Discover The Best Cuisine In Kolkata From Top Street Foods To Seafood Delights And More

Kolkata, often called the cultural capital of India, is also a paradise for food lovers. The city’s cuisine is a delightful blend of traditional Bengali dishes and influences from various communities that have called Kolkata home.

Here’s a guide to some of the best culinary experiences you can have in this vibrant city.

Street Food Extravaganza

First on the list is the iconic street food scene.

Kolkata is famous for its street snacks, with the most popular being the beloved puchka. These are hollow, crispy puris filled with a spicy, tangy mixture of tamarind water, potatoes, and chickpeas. Unlike their North Indian counterpart, golgappa, puchkas in Kolkata have a distinct taste that leaves you craving more. Another street food favourite is the jhalmuri, a spicy puffed rice mix that is the perfect snack on the go. Vendors mix puffed rice with peanuts, chopped onions, green chilies, mustard oil, and a special blend of spices.

Hearty Meals

When it comes to more substantial meals, Kolkata biryani is a must-try. This dish is a unique take on the traditional biryani, featuring perfectly cooked rice, tender meat (usually mutton or chicken), and a surprise ingredient – a boiled potato. The subtle use of spices and the inclusion of the potato make Kolkata biryani distinct and delicious.

Seafood Delights

No culinary tour of Kolkata would be complete without diving into its seafood offerings. Machher jhol, a light fish curry, is a staple in Bengali households. Typically made with freshwater fish like rohu or hilsa, this dish is cooked with potatoes, tomatoes, and a mix of spices that bring out the flavor of the fish without overpowering it. For those who enjoy prawns, chingri malai curry is a rich and creamy dish where prawns are cooked in coconut milk, spiced with turmeric, and green chilies, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Indian Chinese Cuisine

Kolkata’s Chinese cuisine, known locally as Indo Chinese, is another highlight. The city’s Tangra area, known as Chinatown, offers a variety of Chinese dishes that have been adapted to suit Indian palates. Favorites include Hakka noodles, chilli chicken, and Manchurian, all featuring bold flavours and a satisfying mix of textures.

Sweet Treats

When it comes to sweets, Kolkata truly shines. Rasgulla are a must-try. These sweets are light and refreshing, offering just the right amount of sweetness. Another Bengali dessert, mishti doi, is a fermented sweet yogurt that has a creamy texture and a mildly tangy taste, making it a delightful end to any meal.

Fusion Flavours

For those looking for a blend of sweet and savoury, the kathi roll is an excellent choice. Originally from Kolkata, kathi rolls are skewered kebabs wrapped in paratha bread, often garnished with onions, chilies, and sauces. They are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Kolkata’s cuisine is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage and diverse population. From the bustling street food stalls to the traditional Bengali kitchens, the city offers an array of flavours that are sure to delight any food lover. Whether you are savouring a hot puchka on a busy street corner or enjoying a bowl of machher jhol at a family dinner, the food in Kolkata is an experience in itself.

If you got carried away into a foody dream reading this, maybe you should join us for a weekend retreat to Kolkata itself and relish these delicacies. More details here.