Welcome to Jackson Heights, where food tells stories of culture and tradition! If you love Bengali food, you’re in for a treat at Dera Restaurant, a cosy spot that brings the flavours of Bangladesh right to your plate. At Dera, we serve dishes that remind you of home-cooked Bengali meals, full of love and spices. Our menu is packed with authentic Bengali dishes and others that feel so close to Bengali cuisine that you think you’re dining in Dhaka or Kolkata. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Bengali food at Dera and explore why this Jackson Heights gem is a must-visit for every Bengali food lover!
Why Bengali Food is So Special
Bengali food is all about fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and a mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy tastes. Think of Fish cooked in mustard sauce, creamy rice pudding, or crispy snacks that water your mouth. Bengalis love their rice, Fish, and lentils, and they use special spices like mustard oil and panch phoran (a mix of five spices) to make every dish pop. At Dera, we celebrate these traditions with dishes true to Bengali roots and others that feel just as familiar.
Dera Restaurant: A Bengali Food Paradise in Jackson Heights
Located in the heart of Jackson Heights, Dera Restaurant is more than just a place to eat—it’s a food adventure! Our menu has a special section for Bengali food, but we also offer dishes from Indian, Pakistani, and Nepali cuisines that share the same love for flavour. Whether you’re craving a spicy fish curry or a sweet dessert, we have something to make your taste buds dance. Let’s take a closer look at the dishes on our menu that Bengali food lovers will adore, including one extra-special dish we’re adding to the list: Tawa Fish!
Our Bengali Dishes and Their Magic
Here are the dishes from Dera’s menu that are straight-up Bengali or close to Bengali classics. We’ve done our homework to ensure these dishes capture the heart of Bengali cuisine, and we’ll explain why they’re so special.
1. Fish Curry (Bengali Macher Jhol)
Our Fish Curry, also called Macher Jhol, is a star on the menu. This dish is a Bengali favourite, made with fresh Fish cooked in spicy gravy with turmeric, chilli, and a touch of mustard oil. In Bengal, macher jhol is like the king of home-cooked meals, often served with steaming white rice. The Fish soaks up all the flavours, and every bite mixes spicy and tangy. At Dera, we make it just like a Bengali mom would, so it feels like home.
2. Shore Ilish (Hilsa Fish in Mustard Sauce)
If you know Bengali food, you know hilsa fish is a big deal! Our Shore Ilish is hilsa cooked in a rich mustard sauce called shorshe ilish in Bengal. The mustard gives it a sharp, bold taste unique to Bengali cooking. Hilsa is the pride of Bengali rivers, and this dish is served at special occasions like weddings or festivals. At Dera, we use fresh hilsa and the perfect mustard to make your heart sing with every bite.
3. Bhuna Khichuri
Bhuna Khichuri is a cosy mix of rice and lentils, cooked with spices to make it flavorful. Khichuri is comfort food in Bengali homes, especially on rainy days or during festivals like Durga Puja. It’s often paired with fried veggies or fish curry. Our version at Dera is soft, warm, and packed with spices like cumin and bay leaves, just like the khichuri you’d find in a Bengali kitchen.
4. Tawa Fish
Tawa Fish is a delicious addition to our menu, and it’s a hit with Bengali food fans! This dish features fish fillets marinated with spices, then cooked on a hot tawa (flat griddle) until crispy and golden. In Bengali cuisine, Fish is often fried with turmeric and chilli before being added to curries or eaten as a snack. Tawa Fish reminds us of Bengali bhapa maach (steamed Fish) or maach bhaja (fried Fish), where the Fish is the star, and the spices add a zesty kick. At Dera, we ensure the Fish is fresh, and the spices are just right, giving you that Bengali vibe.
5. Vegetable Samosa
Our Vegetable Samosas are crispy pastries stuffed with spiced potatoes and peas. They’re like the Bengali shingara, a popular snack sold by street vendors in Kolkata. Shingaras are flaky and filled with veggies or sometimes meat, and they’re perfect with a cup of tea. At Dera, our samosas have that same crunchy outside and soft, spicy inside that makes you think of Bengali evenings snacking with friends.
6. Samosa Chat
Samosa Chat is a fun dish where we take a samosa, break it up, and top it with yoghurt, chutney, and crunchy bits. It’s like a party on your plate! In Bengal, street foods like jhal muri (spicy puffed rice) or phuchka (crispy balls filled with tangy water) have the same mix of spicy, savoury, and crunchy. Our Samosa Chat brings those flavours together, making it a dish Bengali food lovers will enjoy.
