In a country as diverse and flavorful as India, where every region boasts its own culinary treasures, fish holds a royal place in many diets. But among all the delicious and nutritious options available, one often hears a question that sparks debate among food lovers and chefs alike:
“Which fish is the king of fish in India?”
Ask a Bengali, a Hyderabadi, or a coastal seafood lover — and you’ll likely hear the same proud answer:
Hilsa (Ilish) – the undisputed King of Fish in India.
Let’s dive into why Hilsa holds this majestic title and explore its cultural, culinary, and nutritional significance.
👑 Why Is Hilsa Called the King of Fish?
1. Royal Taste and Flavor
Hilsa (scientific name: Tenualosa ilisha) is celebrated for its distinct, rich, and buttery flavor. Its flesh is soft and oily, with a melt-in-the-mouth texture that seafood lovers crave.
No other Indian fish matches the complex depth of Hilsa’s taste, especially when it’s cooked with traditional spices in mustard gravy, steamed in banana leaves, or lightly fried with salt and turmeric.
2. Cultural and Culinary Prestige
In West Bengal, Hilsa isn’t just a fish — it’s an emotion.
In Bangladesh, it’s the national fish, and an essential part of weddings, festivals, and rituals.
Odisha and Assam also celebrate this fish in regional cuisine and culture.
Hilsa plays a starring role in:
Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year) feasts
Durga Puja bhog (offerings)
Traditional rice and fish lunches during monsoons
3. Rarity and Seasonal Availability
Hilsa is a migratory fish, mostly found in the Padma River (Bangladesh) and the Hooghly and Godavari Rivers (India). It breeds in freshwater but lives most of its life in the sea.
Because it’s seasonal (usually caught between June and September) and tricky to catch during spawning migrations, its availability is limited — adding to its prestige and price.
🐟 Other Contenders: Are There Any Rivals?
While Hilsa is crowned the king in the East, other regions of India might suggest different “royalty” based on regional favorites:
🐠 Seer Fish (Surmai) – The King of the Sea
Popular in: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
Known for: Firm flesh, low bones, great for curries and fries
Nutritional value: High in protein, omega-3, and low in fat
🐠 Rohu (Rui) – The Freshwater Favorite
Popular across North and East India
Affordable, delicious, and a staple in everyday meals
🐠 Barramundi (Pandugappa)
Common in South India
Mild taste, good for grilling, and packed with nutrition
While these fish are widely loved, Hilsa’s combination of flavor, cultural reverence, and prestige keeps it firmly on the throne.
💰 The Price of Royalty: Why Is Hilsa So Expensive?
High demand and low supply
Seasonal availability
Difficult to catch and transport
Delicate and bony, requiring skilled cooking
Prices can range from ₹800 to ₹2000 per kg, depending on size, quality, and source (Indian vs. imported from Bangladesh).
🧂 How Is Hilsa Best Enjoyed?
Here are some iconic Hilsa dishes from Indian kitchens:
🍽️ Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa in mustard gravy)
🍽️ Ilish Bhapa (Steamed Hilsa)
🍽️ Ilish Polao (Hilsa rice pilaf)
🍽️ Fried Ilish with Khichdi
🍽️ Ilish Paturi (Wrapped in banana leaf and steamed)
Each recipe honors the fish’s natural richness without overpowering it.
🧠 Is Hilsa Healthy?
Absolutely! Along with its taste, Hilsa is known for:
✅ Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Supports heart and brain health
✅ High Protein Content – Good for growth and muscle repair
✅ Vitamin D & B12 – Boosts energy and immunity
✅ Selenium & Iodine – Important for thyroid and metabolism
📝 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re enjoying a Hilsa feast during monsoon in Kolkata or savoring a royal fish curry in Dhaka, one thing is clear — Hilsa reigns supreme in the hearts of millions.
Its combination of flavor, history, rarity, and cultural pride makes it more than just a fish — it’s a symbol of tradition and culinary excellence.
So, the next time someone asks:
“Which is the king of fish in India?”
You can confidently say: It’s Hilsa – the majestic monarch of Indian waters.
Have you ever tried Hilsa? Do you agree it’s the king of fish? Share your favorite Hilsa dish or memory in the comments! 🐟👑