What is the staple food of west bengal?
The absolute staple in West Bengal is rice. It's the foundation of pretty much every single meal there. The most classic combination is "maach-bhaat," which literally translates to fish and rice. Given the region's many rivers, fish is a huge part of the local diet. You'll also find that lentils, known as dal, are served with almost every meal. So, while rice is the primary staple, the core trio you'll always find on a plate is rice, fish, and lentils. It's their ultimate go-to comfort food.
It’s interesting to note that Hilsa fish (Ilish) is considered the crown jewel of Bengali cuisine. Though not eaten daily due to cost, it symbolizes Bengali culture. But yes, everyday staple remains rice with a simple fish curry or dal.
While rice and fish are dominant, Bengalis also enjoy dal (lentils), vegetable curries, and mustard-based preparations. Mustard oil is a signature cooking medium in the state, giving a unique flavor to their dishes.
I grew up in Kolkata, and I can confirm rice is eaten twice a day in most households. Breakfast might be luchi (fried bread) with alur dom, but lunch and dinner almost always include rice. Fish is preferred, but vegetarian families also rely heavily on rice and dal.
The staple food of West Bengal is rice and fish. A Bengali saying goes, “Machh-e-bhaat-e-Bengali,” which means “A Bengali is made of fish and rice.” Most households eat rice as their main carbohydrate source, often paired with various fish curries like rohu, hilsa, or katla.