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However, I can still share with you some of the most iconic and beloved food experiences in Kolkata, based on trends and popular recommendations. If you’re looking for the best food in Kolkata in 2025, here are some must-try dishes and experiences that are likely to remain popular:
1. Kathi Rolls
The Kathi roll, originating from Kolkata, is a must-try. These delicious wraps are typically filled with spiced meats or vegetables, rolled up in soft parathas. Famous spots include Nizam’s and Kusum’s.
2. Bengali Sweets
THE BEST FOOD IN KOLKATA 2025
Kolkata is famous for its sweets, especially Rasgulla, Sandesh, and Mishti Doi (sweetened yogurt). Places like Balaram Mullick and Radharaman Mullick and K.C. Das are renowned for these treats.
3. Macher Jhol (Fish Curry)
THE BEST FOOD IN KOLKATA 2025
A quintessential Bengali dish, this flavorful fish curry is usually made with fresh fish like rui or katla. It’s served with steamed rice and is a comfort food in Bengal.
4. Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa Fish in Mustard Sauce)
THE BEST FOOD IN KOLKATA 2025
One of the finest Bengali dishes, made with hilsa fish cooked in mustard sauce, Shorshe Ilish is a delicacy in Kolkata, often enjoyed during the monsoon season.
5. Chingri Malai Curry (Prawn Coconut Curry)
Another Bengali classic, Chingri Malai Curry is a rich, creamy prawn curry cooked with coconut milk and aromatic spices.
6. Pakhala Bhata
A dish native to Odisha but enjoyed in Kolkata too, Pakhala Bhata is a rice dish served with yogurt, vegetables, and fish, typically enjoyed during the summer months.
7. Momos and Thukpa
With a large Tibetan influence in the city, momos (dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup) have become street food staples in Kolkata. Tung Fong and Bamboo Hut are popular for these.
8. Phuchkas (Pani Puri)
Kolkata’s take on pani puri is called phuchka. They are crispy, hollow puris filled with spicy tamarind water and mashed potatoes, usually served at roadside stalls.
9. Chinese Food
Kolkata has its own unique Chinese cuisine. Park Street and Tangra areas offer excellent Chinese dishes with a Bengali twist. Dishes like Chop Suey and Hakka noodles are very popular.
10. Kolkata Biryani
The Kolkata Biryani is different from others due to the addition of a boiled potato. Aminia and Royal Indian Hotel serve some of the best versions in the city.
11. Roti and Subzi (Bengali style)
A typical Bengali meal is often served with soft, fluffy chapatis (rotis) or luchis (fried bread). These are paired with different vegetarian curries like Aloo Posto (potatoes in poppy seed paste), Beguni (fried eggplant), or Shukto (a bitter vegetable medley).
12. Bengali Fish Fry
This is a popular snack where fish fillets (usually Bhetki or Rui) are coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden and crispy. It is often served with mustard sauce and a few green chilies for added heat.
13. Kolar Bora (Banana Fritters)
A popular Bengali snack, Kolar Bora is made by deep-frying mashed bananas mixed with flour and jaggery, resulting in a crispy outer texture with a soft, sweet inside. This is often enjoyed with a cup of tea.
14. Paturi
Paturi is a Bengali-style fish wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed or grilled. The fish is typically marinated with mustard paste, coconut, and spices, giving it a unique, aromatic flavor.
15. Sandesh (Chhena-based Sweets)
Sondesh is made from fresh chhena (cottage cheese), flavored with cardamom or saffron, and served as a light, melt-in-the-mouth treat. This is one of the simplest yet most beloved sweets in Bengali cuisine.
16. Kathi Roll and Mughlai Paratha
Kathi Rolls are often enjoyed with Mughlai Parathas, which are stuffed parathas filled with spiced meat and sometimes even eggs. These hearty snacks are an absolute must-try for a filling street food experience.
17. Bengali-style Egg Curry
Known as Dim’er Jhol, this is a classic Bengali dish where hard-boiled eggs are cooked in a spicy tomato-based gravy with potatoes. It is served with rice and is one of the most comforting meals in Bengali households.
18. Ice Cream
A popular Bengali dessert, Mishti Doi (sweetened yogurt) is sometimes served as an ice cream, offering a creamy texture and caramelized sweetness. It’s perfect for those who enjoy tangy, rich flavors.
