It’s that time of the year again, where food makes it on top of your to-dos list. Christmas, New Year and several other revelries wait for the best food in the city of joy to be explored. If you haven’t eaten in the land of Bengal, there’s nothing fruitful you have done in life. Kolkata – a land more popular for fish and bones has much more to offer for the gastronomically inclined.
The city with a cultural heritage has mouth-watering delightful cuisines like no other Indian city can compete with and when it comes to food; the magic only amplifies to another level. Winning hearts for centuries the city offers food ranging from full course meals, light eats to sweet dishes. The list of delicacies is never-ending and they have never failed to impress anyone
You will for sure be ready to leave your seats by the time you are done reading this. Here are 20 things you should definitely eat when you're in Kolkata.
1. Roshogolla
Where you can find it: K.C.Das & Bheem Nag
You might have eaten rasgullas all your life but if you haven't had roshogollas in Kolkata, then what's the point? Not only one but you can chose from a variety of roshogullas you want to choose from like Khasta i.e. crunchy, Sponge, Half Sponge, nolen gur and semolina.
Nolen gurer roshogulla (flickr)
2. Sondesh
Where you can find it: Nakur Chandra Nandy
Decorated with pistachios, almonds and saffron strands and prepared with milk, sugar and paneer, this mishti would simply melt in your mouth. And if you are into flavors, you have got Ice-cream, chocolate and strawberry sondesh too.
3. Chanachur
Where you can find it: Any and every grocery shop in Kolkata, most famously Ujjala
A namkeen locally referred to as chanachur is one of a kind. A very spicy-mix of dried ingredients are fried noodles made from pulse flour, black gram flour, flour chips of different shapes and sizes, fried and puffed dhals, cereals, peanuts and raisins. Spices and condiments are used to flavour the mixture which makes it difficult to stop munching on it.
Chanachur (Google)4. Kosha Mangsho (mutton curry)
Where you can find it: Golbari
Served with steamed rice, luchi (puri) and parothas, this mouth-watering, velvety gravy with juicy pieces of meat, is every meat lover's paradise. This you can definitely add to the list of must-haves.
5. Chicken Kabiraji
Where you can find it: Mitra Café
Savour the sublime taste of this unique chicken preparation. Made with minced pieces of chicken, bread crumbs, ginger-garlic and egg, this snack will fill you up for quite a while.
6. Tibetan Food
Where you can find it: Territi Bazaar
Locally referred to as the China Town of Kolkata this stretch of road is a fascinating street with tempting Tibetan food. Even if you have had Tibetan food in the past, the flavors that this street offers are truly one of a kind.
7. Chelo Kebab
Where you can find it: Peter Cat
Every true blue Kolkatan would recommend this platter of kebabs and for a reason. It's a composition of mutton seekhs along with chicken kebabs and is served with steamed rice and veggies. The cozy British ambiance from the early years is what adds the zing to this famously crowded joint.
8. Mughlai Parotha
Where you can find it: Basanta Cabin
These deep fried parothas stuffed with egg and minced meat adds the kind of twist that can keep you finger-licking throughout. Generously cooked in oil this delicacy will leave your tummy bursting with joy.
9. Kochuri - Torkari - Jilebi
Where you can find it: Maharaja/Maharani
This popular combo offers the perfect combination of sweet, salt and spice. One lip smacking step away from a happy belly and a big smile.
10. Phuchka
Where you can find it: Every nook and corner of the city, most famously Vivekananda Park
These tiny water-bombs with spice and masala, also called phuchka, are probably the cheapest, yet filling item you can find. You might think you'll stop after 4 but end-up eating a truckload!
11. Ghugni
Where you can find it: Dacres lane
If chanas and chickpeas is what you like, this dish will be one of your favorites. And even if they're not, after eating this you'll find yourself a new favorite. Ghughni walas patrolling residential areas and sightseeing spots are the most commonly found views on a lazy Kolkata afternoon.
Ghughni (migrationology.com)
12. Macher Jhol (Fish-curry)
Where you can find it: Bhajahori Manna/Kasturi
Macher jhol with rice is the staple food of this city, found almost everywhere in Kolkata. So just in case you're unable to find yourself a restaurant in the locale, knock on any Bengali's door and be surprised with what they have to offer.
13. Telebhaja
Where you can find it: Dacres lane
A perfect monsoon snack with cha/chai, ranging from beguni, phuluri, peyaji, alu’r chop to a variety of sinfully-crunchy, besan (corn-flour) covered street food! One bhaja is just not enough; you have to try them all!
Telebhaja and Chai – A blissful combination (Blogspot)
14. Kathi Rolls
Where you can find it: Nizam
Needless to say, we Indians love Kathi rolls and the many varieties they come in. But guess where it all started?
15. Kolkata Biryani
Where you can find it: Arsalan & Royal
A unique smell of desi ghee mixed with rich masalas and spices along with juicy, tender pieces of mutton cooked in rice and tava, this dish is something you cannot miss trying.
16. Pitha
Where you can find it: Nakur Chandra Nandy
Made from rice flour, this exquisite item can be both sweet and salty. Depending on the type, they are either fried or steamed. In any case, your taste-buds are in for a treat.
17. Jhalmuri
Where you can find it: Every second lane in the city
Puffed rice or Muri mixed with peanuts, coriander and other spices, jhalmuri is an appetizing snack found in every street-corner of Kolkata. If you love street-food, this preparation is meant for you.
18. Radha Ballavi/ Hinger Kochuri
Where you can find it: Sweetmeat shops
A very popular breakfast dish of Kolkata, radha ballavis are fried, lentil-stuffed puris. They sell like wild-fire and are a huge rage in Kolkata. You have to stay up in queue to taste some of these.
19. Mishti Doi
Where you can find it: Bheem Nag & Jadav Chandra Das
This doi beats any sort of frozen yogurt you might have eaten. It's a perfect blend of sugar and milk, cupped together for a tempting treat.
20. Thandai/Kulfi
Where you can find it: Ralli's
Kolkata's very own frozen desert garnished with pistachios and almonds, though dispelled across the country, is simply the perfect desert for a stifling summer day in Kolkata!
When in Kolkata, eat what the Kolkatans eat!
