Spice level warning — Shorshe Ilish is not what I expected

I underestimated Shorshe Ilish. The fresh and fishy description didn't prepare me for the reality. hilsa fish brings a heat or pungency that builds steadily rather than hitting upfront. By halfway through I was sweating but couldn't stop eating.

Bengali cuisine shares roots with West Bengal India but has distinct Muslim food traditions. The a Sylheti tea estate setting means locals eat this with ease while visitors like me reach for water. lassi cut through it better than water would have. Don't order the mild version out of caution — the full version is the point. I'd go back. Three stars only because I wasn't warned.