Whenever you explore a new language and culture, it’s hard to stop going the extra mile to learn more about it. So, if you’re indulging yourself with different cuisines from Bengali, you might want to start exploring their vocabulary too! In this article, we’ve listed the translations for flavors in Bengali and the most recommended dish for each category.
Oftentimes, we find ourselves sharing with our friends how tasty our favorite food is. We may go on and on about it and not get tired of describing how flavorful these meals are. I bet that if you got your hands on some popular Bengali cuisine, you could write a whole book with your reviews because their complex flavors just go hand in hand.
If you’ve been exploring their cuisine online, you might already have a picture of what’s waiting for you. You see, they manage to get a perfect balance when preparing their meals; nothing’s too sweet, salty, spicy, or bitter— in short, you won’t get overwhelmed by them!
So, here’s a quick list of terms used to describe different flavors in Bengali, for people who love giving food reviews like you!
Flavors In Bengali: Vocabulary Guide For Beginners
Food lovers would never pass on Bengali dishes. With their unique cooking techniques, you’ll surely have a good time devouring them. Now, if you want to learn about the different flavors of these meals in their local language, read further!
1. Bitter – Tikta (তিক্ত)
Bengali culture has a unique way of serving their dishes. You see, they often start off with something bitter like Shukto, a vegetable stew that’s often paired with steamed rice. One notable thing about their bitter dishes is that they’re typically composed of bitter gourd, so if you’re not a fan of its taste, you might want to pass on this one, but it wouldn’t hurt to try it!
2. Salty – Lon (লবণ)
How are your kidneys doing? Just kidding! Something with a little bit of salt in it won’t hurt; in fact, your body may thank you for consuming a slightly briny dish. In Bengali cuisine, they have this dish called Aloo Bhaja: potato chips seasoned with different spices and salted perfectly! So, if you’re craving a snack with a hint of saltiness, you better order some of this flavorful dish.
3. Sweet – Mishti (মিষ্টি)
Did you know that “desserts” is “stressed” read backward? Well, if you’re feeling this way lately, give yourself a good sweet treat. One of the most popular delicacies in the Bengali culture is Rasgulla. It’s made from milk curd (cottage cheese) and soaked in sugar syrup. The rich flavors of this dessert will surely give you a sugar rush! So, if anyone asks you what it tastes like, you can simply say mishti (মিষ্টি), which translates to “sweet” in Bengali.
4. Spicy – Jhāl (ঝাল)
I don’t know about you, but spicy dishes are way out of my league. The feeling of setting my taste buds on fire is never appealing, but some may find jhāl (ঝাল) to give their food more personality. If you like the taste of tongue-burning dishes, you’ll probably want to try Chingri Malai Curry. It’s a seafood dish made with prawns cooked with flavorful spices. In some recipes, you’ll find coconut milk added to it, making its taste even more remarkable.
5. Sour – Tok (টক)
There are flavors that can easily have us making funny faces. We all had those moments when we attempted to eat a whole bag of Sour Patch Kids or drank lemon juice straight from the fruit. In Bengali, they call this flavor tok (টক). If you’re craving that jaw-aching feeling or just a blip of sour taste, then try Macher Tok (Sour Fish Curry). It’s a dish that might change your perception of fish and curry if you’re not a fan of either!
Common Ingredients In Bengali Food
Learning only about flavors in Bengali sounds like a cliffhanger, don’t you think? When ordering your meals, you don’t just use words describing their taste; you also check for their ingredients. You wouldn’t want to get something you’re allergic to, would you? Ending up in the emergency room after getting a good meal isn’t the ideal picture. Refer to this list of common food ingredients in Bengali to prevent such events!
| English | Bengali | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|
| Rice | চাল | Chal |
| Mustard oil | সরষের তেল | Sarser tel |
| Turmeric | হলুদ | Halud |
| Cumin seeds | জিরা | Jeera |
| Coriander seeds | ধনিয়া | Dhania |
| Fenugreek seeds | মেথি | Methi |
| Mustard seeds | সর্ষে | Sarse |
| Nigella seeds | কালো জিরা | Kalo jeera |
| Bay leaf | তেজ পাতা | Tej pata |
| Cinnamon | দারচিনি | Darchini |
Want To Learn Bengali?
This cuisine and vocabulary list are just a gist of what you’ll encounter once you visit countries that speak the Bengali language. There is a lot more to learn when it comes to their lexicon, traditions, and history. If you need a buddy to help you out in all aspects of your learning journey, try the Ling app today!
Start learning new languages with exciting quizzes and exercises; there’s even an AI chatbot to practice your pronunciation with! And the great news is, you don’t have to settle for boring and traditional learning methods because we offer a gamified version of learning that you’ll love. You may even learn 60+ languages with the app!
Can’t wait to begin a new learning experience? Download the Ling app today on the Play Store and App Store for FREE!
