Kolkata’s culinary scene is renowned for its diverse and delicious offerings. Here are 10 must-try foods in Kolkata:
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1. KATHI ROLL:
Succulent kebabs wrapped in flatbread, a quintessential Kolkata street food.
A Kathi Roll, originating from Kolkata, is a beloved Indian street food that has gained popularity worldwide. Traditionally, it consists of skewered and roasted kebabs wrapped in a flaky paratha, often accompanied by onions, green chilies, and a drizzle of tangy chutney. Over time, the concept has evolved, leading to numerous variations catering to diverse tastes.
TOP 10 BEST FOODS IN KOLKATA
Ingredients:
- Paratha or roti
- Your choice of filling (e.g., chicken, paneer, vegetables)
- Sliced onions and green chilies
- Chutney (mint or tamarind)
- Lemon wedges
- Optional: Egg to coat the paratha
2. Puchka (Pani Puri):
Crispy hollow spheres filled with a spicy tamarind water, potato, and chickpea mixture.
Puchkas are small, crispy, hollow semolina (suji) shells filled with a spicy, tangy tamarind water and a mixture of mashed potatoes, boiled chickpeas, and spices. The vendor punctures a hole in the top of the puri and fills it with the flavored water just before serving, creating a delightful burst of flavors when eaten in one bite.
Ingredients:
½ cup semolina (suji)
2 teaspoons refined flour (maida)
Pinch of salt
Water to knead
Oil for frying
3. Rasgulla:
TOP 10 BEST FOODS IN KOLKATATOP 10 BEST FOODS IN KOLKATA
The exact origin of Rasgulla is a subject of debate between West Bengal and Odisha. In 2015, West Bengal received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for “Banglar Rosogolla,” while Odisha was granted the GI tag for “Odisha Rasagola” in 2019. Despite the shared heritage, both regions celebrate their unique versions of this sweet.The modern spongy Rasgulla is credited to Nobin Chandra Das, a confectioner from Kolkata, who introduced it in 1868. His son, Krishna Chandra Das, further popularized it by introducing canned Rasgullas in 1930, making it accessible beyond Kolkata and even internationally. Today, the K.C. Das brand remains synonymous with quality Rasgullas .Ingredients:
TOP 10 BEST FOODS IN KOLKATA
- 1 liter full-fat milk
- 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon rose water or saffron strands (optional)
4. Fish Fry:
Unlike the simple fried fish (mach bhaja), the Kolkata Fish Fry is a breaded and deep-fried fish fillet, often made from bhetki (barramundi) or cod. The fillet is marinated with a blend of spices, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried to golden perfection. This dish is a legacy of British colonial influence, where Indian cooks adapted European recipes using local ingredients. Over time, it became a staple in Bengali cuisine, especially during festive occasions and weddings .
Ingredients:
- 4–6 fish fillets (preferably bhetki, tilapia, or cod)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 inches ginger
- 4–5 cloves garlic
- 3–4 green chilies
- 1 cup coriander leaves
- 1 cup mint leaves
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon amchur (dry mango powder)
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
- Salt to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Oil for frying
5. Telebhaja:
A variety of deep-fried fritters, like beguni (batter-fried eggplant) and mochar chop (banana blossom fritters).
Telebhaja is a quintessential Bengali street food, cherished for its crispy texture and deep-fried goodness. The term “Telebhaja” literally translates to “fried in oil,” reflecting the cooking method of various fritters made from vegetables, lentils, or even fish. These fritters are a staple during monsoon evenings, festivals like Durga Puja, and casual tea-time gatherings in Kolkata.
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant (brinjal), sliced into ½-inch thick roundsINDIA CUISINE
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)INDIA CUISINE
- 1 teaspoon rice flour
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powderscratchingcanvas.com+1Slurrp+1
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji)Slurrp
- 1 teaspoon white poppy seeds (khus khus)Slurrp
- A pinch of baking sodaSlurrp
- Salt to taste
- Water, as neededYouTube+12INDIA CUISINE+12Trip101+12
- Oil for deep frying