Ilish Bhapa, Kingfish Curry, Masor Tenga: Top 5 Regional Fish Curries

By Jheelum Basu

June 7, 2026

From Bengali Bhapa Ilish to Kerala’s Malabar Meen curry, fish curries have always been an integral part of India’s food palette. Across states, they are cooked with regional twists. Here’s a list of the top five regional fish recipes try.

Ilish Bhapa

A traditional Bengali delicacy made with Hilsa fish steamed in mustard oil and mustard paste.

Kingfish Curry

A Goan dish featuring Kingfish and a rich, creamy, and tangy coconut-based gravy. The fish is popular for its meaty and succulent texture.

Masor Tenga

An Assamese delicacy featuring a Rohu fish and a tangy gravy. The fish is cooked in a broth containing elephant apple, also known as ‘ou tenga’.

Malabar Meen Curry

A classic coastal curry from Kerala’s Malabar region with a rich and creamy flavour profile. It is often made with seer fish, mackerel, and sardines.

Malvani Fish Curry

A spicy, coconutty curry from the Konkan region. Known for the rich flavour of Malvani masala, this dish is made with Kingfish, Pomfret, or Rohu.