Created by Jaffer sadiq
Last edited February 15, 2026


Macher jhol
Macher jhol with alu (potato)
TypeSeafood curry
CourseMain course
Place of originNepal
India
Bangladesh
Region or stateMithila of Bihar, Odisha and Bengal
Associated national cuisineIndia and Nepal (Maithili-Bengali cuisine)
Bangladesh (Bengali-Bangladeshi cuisine)
Main ingredientsFish, potato, chili, tomato, garlic, ginger, onion, Indian spices
Similar dishesNga Thongba

Machher jhol (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.), machha jhola (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.), machhak jhor (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist. / Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.), or machhari ke jhor (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) is a traditional spicy fish curry in Nepalese cuisine (including Maithili cuisine and Bhojpuri cuisine), Indian cuisine (including Maithili cuisine, Bengali cuisine and Odia cuisine) and Bangladeshi cuisine (Bengali cuisine) in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent. It is in the form of a very spicy stew or gravy that is served with rice. Machher jhol is liberally seasoned with turmeric, garlic, onions, and grated ginger and Indian spices. Potatoes are added to the curry as a thickening agent. Tomatoes are also added to impart the dish with a reddish color which is preferred by the people of Bengal.[1]

The kinds of fish typically used in Odia and Bengali households are ilish or ilishi, rui, and catla, as well as small fish that are normally favoured over others.[2]

Pabda macher jhal cooked with ginger, green chilies, tomato paste, and coconut milk

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Chowdhury, Sarbari. Earthen Angels: A Collection of Short Stories. Sarbari Chowdhury. ISBN 0979289114.
  2. "Machha fish curries". Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 22 June 2009.