Cooch Behar, West Bengal

Boroli Fish (Hilsa of North Bengal)

Boroli is a small silver river fish found in abundance in the mainstream of the Torsa River and its tributaries Buri Torsa, Shil Torsa and Mara Torsa in Cooch Behar, and is proudly called the hilsa of North Bengal. Like hilsa, Boroli swims against the current in seasonal flocks, mainly April-May before the monsoon and October-November after it. The fish is a local delicacy, with Boroli macher chorchori and kosha being traditional preparations of the Torsa-Teesta-Raidak region. Buyers get a fresh, small river fish that cooks quickly in mustard oil, best enjoyed in the local kosha or chhorta style.

Typical price: ₹150-400

Buying tip: Buy during the pre-monsoon (April-May) or post-monsoon (October-November) runs when Boroli is fattest, from the Cooch Behar fish market fed by the Torsa catch. Prices are an estimate and move with the river season.