7. Dal Tadka
Dal Tadka is a bowl of lentils cooked with spices like cumin and garlic, then finished with a sizzling tadka (tempered spices). Dal is a daily dish in Bengali cuisine, like cholar dal (made with split chickpeas) or masoor dal (red lentils). Bengali dals often have a hint of sweetness or coconut, but they share the same warm, spiced feel as our Dal Tadka. This dish is hearty and perfect with rice or bread at Dera, just like in a Bengali home.
8. Chicken Curry
Our Chicken Curry is made with tender chicken in a spiced tomato and onion gravy. It’s like Bengali murghir jhol, a light chicken curry with potatoes and spices like turmeric and coriander. While our version might not use mustard oil, it has the same comforting, homey feel that makes Bengali curries special. Pair it with rice, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a Bengali Sunday lunch.
9. Ras Malai
Ras Malai is a dreamy dessert of soft cheese balls soaked in sweet, cardamom-flavored milk. In Bengal, desserts like rasgulla and ras malai are famous for their milky, sugary goodness. Ras malai is a favourite festival dish, served at weddings or after a big meal. At Dera, our Ras Malai is silky and sweet, melting in your mouth like the Bengali sweet shops.
10. Kheer
Kheer is a creamy rice pudding with nuts and a touch of cardamom. It’s the same as Bengali payesh, a dessert made for birthdays, festivals, or just because! Payesh is slow-cooked to get that rich, thick texture and often garnished with almonds or pistachios. Our Kheer at Dera is made with love, giving you that warm, nostalgic taste of Bengali celebrations.
11. Jalebi
Jalebi is a crispy, golden spiral soaked in sugar syrup, and it’s a sweet treat loved across South Asia. In Bengal, Jalebi is a festival must-have, especially during Diwali or Eid. Its sweet-tangy flavour pairs perfectly with Bengali snacks like shingara. At Dera, our Jalebi is crunchy and sugary, making it a perfect end to your meal.
Why These Dishes Feel Like Bengali Food
We’ve researched what makes Bengali food so unique, and it’s all about the ingredients and love that go into it. Dishes like Macher Jhol, Shore Ilish, and Bhuna Khichuri are 100% Bengali, using mustard oil, fresh Fish, and spices like turmeric and chilli. Tawa Fish feels Bengali because of its crispy, spiced Fish, which is similar to match bhajan. Samosas and Samosa Chat echo Bengali street food with spicy, tangy vibes. Dal Tadka and Chicken Curry are warm and comforting like Bengali dal and murghir jhol. And our desserts—Ras Malai, Kheer, and Jalebi—are straight out of a Bengali sweet shop, with their milky, sugary magic.
Why Dera is a Jackson Heights Gem
Dera Restaurant isn’t just about great food; it’s about feeling at home. Our chefs know how important Bengali flavours are, and they carefully cook every dish. The Bengali food section on our menu is a love letter to Bangladesh, but even our other dishes, like Tawa Fish or Ras Malai, carry that same spirit. Jackson Heights is famous for its diverse food, and Dera stands out as a place where Bengali food lovers can find authentic tastes and new favourites.
You’ll love the cosy vibe and friendly staff when you visit Dera. Whether grabbing a quick samosa or sitting down for a full meal with Macher Jhol and Kheer, you’ll feel the warmth of Bengali hospitality. Our takeaway menu makes it easy to enjoy these dishes at home, too, so you can share the love with your family and friends.
Tips for Enjoying Bengali Food at Dera
Here are some fun ways to make the most of your Dera experience:
- Start with a snack: Try the Vegetable Samosa or Samosa Chat for a Bengali-style street food vibe.
- Go for the Fish: Order Shore Ilish or Tawa Fish to taste the heart of Bengali cuisine.
- Pair with rice: Macher Jhol and Bhuna Khichuri are perfect with plain rice for a true Bengali meal.
- Save room for dessert: End with Ras Malai or Jalebi to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Bring friends: Share a mix of dishes like Chicken Curry and Dal Tadka for a Bengali feast.
A Final Word for Bengali Food Lovers
Dera Restaurant(bengali restaurant jackson heights) in Jackson Heights is your new favourite spot if you’re really into Bengali food. From authentic dishes like Macher Jhol and Shore Ilish to Bengali-inspired treats like Tawa Fish and Ras Malai, our menu is full of flavours that will steal your heart. Every dish is made with fresh ingredients and lots of care, so you get that homemade taste every time. Come visit us, try these amazing dishes, and see why Dera is a gem for anyone who loves Bangladeshi food. Your taste buds will thank you!
