The Panta Bhat I grew up eating — memory as a review

I grew up eating Panta Bhat and have strong opinions shaped by memory. The version here triggered that recognition in the first bite — the pungent from mustard oil was right, panch phoron five-spice was handled the way it should be.

hilsa fish is a cultural icon in Bangladesh — its seasonal availability is a national event. Growing up it was always a Dhaka riverside fish restaurant, which shaped my reference point entirely. hot sweet tea alongside it is the only way it makes sense to me. It's hard to be objective about food you have emotional history with, but objectively: this is very good.