Where Kolkata’s hilsa comes from and why its waters may shape its taste

Where Kolkata’s hilsa comes from and why its waters may shape its taste

Kolkata’s beloved hilsa arrives from various waters, including the Ganges, Bangladesh’s Padma and even Gujarat’s coastal seas. The article traces the fish’s journey from ocean to river to market, explaining how distinct riverine environments influence flavor. It also notes historic Calcutta gourmets’ belief that a hilsa’s taste reveals the specific stretch of water it inhabited.