There’s a certain rhythm to our trips to Delhi to visit Judhajit. The city, with its relentless pace and sprawling chaos, has become his playground of ideas and ambition. Watching our son navigate his academic life in this buzzing metropolis fills us with pride. Yet, each time we step off the train or plane, there’s a quiet tug at our hearts—a longing for the slower, familiar cadence of Ranchi, where the air feels softer and the memories linger longer.

This time, though, I had a little surprise tucked away for Jagrata. She’d been missing the flavours of Bengal—the kind that don’t just satisfy hunger but stir something deeper. So one evening, as the sun dipped behind the Delhi skyline, I turned to her with a mischievous glint and said, “Let’s go to Bijoli Grill tonight.”

Her face lit up instantly.

Bijoli Grill: A Portal to Bengal

Nestled within Banga Bhavan on Hailey Road, Bijoli Grill isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a sanctuary. For Bengalis in Delhi, it’s where the air hums with the comforting aroma of mustard oil and slow-cooked memories. The walls seem to echo with stories of Durga Puja feasts, Sunday lunches, and the quiet joy of mishti shared over gossip.

As we settled into our cosy corner, the familiar buzz of Bengali chatter wrapped around us like a shawl. The menu read like a love letter to our childhoods: aloo-posto, potoler dolma, kancha-amer chutney, and of course, the creamy mishti doi. But one dish stood out—a siren call from the past.

Sorshe Ilish: The Crown Jewel

Ah, Sorshe Ilish.

Even saying the name feels like invoking something sacred. For Bengalis, it’s not just a dish—it’s an emotion, a rite of passage, a culinary anthem. The Hilsa, or Ilish, is the undisputed king of our rivers and our hearts. Paired with the pungent embrace of mustard, it becomes something transcendent.

When the dish arrived, it was nothing short of majestic. The golden mustard gravy shimmered under the soft lighting, flecked with green chillies and glistening with mustard oil. The Hilsa lay nestled within, its tender flakes promising a burst of flavour with every bite. Paired with freshly steamed rice, it was a revelation.

The first mouthful was like stepping into a memory. The sharpness of the mustard, the subtle bitterness, the warmth of the chillies—it all came together in a harmony that only Bengali cuisine can achieve. It was bold yet comforting, fiery yet familiar. Each bite was a story, each flavour a verse in a poem we’ve known all our lives.

The Legacy of Hilsa

The Hilsa isn’t just a fish—it’s a cultural icon. Revered for its delicate texture and distinct aroma, it’s the centrepiece of celebrations, from weddings to religious rituals. Its journey from the rivers of Bengal to our plates is steeped in tradition, whispered through generations.

What makes Sorshe Ilish truly special is the artistry behind it. Every household has its own version, its own secret touch. But the soul of the dish remains unchanged—the perfect balance of mustard paste, a hint of sweetness, and the fiery kick of green chillies. The Hilsa, rich and buttery, absorbs these flavours like a canvas welcoming paint.

A Meal That Anchors the Soul

As I savoured each morsel, the scent of mustard oil filled the air, grounding me in the present while whisking me away to the past. It felt like a reunion with my roots, my memories, and the quiet joys of home. Sharing this meal with Jagrata and Judhajit, I was reminded of the profound connection food fosters.

For me, food is more than sustenance. It’s a bridge between generations, a keeper of stories, a silent witness to our lives. That evening, the Sorshe Ilish wasn’t just delicious—it was soul-stirring. It reminded us that no matter where life takes us, the essence of Bengal travels with us—in the flavours we cherish, the traditions we uphold, and the love we share.

The Taste of Home, Never Far Away

Bijoli Grill, with its unwavering commitment to authenticity, had done justice to this iconic dish. It wasn’t just a meal—it was a homecoming. And for anyone yearning for a taste of Bengal, for a dish that speaks of rivers and rituals, of love and legacy, I can’t recommend Sorshe Ilish enough.

So the next time you find yourself in Delhi, craving something that goes beyond the palate and touches the soul, make your way to Bijoli Grill. Order the Sorshe Ilish. Let it take you on a journey through memories, through heritage, through the heart of Bengal.

Because sometimes, all it takes is a plate of mustard-laced Hilsa to remind you where you truly belong.