The culinary paradise that is Kolkata!
Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is known for its rich culinary heritage, which reflects the city’s cultural diversity. Here are some iconic Kolkata foods that you must try:
Traditional Bengali Dishes:
- Jhol Muri: A spicy puffed rice snack.
- Mishti Doi: Sweet, fermented yogurt dessert.
- Shorshe Ilish: Hilsa fish cooked in mustard sauce.
- Bhapa Ilish: Steamed hilsa fish.
- Kosha Mangsho: Rich, slow-cooked mutton curry.
- Luchi (Deep-fried puffed bread) with Aloor Dom (Potato curry).
- Radhaballabhi (Deep-fried puffed bread with lentil filling). The Famous food of Bengal is maach (fish) and bhaat (rice). Bengalis share an irrevocable relationship with these two foods that are staple in almost every household. The chief food items of the Bengalis are Rice and Fish.
Street Food:
- Kati Rolls: Crispy, flavorful rolls filled with meat, eggs, or veggies.
- Puchka (Golgappas): Crunchy, spicy street snack.
- Jhal Muri: Spicy puffed rice mixture.
- Aloo Dum: Potato curry served with puris (deep-fried bread).
- Telebhaja: Fried vegetables or fish, often served as a snack.
Sweets:
- Rasgulla: Syrupy, sweet dumplings.
- Sandesh: Traditional Bengali sweet, often flavored with cardamom or nuts.
- Mishti Doi: Sweet, fermented yogurt dessert.
- Malpua: Deep-fried pancakes soaked in syrup.
Popular Restaurants:
- Dakshinapan: For authentic Bengali cuisine.
- Kewpie’s Kitchen: Known for its traditional Bengali dishes.
- Oh! Calcutta: Offers a range of Bengali and seafood dishes.
- Flurys: Famous for its baked goods, sandwiches, and snacks.
- Annapurna: For delicious vegetarian and Bengali cuisine.
Food Markets:
- New Market (Hogg Market): Historic market offering a variety of food stalls.
- Gariahat Market: Known for its street food and local snacks.
- College Street Market: Famous for its old cafes and snack stalls.
Kolkata’s food scene is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage, with influences from Bengali, Mughal, and European cuisines. Enjoy exploring the city’s culinary delights!
Kolkata, the culinary capital of Eastern India, has a rich food story to tell!
Influence of Cultures
Kolkata’s cuisine is shaped by its history, geography, and cultural diversity. Influences from:
- Bengali tradition
- Mughal Empire
- British colonialism
- Chinese and Tibetan immigrants
- Portuguese and French traders
Iconic Dishes
- Jhol Muri (spicy puffed rice)
- Mishti Doi (sweet yogurt)
- Shorshe Ilish (hilsa fish in mustard sauce)
- Kosha Mangsho (slow-cooked mutton)
- Luchi (deep-fried puffed bread) with Aloor Dom (potato curry)
- Rasgulla (syrupy sweet dumplings)
- Kati Rolls (crispy rolls with meat/eggs/veggies)
Street Food Legacy
- Puchka (golgappas)
- Jhal Muri
- Aloo Dum
- Telebhaja (fried veggies/fish)
- Bhel Puri
Legendary Eateries
- Dakshinapan (Bengali cuisine)
- Kewpie’s Kitchen (traditional Bengali)
- Oh! Calcutta (Bengali/seafood)
- Flurys (baked goods/sandwiches)
- Annapurna (vegetarian/Bengali)
Food Markets
- New Market (Hogg Market)
- Gariahat Market
- College Street Market
Festive Food
- Durga Puja: Bhog (community feast)
- Bengali New Year (Poila Boishakh): Traditional sweets
- Eid-al-Fitr: Haleem, kebabs, and biryani
Kolkata’s food story is a testament to its cultural richness and diversity, reflecting the city’s warm hospitality and love for good food!
Would you like to explore more about Kolkata’s food scene or try some recipes?