Bengali people are well known to be foodies. As someone who grew up in a Bengali family I have always had a deep connection with food. For me food was never just a source of substance, it was an important part of my identity. As I think back to my childhood, some of the strongest memories are of my mother and grandmother toiling away in the kitchen. The sight of them in the small kitchen of our house, chopping vegetables and stirring pots, is something that will be etched in my mind forever.
And the smells – oh, the smells! The delicious scent of a simple Amer Daal (Lentil Soup with Green Mango) or Shutki Bhuna (Stir Fried Dried Fish) wafting through the house, calling us to the table. The tangy aroma of Shorshe ilish, the pungent fragrance of mustard oil. Each dish was a masterpiece, carefully crafted with love and tradition. And the taste! Nothing can compare to the taste of a home-cooked Bengali meal.
As I ventured beyond my own kitchen and encountered the wider world of cuisine, I realized that Bengali homemade cuisine is often overshadowed and misunderstood by our neighboring countries. It was frustrating to see people reduce it to just fish curry without exploring the full depth and variety of our cuisine.
Not only that, but Bengali cuisine is much more than just food. It’s a way to connect the world with Bengali heritage. People should know that even the simple home made dishes have great nutrients and medicinal value. Whether you are Bengali or not, learning about the wonders of Bengali cuisine is a joyful and rewarding experience. The Wannabe Cook was created to do just that. We will share the pleasure of introducing people to the distinct flavors and textures of Bengali or Bengal cuisine.
Throughout the journey of The Wannabe Cook we will be slowly exploring, learning and uncovering many different aspects of Bengali cuisine with a general focus on Bengali home cooked food. As we wish to learn and teach simultaneously we expect to grow and evolve throughout the process and hopefully become more and more useful to people willing to share their Bengali Home cooked food and also for people willing to explore Bengali cuisine and anyone and everyone looking into Bengali heritage.
As we embark on our journey with The Wannabe Cook, we will dive deeper into the intricacies of Bengali cuisine, with a particular emphasis on home cooked food. We hope to provide invaluable insights for those who wish to explore the rich cultural Bengal heritage, and learn from those who seek to share their own experiences of Bengali home cooked food. The Wannabe Cook is dedicated to delving into each subject in intimate detail, giving an ample amount of information that is both comprehensive and fascinating.
Join us as we gently but steadily unearth all sides of Bengali cuisine and take you on an instructive and enriching voyage of fresh produce, spices and much much more.
We have a long and fun journey discovering the soul of Bengali Cuisine. Explore our Recipe Portfolio in the meantime!
