India’s beloved Chingri Malai Curry, a creamy prawn curry from Bengal, has earned international acclaim after being ranked 6th in the world in TasteAtlas’ newly released list of the Top 10 Shrimp and Prawn Dishes Globally. Known for spotlighting traditional cuisine from around the world, TasteAtlas compiled a list of the 80 highest-rated shrimp and prawn recipes, as voted by global food lovers and India's coastal cuisine has proudly made the cut.

Topping the global list is Simiako Garidaki, a shrimp delicacy from the Greek island of Symi, famous for its small, bright-red shrimp fried in olive oil with garlic. But it’s India’s Chingri Malai Curry, sitting comfortably at No. 6, that has food lovers back home buzzing with pride.

What is Chingri Malai Curry?

A staple of Bengali cuisine, Chingri Malai Curry is made using large prawns (often tiger prawns) that are gently simmered in a rich coconut milk gravy, flavored with garam masala, mustard oil or ghee, onions, green chillies, turmeric, and a ginger-garlic paste. Its silky, mildly spiced texture paired with steamed basmati rice makes it a favorite in both festive Bengali meals and home-cooked comfort food.

The dish’s name is derived from:

• Chingri (prawn),

• Malai (cream, referring to coconut milk here),

• and Curry, indicating the spiced gravy preparation.

It balances heat from the chilies, warmth from the spices, and the sweet creaminess of coconut milk, resulting in a luxurious seafood curry that’s both comforting and celebratory.

Global Rankings: A Seafood Smorgasbord

India’s entry into the top 10 is significant, considering the global competition from cuisines renowned for their seafood traditions. Mexico, for example, dominates the list with four entries:

• Camarones Enchipotlados (2nd),

• Tacos Gobernadora (5th),

• Shrimps in Tamarind Sauce (7th), and

• Aguachile (9th).

Other noteworthy mentions include:

• Gambas al Ajillo from Spain (3rd),

• You Bao Xia (stir-fried shrimps) from China (4th),

• Ebi Furai from Japan (8th), and

• Bobo de Camarao from Brazil (10th).

Chingri Malai Curry’s inclusion in this prestigious global list isn’t just a win for Indian seafood lovers it’s also a testament to the richness of regional Indian cuisine. Dishes like this are often passed down through generations, made in home kitchens and family celebrations, rarely reaching the global limelight that international favorites like sushi or tacos enjoy.

This recognition by TasteAtlas not only highlights India’s culinary diversity but also encourages travelers and food explorers to dive deeper into regional Indian flavors especially those from coastal states like West Bengal, Kerala, Goa, and Andhra Pradesh, where seafood is central to the cuisine.

The Complete Top 10 Shrimp & Prawn Dishes – TasteAtlas 2025

1. Simiako Garidaki – Greece

2. Camarones Enchipotlados – Mexico

3. Gambas al Ajillo – Spain

4. You Bao Xia (Stir-Fried Shrimps) – China

5. Tacos Gobernadora – Mexico

6. Chingri Malai Curry – India

7. Camarones en Salsa de Tamarindo – Mexico

8. Ebi Furai – Japan

9. Aguachile – Mexico

10. Bobo de Camarao – Brazil