’s the star of any evening feast.
Best Served With: Luchi, pulao, or plain rice
Why Guests Love It: Deep, bold flavors that hit the spot
🍚 5. Basanti Pulao (Sweet Yellow Pulao)
This fragrant, slightly sweet rice dish made with gobindobhog rice, saffron, and dry fruits pairs beautifully with rich curries.
Visual Appeal: Bright yellow with raisins and nuts
Great For: Day weddings and receptions
🍽️ 6. Begun Bhaja (Crispy Fried Eggplant Slices)
A simple yet essential item. These golden-fried brinjal slices add crunch and contrast to the rich gravies.
Why It Works: Familiar, nostalgic, and vegetarian-friendly
🍲 7. Labra (Mixed Veg Curry)
A traditional Bengali-style mixed vegetable dish, usually served during the wedding lunch alongside khichuri or plain rice.
Bonus: Vegan-friendly and ideal for fasting relatives!
🧆 8. Mochar Ghonto (Banana Blossom Curry)
Made from banana flowers, this dry curry is a delicacy that guests remember for its uniqueness and earthy flavor.
Serve With: Rice or as part of the vegetarian spread
Bengali Touch: Often spiced with grated coconut and lentil dumplings
🍮 9. Mishti Doi (Sweet Yogurt)
A must-have dessert made from caramelized milk and yogurt, chilled and served in clay pots.
Iconic Status: No Bengali wedding is complete without it
Tip: Serve chilled for the best flavor
🍰 10. Rosogolla & Sandesh Platter
The pride of Bengali desserts—soft, syrupy rosogolla and delicate sandesh in various flavors (elaichi, kesar, chocolate).
Modern Twist: Include fusion flavors like mango, coffee, or rose
Why Guests Love It: Sweet endings with a cultural punch!
🍴 Bonus Tips for a Memorable Bengali Wedding Feast:
- Always balance veg and non-veg dishes
- Include both light and rich items to avoid food fatigue
- Use traditional clay or brassware for serving to enhance the aesthetic
- Offer a live chaat counter or pithe-puli station for added charm
🎯 Final Thoughts
Food is the soul of a Bengali wedding. While decor, fashion, and rituals may vary, a carefully curated traditional menu ensures your wedding will be remembered by guests for years. From spicy kosha mangsho to sweet mishti doi, these dishes don’t just feed the body—they tell a story of heritage, joy, and togetherness.
🌐 Plan Your Dream Bengali Wedding with Venue Wires
Looking for the best Bengali caterers or wedding venues in Kolkata?
Let Venue Wires help you design the perfect biye bari, from menus to mandaps.
✨ Book your dream wedding today at venuewires.in
