When it comes to food, one can proudly say that Kolkata has an irresistible charm in its rich culinary tradition. Apart from the cultural extravaganza, historical significance and the sweetness in the air, Kolkata has an array of exquisite cuisines to offer. Whether you want to have something sweet, tangy, spicy, healthy, Kolkata has it all. Kolkata offers an amalgamation of food items from different regions and backgrounds. The traditional Bengali, Chinese, Tibetan, Mughlai cuisines are sure to blow your mind. The street foods of Kolkata are to die for. As people of Kolkata are well-known foodies, it is an absolute paradise for people craving for delectable gastronomic experience. So guys, if you want to taste some lip-smacking delicacies, then here’s a list of 10 items you must eat in Kolkata.
1- Rosogolla at K.C. Das
Your experience of Kolkata is incomplete without trying the tender, warm and awesome Rosogolla at K.C. Das. It is one of the most popular and legendary sweet shops of Kolkata. K.C Das’s Roshogollas are not only circulated widely in Kolkata but it is also very popular in other states in India as well as in other countries like UK, Bangladesh, and the USA. You can also buy canned Roshogollas for your friends and family without worrying about its freshness and flavor. The spongy Rosogolla, once in your mouth, would take you to a different world of gastronomic satisfaction. The legacy of this hop is mesmerizing. It had invented the first “Rasmalai” in Kolkata, following the footsteps of Nobin Chandra Das, who had invented the popular Bengali sweet “Rosogolla”.
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2- Chelo Kabab at Peter Cat
The Anglo-Indian restaurant is the pioneer of Kolkata’s best Chelo kebab. Every Kolkatan would recommend this place for its absolutely sumptuous and palatable Chelo Kebab. The decor would take you back to the colonial era of royal and splendid interiors. A combination of steamed rice, with mutton and chicken kebabs with veggies topped with a half-fried egg and a slab of butter, complimented by the elegant amalgamation of Indian and Continental decor and warm hospitality is a memorable experience in itself. Its popularity is undeniable which almost always keeps it busy. The sizzlers available in this place are awesome as well.
3- Tibetan Food at Terreti Bazaar
Terreti bazaar is a tempting bazaar serving exquisite Tibetan and Chinese food. You can only experience the charm of this place if you visit in the morning before everything is sold out. It is a perfect place to have a delicious and freshly prepared Tibetan breakfast. The pork Momos, fish meatball soup, steamed baozi buns, sausage, and hot noodle soup are to die for. The place opens at 6 am and remains cheerful and lively till 9:30 am. Along with tasting the irresistible cuisines at Territy bazaar, you can also learn about the influence of the Chinese community and their food in the city. The items are available at a very cheap rate and this place must be visited by every tourist at least once because you won’t be able to resist yourself from visiting this place again.
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4- Kosha Mangsho at Golbari
Kosha Mangsho at Golbari is a dish that every Kolkatan is aware of. Situated in North Kolkata, this is a traditional and distinguished place that serves lip-smacking kosha Mangsho. Served with parathas and onions, the juicy mutton and its rich and smooth gravy, this is a heavenly dish for foodies. The service is abnormally quick. The aroma of the meat is enough to make you want to get in there and order a plate for yourself.
5- Phuchka at Vivekananda Park
Also known as “Panipuri” and “Golgappa”, Phuchka in Kolkata is an absolute bliss. The little mouthful, crispy spheres, stuffed with spicy mashed potatoes, and a dash of tamarind pulp water. You can find Phuchka stalls probably at every corner of the city. The Phuchka at Vivekananda Park, served by the famous Dilip da is a hit item. The generous quantity of the stuffing and mouth-watering tamarind-pulp water would definitely satisfy your taste buds. You would get six Phuchkas for 20 rupees but it’s worth every penny. Apart from the regular Phuchka, you can also try the dahi Phuchka, which is served with generous dollops of yogurt, garnished with various spices and chutneys. It is sure to leave a tantalizing taste in your mouth for quite a long time. Dilip da strictly maintains a basic hygiene level. In fact, he had set up a water purifier in order to make sure that he serves hygienic and tasty Phuchkas. You might even get lucky to spot some or the other Tollywood celebrity enjoying these little bombs.
6- Biryani at Arsalan
The legendary Mughlai cuisine, Biriyani, is a hot favorite dish of the people of Kolkata. Arsalan restaurant at Park Circus has made a name for itself as to serve the best Biriyani in Kolkata. The rich flavor of the spices, the juicy piece of meat and the tender aalu attracts numerous customers every day. You would be lucky if you get to enter the restaurant without even waiting for 2 minutes. Apart from biriyani, Arsalan offers a wide range of delectable items like kebabs, parantha, Haleem and much more. Inspired by the authentic cuisines of the Mughal Empire, Arsalan boasts of its unique flavor and varieties of Biriyani. A plate full of Biriyani along with chilled cold drinks and raita at Arsalan definitely would turn out to be anybody’s comfort food in the “City of Joy”.
7- Bengali Cuisine at Bhojohori Manna
If you are in Kolkata, you must try the traditional Bengali cuisine of the place. Bengalis love to eat and their food consists of a variety of interesting dishes. The Bengali culture is clearly depicted in their selection of cuisine as well. Bhojohori Manna is a restaurant that’s dedicated to traditional Bengali culinary culture. The all-time favorite Bengali dishes like Daab Chingri, Macher Kalia, Muri Ghonto, Ilish Macher Jhol, Chingri’r Malaikari and many such exquisite dishes are served in this restaurant. If you want to experience a proper Bengali feast and ambiance then Bhojohori Manna is your place.
8- Sandesh at Girish Chandra Dey and Nakur Chandra Nandy
If you leave Kolkata without trying the sweets, then you should better be able to live the rest of your life with that regret. The sweets at Nakur are unique and refreshing in terms of looks and taste. Located at Hedua Park, near Hatibagan, it is one of the oldest and traditional sweet shops in Kolkata. You can taste different flavors of sweets ranging from butter scotch, nolen gur, chocolate, mango, pistachio to various types of traditional Bengali “Sondesh”. People generally prefer the Nolen Gur Sondesh and chocolate Sondesh. Although the shop looks extremely ordinary, one should not judge a book by its cover. The black forest Sondesh is heaven for chocolate lovers.
9- Kathi Rolls at Nizam’s
The famous Kathi rolls of Nizam’s is a filling and delectable snack in Kolkata. It is made of a fried paratha stuffed with fried egg, pieces of spiced meats, onions, capsicums and other spices. It is a perfect item to have in the evening. They even customize the roll according to your preference. You can also try the Kathi rolls at “Kusum rolls” and “Zeeshan”. They are equally scrumptious.
10- Kabiraji at Mitra Café
Founded in the year 1920, Mitra Café is famous for its authentic and delicious snacks. The chicken and mutton Kabiraji are the most preferred items here. Minced mutton or chicken, marinated with flavorsome spices, coated in eggs and deep fried with crumbs, this delicacy never ceases to please the guests. A wide variety of other tasty food items like Mughlai parathas, cutlets, fish fry, fish fingers, brain chops and many more items are surely going to confuse you and make you want to try all of them.
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