Eastern Region
India’s eastern region has some of the most varied cultural influences in the country, including long periods of European colonization. Seafood, particularly freshwater fish, plays a prominent role in the local cuisine, as do various fresh fruits and vegetables. Mustard oil is the preferred cooking oil in Bengal. Dishes in this region are lighter and prepared with fewer spices than in the northern or southern regions. India’s eastern region is recognized for quality candies, desert-style sweets and cakes, many of which are prepared using paneer, or Indian cheese made from milk. No visit to the region is complete without a sampling of the local deserts