Editing Borishal (section)

== '''Traditional Foods of Barishal''' ==
'''Barishal, often referred to as the ''“Venice of the East”'', is one of the major divisions of southern Bangladesh. The region is famous for its scenic rivers, fertile lands, and diverse culinary traditions. The cuisine of Barishal reflects its riverine culture, combining the freshness of local fish, vegetables, and coconut-based dishes.'''
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=== '''Fish Dishes''' ===
'''Barishal’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its riverine geography, making fish a staple part of the local diet. Among all, Hilsa (Ilish) holds a special place and is considered a symbol of Barishali identity.'''

* '''Ilish Bhaja: Fried Hilsa fish, commonly served with plain rice.'''
* '''Shorshe Ilish: Hilsa cooked in mustard gravy, a popular traditional delicacy.'''
* '''Ilish Paturi: Hilsa marinated in mustard paste and steamed in banana leaves.'''

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=== '''Dried Fish (Shutki) Dishes''' ===
'''Dried fish, locally known as Shutki, is another significant part of Barishal’s food culture.'''

* '''Shutki Bhorta: Mashed dried fish mixed with onion, chili, and mustard oil.'''
* '''Shutki Curry: A spicy curry made from dried fish and local vegetables.'''

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=== '''Coconut-Based Dishes''' ===
'''Due to the abundance of coconut trees, coconut is widely used in Barishali cuisine.'''

* '''Chingri Narkel Bata: Prawn cooked with coconut paste and spices.'''
* '''Mocha Ghonto: Banana flower curry prepared with grated coconut and traditional seasonings.'''

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=== '''Pitha (Traditional Rice Cakes)''' ===
'''Pitha is an integral part of Barishal’s culinary tradition, especially during winter and festive occasions.'''

* '''Chitoi Pitha: Steamed rice cake served with jaggery or molasses.'''
* '''Patishapta Pitha: Rolled rice crepe filled with coconut and jaggery.'''
* '''Bhapa Pitha: Steamed rice cake with coconut and molasses filling.'''

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=== '''Vegetable Dishes''' ===
'''Barishal’s fertile land produces a wide variety of vegetables, often cooked with fish or shrimp.'''

* '''Pui Shaak with Fish Head: Malabar spinach cooked with fish head and spices.'''
* '''Lau Chingri: Bottle gourd cooked with shrimp.'''
* '''Kumro Bhaji: Fried pumpkin slices, a popular side dish.'''

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=== '''Sweets and Snacks''' ===
'''Barishal is also famous for its sweets made from date palm jaggery (''Khejur Gur'').'''

* '''Naru: Sweet coconut balls mixed with jaggery.'''
* '''Murir Moa: Puffed rice and jaggery balls.'''
* '''Chirer Polao: Flattened rice cooked with vegetables and spices, served as a light meal or snack.'''

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=== '''See Also''' ===

* '''Cuisine of Bangladesh'''
* '''Hilsa Fish'''
* '''Bangladeshi Pitha'''