The country’s rich food culture is also one of its many appealing aspects, but not every dish in Bangladesh will taste the same. One of the more intriguing differences between Bangladeshi foods can be seen in Sylheti cooking versus Dhaka cooking. While both types of food are part of Bangladesh’s overall cuisine, they do have distinct differences with respect to the types of ingredients used, how the dishes are made, and the flavours produced. Sylhet is in northeast Bangladesh, and geography, nature, and local customs have given Sylheti cuisine a unique identity.
Local Ingredients and Geography
The food that Sylheti people prepare is influenced by the geography of the region where they live (hills, rivers, and wetlands). Fish from the river, leafy vegetables, and herbs are all prominent ingredients in Sylheti cuisine. In contrast, Dhaka’s food has a more urban influence with many different regional influences, which greatly contribute to its diversity.
In addition, some Sylheti recipes feature such local and wild plants and herbs that the same ingredients would not be used in a Dhaka recipe.
Unusual Use of Shutki (Dried Fish)
The major difference you will see between Sylheti and Bangladeshi foods is the presence of shutki (dried fish) in the Sylheti food. Almost every Sylheti house has some kind of shutki cooked in it, prepared with pwra (mustard oil), onions, garlic, and as much chilli as you can handle, because the flavour is bold and strong.
Shutki can also be found in the Dhaka area, but not to the same extent as in Sylheti households.
Fewer Ingredients Create More Flavour
Sylheti foods are often prepared using simple cooking techniques but with very intense flavours. Many of the dishes are made using minimal ingredients (the fish, vegetables, or meat) but with strong spices and lots of chilli. The idea is to use these simple cooking methods to highlight the natural taste of the fish, vegetables, or meat.
On the other hand, Dhaka’s cooking style usually involves heavy gravies and/or sauces with a large amount of spices, and has been influenced by Mughal cuisine (the famous biryani and korma).
Unique to Sylhet
Some of the most popular Sylheti dishes are Shatkora beef (a beef dish seasoned with shatkora citrus), shutki bhorta (a mashed version of shutki), and tenga (a sour fish curry). Shatkora, which is unique to Sylhet, adds a flavor to the meat that is rarely found in Dhaka-style dishes.
These unique dishes help to make Sylhet food even more distinctive when compared to other types of Bangladeshi food.
Food as it is eaten in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh is based on family traditions and rural culture. Food for Sylheti people is often prepared as recipes are passed down over several generations; it is prepared during festivals, weddings, and family gatherings.
Food in Dhaka has more to do with a restaurant-based culture, street vendors, and modern dining and drinking options compared to the more traditional types of food made by the Sylheti people.
Overall, Sylheti food is distinguished from Dhaka food by its bold flavor, extensive use of dried fish, distinctive ingredients like shatkora, and a strong regional identity. Although Dhaka food is a good mix of different culinary traditions and influences, Sylheti food is much more connected to locally grown and produced ingredients and heritage. Therefore, combined, they represent the vast diversity and richness of Bangladeshi food.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What distinguishes Sylheti food from that of Dhaka?
Sylheti food tends to be very bold in flavor with lots of dried fish and is prepared using locally sourced ingredients. Dhaka food utilizes all kinds of culinary influences, including Mughlai and contemporary urban cooking.
2. Why is shutki so popular in Sylheti cuisine?
Shutki (fish that is preserved through drying) is one of the traditional foods that Sylheti people have eaten for many generations, and it is very common in Sylhet.
3. What does shatkora refer to in the cuisine of Sylhet?
Shatkora is an orange-shaped, sour fruit grown in Sylhet and used in different animals’ selections of meats as a sour and aromatic seasoning.
4. Do you think that Sylheti food is spicier than Dhaka food?
Definitely, some of the seasonings used in many Sylheti recipes are very spicy, which plays a major role in creating the intensity and flavor of these dishes.
5. Are there any Sylheti-style dishes to be found in Dhaka?
Yes, you will find many Sylheti-style dishes to eat in Dhaka, as many Dhaka restaurants, as well as Sylheti families, prepare the old traditional-style foods, such as shutki and shatkora recipes.
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