Ilish

Ilish (Tenualosa ilisha) is a fish that is mostly found in the coastal waters of the Bay of Bengal. During the monsoon season, it moves upstream to the rivers of Padma and Ganga to sprawl. It may reach the size of 50cm, and it can weigh up to three kilograms.

The fish is appreciated for its tender flesh and its roe, which is often named as the caviar of the tropics. Ilish is an incredibly important ingredient for Bengali, both in Bangladesh and West Bengal. It is used in a variety of ways, from simple frying to steaming and simmering in thick, flavorful sauces, as well as in the classic fish stew macher jhol.