Project Hilsa

About Us

Ilish, or Hilsa, was first introduced to us as the national fish of Bangladesh. Fried Hilsa pieces with rice and crisp green chilies are traditional elements of Pohela Boishakh festivities. Bangalis have been debating Hilsa for decades, demonstrating how emotionally attached we are to our cuisine, particularly Hilsa. Hilsa reminds people of the sound of constant rain, which is the ideal setting for eating hot ilish right out of the pan. Even the rain is aptly named “ilshe-guri”. Going out...

Ilish, or Hilsa, was first introduced to us as the national fish of Bangladesh. Fried Hilsa pieces with rice and crisp green chilies are traditional elements of Pohela Boishakh festivities. Bangalis have been debating Hilsa for decades, demonstrating how emotionally attached we are to our cuisine, particularly Hilsa. Hilsa reminds people of the sound of constant rain, which is the ideal setting for eating hot ilish right out of the pan. Even the rain is aptly named “ilshe-guri”. Going out to Maowa with friends for Hilsa and rice is a rite of passage for all Bangladeshi teenagers. For many, it is the first fish they have ever eaten. With easier access to Bangladesh’s favorite fish, Ilish, Project Hilsa gives a structure to this uniquely Bangali feeling and brings it to life.