Whet your appetite with the delightful delicacies of Kolkata!
Known as the Cultural Capital of the nation that paved the way for the Indian Renaissance, Kolkata’s diverse history is evident from its traditional cuisine featuring subtle nuances from strong cultural influences of Mughals, Armenians, Parsis, and the British. When it comes to the food, there’s more to Kolkata than just ‘Roshogulla’ and ‘Sondesh’ as the entire state of West Bengal is filled to the brim with gastronomic wonders.
PUCHKA
Stuffed with mashed potatoes, sprinkled with spices, and then filled with tamarind chutney, pickled water, pudina, and lime-puchkas are definitely the best of Kolkata street food. They belong to the golgappa family, but the typical flavour of Kolkata is what makes them different from Golgappa or Panipuri.
Where to find: Dilipda’s Phuchkas in Vivekananda Market
GHUGNI CHAAT
This beloved street food of Kolkata is quite similar to Mumbai’s Ragda Pattice. Ghugni is made mainly of boiled yellow and white peas — mixed with onions, coriander, chillis, tomatoes, spices, topped with tamarind pulp and is insanely delicious.
Where to find: Dacres Lane
FISH CHOP
Popular street food of West Bengal, this deep-fried Bengali fish croquette is delicious and soft on the inside with a crispy breaded coating on the outside.
Where to find: Bijoli Grill, Southern Avenue, and Since 2016 Cafe, Sector 1
KOSHA MANGSHO (MUTTON CURRY)
Another popular delicacy originating from Bengal is the heart Mutton curry or as the people of the land fondly call it- Kosha Mangsho. The spicy curry is prepared with mutton, a range of vegetables (usually including tomatoes and onions), and topped up with a variety of authentic spices to give it that flavorful zing and the quintessential rich brown colour.
Where to eat: Oh! Calcutta, 6 Ballygunge Place, and JW Kitchen
SHORSHE ILISH (HILSA FISH COOKED IN MUSTARD GRAVY)
Bengalis take their fish seriously and when it comes to the classic Ilish there’s nothing more serious and close to their heart than this mustard-based Hilsa delicacy, which is one of the many famous dishes of Kolkata. Available in abundance during the monsoon, Hilsa is an integral part of the culturally rich Kolkata’s heritage. Not only is it the staple diet, but also an indispensable legacy that marks every important occasion in a true blue Bengali’s life.
Where to eat: Sonar Tori, 6 Ballygunge Place, and Oh! Calcutta
ALOO POSTO (SPICED POTATOES COOKED IN POPPY SEEDS
This is a classic Bengali delicacy that is mostly served as a side dish in almost every Bengali household. Sparing in its utilization of spices, this preparation relies on the flavours bring forth by potatoes, green chillies, and roasted poppy seeds. Featuring a nutty and rich flavour, Aloo Posto is usually cooked with mustard oil and served with Bengali flatbread.
Where to eat: Bangaleeana, Kasturi, and 6 BallyGunge
LUCCHI (BENGALI FRIED FLATBREAD)
Kolkata’s one of the favourite carb-treats Lucchi is a deep-fried flatbread made from maida flour. It’s quite like the North Indian Puri or Bhatura and enjoyed best with Aloo Posto and can also be paired with any rich curry of choice. Truly a comforting Bengali snack.
Where to eat: Bangaleeana, Oh! Calcutta, 6 BallyGunge, Sonar Tori
Happy Dining.
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