Cuisine Ideas during the Festivals in Kolkata

The city of joy has recently been indulging in the vibrancy of Durga Puja, and soon the array of festivals will arrive in their grandeur. The entire city is geared up for the festivities. All the festivals are synonymous with Kolkata’s cultural spirit, a celebration of art, colour, and divinity. As the streets get decked up in vibrant lights and the beautiful pandals open up to the public, there is one other aspect that excites everyone just as much as these.

Bengalis are known for their nature as foodies, and the festivals are, of course, a reason to indulge in the same. No amount of pandal-hopping in Kolkata is complete without ending the day with scrumptious delicacies. Kolkata is a melting pot in terms of food- there are very few cuisines that are not available here. Following are some brilliant cuisine ideas you can consider if you value having your stomach’s fill just as much as your heart’s in this festive period.

Bengali Cuisine

You cannot be celebrating Puja in Kolkata without indulging in Bengali food! Though often known for its myriad of non-vegetarian dishes, the Bengali cuisine has plenty of delicious vegetarian options as well. Make sure you try dishes like Chingri Malaikari( Prawns cooked in a creamy curry), Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa fish cooked in mustard curry), Shukto ( traditional Bengali mixed vegetable curry), Kosha Mangsho( Mutton in thick, spicy gravy), and more. Some of the most well-known Bengali restaurants in Kolkata include – 6, Ballygunge Place, Kasturi, and Bhojohori Manna.  If you want to have a unique experience, head to the Calcutta Bungalow- a heritage townhouse reminiscent of the city’s golden era and try the Bengali items on their menu. Opting for Bengali food is one of those cuisine ideas that you just cannot miss.

Mughlai Cuisine

Bengalis love their Mughlai food, and hence several joints in the city serve the best of the best in the cuisine. Whether it’s biryani, kebabs, or meats cooked in delicate curries- these places have it all. Some of the most popular Mughlai restaurants in the city include Kareem’s, Oudh 1590, and Nizam’s. The Aminia restaurant in the New Market/ Esplanade area is notable as it was one of the first places in the city to offer Mughlai cuisine. If you truly want to explore the history of this cuisine in the city, head to the Royal Indian Hotel near Burabazaar.  The restaurant has been serving Mughlai cuisine reminiscent of Lucknow’s culinary traditions since 1905.  If you are someone who is not from the city, make sure you try the Kolkata Biryani, inspired by the Mughlai dish but with a unique twist of its own (addition of potatoes and eggs!).

Chinese Cuisine

One of the most obvious cuisine ideas, isn’t it? Chinese, or rather Desi-Chinese, has made a place in the Indian culinary scene like very few other cuisines. Bengalis love Chinese food so much that these dishes are available even in street-side stalls! But if you want to dine in and have some comfort food this festive season, Kolkata has all the right places for you! Some of the best Chinese restaurants in the city include Tung Fong, Bar-B-Q, and Mainland China.

The latter is on the pricier side but has been considered one of the best in the city for a long time. Peter Hu in the Park Street area serves Pan- Asian food and is a popular choice amongst the hardcore foodies of the city due to its exquisite fine dining experience. As most Chinese dishes are light on the stomach, the cuisine is a crowd favourite during the hectic festivities.

Street Food and Snacks

Not amongst traditional cuisine ideas per se, but you will be missing out on one of the most defining elements of the festival if you do not indulge in the street food of Kolkata. Pandals are lined with stalls that serve popular items like Phuchka (a variation of Pani Puri or Golpgappe), a variety of chaats, and Jhal-Muri ( Puffed rice tossed in tangy sauces and spices). The latter is a perfect dish to munch on as you wait in long lines while pandal-hopping. Kolkata is arguably the best place in the country to try ‘rolls’ filled with tasty meats, wrapped in egg batter, and topped with the most delicious Indian sauces.

While almost every street in the city has at least one stall dedicated to this dish, some of the Bengalis’ favourites include Nizam’s, Kusum Roll, and Zeeshan. Bengali snacks that are a rage during this time include Fish Fry, Chops, and Mughlai Paratha. Try these dishes at places like Mitra Café and Macchli Baba Fries. Another item that is a favourite while pandal hopping is fresh coconut water, often found at street-side stalls near pandals. Known as ‘Daab er Jol’, the refreshing drink is soothing to many after a long, sunny day at various pandals. 

Desserts and Breakfast Items

Given how much Bengalis love their sweet dishes, it is only right that desserts deserve a separate spot on the list. Delicacies like Roshogolla, Chomchom, Sandesh, and Kheer Kadam are staples that you cannot miss. You cannot forget to try Mishti Doi, a sweetened curd that is slightly peach in colour and is reminiscent of the taste found in traditional Bengali sweets. Shops like Balaram & Radharaman Mullick, Banchharam’s, and K.C. Das have been some of the city’s favourites across generations. These shops also serve classic Bengali breakfast items that cannot be missed. These include Luchi-Aloor Dom, Radhaballavi, and Jilipi a variation of Jalebi). Though this is not a usual cuisine idea, sweets are a staple during Durga Puja, especially on Bijoya Dashami and also during Bhaiphota.

Some of the most popular cuisine ideas of the city have been listed here. Of course, there are plenty more that could satiate your taste buds. One recommendation would be to eat lightly on the days that you go out for pandal hopping, as those days can get quite hectic. You can always try the dishes on the spicier side on days you are taking it slow during the festival.  The festivals in Kolkata remain incomplete without indulgence in various tasty food items. You should make sure you try all that the city has to offer during the most glorious time of the year!

Author

Tirna Sengupta

Currently pursuing an English degree in college. A passionate writer who is always delving into meaningful topics. Eager to explore the world and share thoughts about it with curious readers.