Description
Malabar spinach, or pui shak in Bengali, is a thick, glossy, climbing green that belongs to the Basella alba species. Unlike regular spinach, it has a fleshy texture and a slightly mucilaginous (slippery) feel when cooked, which helps it blend beautifully into both dry stir-fries and soupy dishes. In Bangladesh, it is widely cultivated in homestead gardens and used in dishes like pui shak with pumpkin or with shrimp and mustard seeds. Its taste is mild but distinctly earthy, and its rich green color and soft bite make it both visually and texturally appealing. Malabar spinach is also rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, and antioxidants.