Bengal dish beats global competition — Chingri Malai curry ranked among world’s best shrimp foods

From crispy fried variations to rich, flavourful curries, shrimp-based dishes reflect the diverse culinary heritage of different regions.

According to a global ranking by Taste Atlas listing the world’s top shrimp dishes, Bengal’s iconic Chingri Malai Curry has earned a place on the list — and is the only Indian dish to feature in the top 50.

The beloved Bengali delicacy, enjoyed widely in India and among diaspora communities, secured the 11th position in the ranking.

The top three spots were dominated by international favourites: Mexico’s Tacos Gobernador and Camarones al Mojo de Ajo, followed by Spain’s Gambas al Ajillo.

Speaking about the dish, chef and food writer Sadaf Hussain told The Indian Express that Chingri Malai Curry is a “classic,” noting that while it may share some influence with Malay or Malaysian culinary traditions, it has evolved into a distinct dish with its own identity.

He further explained that although similarities exist with coconut-based curries from Singapore and Malaysia, the Bengali version differs significantly in its use of ingredients. “Malaysian and Singaporean cuisines typically use ingredients such as lemongrass and galangal, whereas Bengali versions do not,” he said.

Taste Atlas’ list of the top 10 shrimp and prawn dishes includes:

Tacos Gobernador – Mexico
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo – Mexico
Gambas al Ajillo – Spain
Gambas a la Plancha – Spain
Bobó de Camarão – Brazil
Simiako Garidaki – Greece
Tacos de Camarones – Mexico
Chupe de Camarones – Peru
You Bao Xia – China
Bobo de Camarão – Peru