Can you let monsoon go by without a deeply satiating fill of nature’s very own ‘King of Fish’, Hilsa (or Ilish), and now a rightful icon of Bengalis everywhere? If you guessed right, you are a true-blue fish lover, and to fulfil your cravings, Chapter 2 brings you a host of Hilsa dishes packed with incredible flavour and texture to go perfectly with your monsoon moods. Whether deeply mushy or just plain ravenous, you will love Chapter 2’s exclusive Hilsa Pop-Up Menu that’s available on weekends (Friday to Sunday) for lunch and dinner right now. Go ahead, make your bookings this minute for good things don’t last forever, you know!
Kolkata is known for its deep cultural vibes and this includes its cuisine as well that’s evolved into a rich and vibrant tapestry of several influences. Food lovers know the city for its European and Anglo-Indian food that is oh-so-delicious and mostly a creative fusion of classic European dishes cooked with Indian spices. Pro tip – Taking over from the hallowed portals of Park Street, Chapter 2 has fast emerged as the city’s go-to destination for such delicacies.
In this blog, we present Chapter 2’s classic plus new age Hilsa dishes that are loaded with great taste and bound to leave you craving for more.
Smoked Hilsa – Let’s begin with a time-tested classic. In this traditional delicacy at Chapter 2, the prized fish is smoked to perfection, giving off a heady smoky aroma paired with the enhanced natural flavour of the Hilsa. Made for unapologetic purists, the Smoked Hilsa promises a fine-dining culinary experience with its bold, buttery, and exotic flavour.
Hilsa Chowder Soup – A hearty and creamy dish that can be best described as warm, velvety, and incredibly comforting. Chapter 2’s Hilsa Chowder Soup comes laden with the unique and very distinctive flavour of Hilsa, slow-cooked and blended well with a coastal herb mix that makes it can’t-stop-eating-this good!
Creamy Spaghetti with Hilsa – Bengal marries Italy in this creative Chapter 2 dish.Who would’ve thought Hilsa could be so utterly divine in a bed of pasta? Creamy Spaghetti with Hilsa brings together silky strands of spaghetti, a luscious white sauce, and delicately folded pieces of Hilsa. It’s indulgent and creamy. We think it’s a great dish to be simply indulgent or to order when you’re trying to impress that special someone dining with you.
Hilsa Paella Á la Valencia – Fine golden grains of saffron rice are simmered with bell peppers, peas, and flaky chunks of Hilsa to create this delectable dish. At Chapter 2, our Hilsa PaellaÁ la Valencia is a flavourful adaption of the famed and utterly gregarious Spanish dish for lovers of Hilsa. Bite into this aromatic delight and get transported to a sun-kissed Mediterranean port with the soothing whiff of Indian riverine breeze.
Creamy Mustard Hilsa with Herb Butter Rice – A luxurious twist on the traditional Shorshe ilish. At Chapter 2, we ensure the sharpness of mustard is mellowed into a rich, creamy sauce that lovingly flows over tender Hilsa fillets. The succulent pieces are then served with herb butter rice that creates the most wonderful treat. The combination of flavours makes our Creamy Mustard Hilsa with Herb Butter Rice totally decadent.
Spaghetti with Grilled Hilsa and Parsley Olive Sauce – At Chapter 2, we created an exciting fusion of smoky grilled Hilsa with parsley and olive oil, served with Spaghetti. Our Spaghetti with Grilled Hilsa and Parsley Olive Sauce is bold, bright, and refreshingly modern — a multi-dimensional dish bursting with flavours served with a side of flair.
Hilsa Risotto – And now, Italy’s favourite comfort food just got a majestic upgrade at Chapter 2. Think creamy arborio rice, white wine, and hints of dill all wrapped around the tender richness of Hilsa. It’s an absolute winner of a dish that lingers on your palate – and in your memory.
Why We Say There’s Magic in Chapter’s 2 Hilsa Pop-Up
It isn’t just about any food. It is an annual culinary celebration — bringing alive the region’s heritage and culinary finesse with the unique flavour and texture of Hilsa and turning it into a global inspiration. We say at Chapter 2, our Hilsa Pop-Up is for the ones who crave more than the ordinary, for those who revere traditional perfection and are avant garde enough to want to see how far a classic can go with oodles of imagination.
For Bengalis, Hilsa (or Ilish) is more than just a fish. It means the stifling summer is behind us and there is love in the air as the rain falls and drenches everything. Specifically, let’s call it ‘love on a plate’ as the silvery ilish makes an appearance and goes right into the kitchen.
So at Chapter 2, we take this beloved awesomeness miles beyond Kolkata to the sunlit coasts of Spain and the wholesome charm of Italy where food is a religion by itself. We take it to British and Anglo-Indian households to mingle with the elegant, hearty, and flavourful cooking.
Here, at Chapter 2 we love to explore and create flavour-forward dishes to add to your Hilsa repertoire. At Chapter 2, we aim to create a legendary gourmet experience each time you visit us.
A Peek Inside Chapter 2
If you’re in Kolkata and eager to sample some irresistible Continental cuisine without stepping a foot out of the city, we suggest you visit Chapter 2 off Southern Avenue. Founded by brothers and foodpreneurs, Shiladitya and Debaditya Chaudhury, Chapter 2 brings alive dishes with a special Kolkata connect. The founders who are passionate about Kolkata feel it’s a little like doing their bit for their beloved city and for the cuisine that is a distinctive part of their culture. The chefs ensure that the menu is diverse and authentic, and ingredients sourced carefully from all across the world. When you’re in the mood for Continental food, there’s Chapter 2 for you.
