Must try dishes in Kolkata

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Kolkata, also known as the “city of joy,” is a food lover’s paradise, with its vibrant street food scene and famous culinary delicacies. Here are some must-try dishes in Kolkata:

Rosogolla:

This sweet dessert is a specialty of Kolkata and is made of chhena (cottage cheese) balls soaked in sugar syrup.

Kolkata-style biryani:

Kolkata-style biryani is distinct from other biryanis in India because it uses potatoes and boiled eggs in addition to the meat. It is a delicious mix of fragrant rice and well-spiced meat.

Kathi rolls:

Kolkata is famous for its kathi rolls, which are essentially wraps filled with skewered kebabs and vegetables.

Chelo kebab:

This is a popular dish in Kolkata that consists of tender, melt-in-your-mouth kebabs served with a side of buttered rice.

Phuchka:

Phuchka, also known as golgappa or pani puri, is a popular street food snack in Kolkata. It is a crisp, hollow puri filled with spiced potato and chickpeas and then dunked in tangy tamarind water.

Luchi-aloo dum:

Luchi is a deep-fried flatbread that is served with aloo dum, a spicy potato curry.

Luchi and cholar dal:

Luchi is a deep-fried flatbread made with refined flour, and cholar dal is a lentil dish made with Bengal gram and flavored with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaves.

Luchi and mutton:

Luchi mutton is a popular Bengali dish that consists of deep-fried puffed bread (luchi) served with spicy mutton curry.

Macher jhol:

This fish curry is a staple in Kolkata. It is made with fresh fish, mustard oil, and a blend of spices.

Sandesh:

Sandesh is a sweet made from chhena (cottage cheese) and sugar. It is a popular dessert in Kolkata and comes in various flavors.

Jhalmuri:

Jhalmuri is a street snack made of puffed rice, vegetables, and spices. It is a quick and flavorful snack that is perfect for a mid-day hunger fix.

Mishti doi:

Mishti doi is a sweet yogurt made with condensed milk and caramelized sugar. It is a classic Bengali dessert and is a must-try when in Kolkata.

Shukto:

Shukto is a traditional Bengali vegetable dish made with bitter gourd, eggplant, potatoes, and other vegetables. It is seasoned with a blend of spices and is usually served as a starter dish.

Chingri malai curry:

This is a classic Bengali dish made with prawns cooked in a creamy coconut milk sauce with ginger, garlic, and other spices. It is a popular dish for special occasions.

Dhokar dalna:

Dhokar dalna is a vegetarian Bengali dish made with steamed lentil cakes (dhokas) cooked in a spicy gravy made of tomatoes, ginger, and other spices.

Mishti pulao:

Mishti pulao is a sweet rice dish made with fragrant Basmati rice, nuts, and raisins, flavored with saffron and cardamom

Shorshe ilish:

Shorshe ilish is a classic Bengali dish made with Hilsa fish cooked in a mustard seed paste and seasoned with turmeric and chili powder.

Kolkata is known for its vibrant street food culture, with a variety of stalls and vendors offering delicious and affordable food. Here are some of the best food places in Kolkata:

1. Shyambazar Vardaan Market: This busy market in North Kolkata is known for its street food stalls selling everything from jalebis to chana masala. Some popular stalls include Dwarik’s rasgulla, Maharaja’s jalebi, and Vivekananda’s lassi.
2. College Street: This famous street in central Kolkata is home to several food stalls that offer a variety of street food such as egg rolls, kathi rolls, and chicken cutlets. Some popular stalls include Nizam’s, Roll Club, and Allen’s Kitchen.
3. Park Circus: This bustling area in South Kolkata is famous for its street food stalls, which serve a variety of dishes such as kati rolls, phuchkas, and biryani. Some popular stalls include Aminia and Arsalan.
4. Hatibagan: This busy market in North Kolkata is known for its street food stalls selling a variety of snacks such as samosas, kachoris, and jhal muri. Some popular stalls include Maharani, Maharaja, and Dilkhusha Cabin.
5. Gariahat: This popular shopping district in South Kolkata is home to several food stalls that offer a variety of street food such as momos, chaat, and fish fry. Some popular stalls include Dolly’s Tea Shop, Durga Puchka, and Noodle Oodle.
6. Sovabazar Rajbari: This historic palace in North Kolkata is home to several food stalls that offer a variety of traditional Bengali snacks such as ghugni, telebhaja, and chaa. Some popular stalls include Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick, and Radhuni.
7. New Market: This historic market is a food lover’s paradise, with vendors selling a variety of street food such as puchkas, jhal muri, and egg rolls. You can also find shops selling traditional Bengali sweets and snacks.
8. Park Street: This popular street in central Kolkata is lined with restaurants and cafes serving a variety of cuisines, including Bengali, Chinese, and Continental. Some popular restaurants include Peter Cat, Flury’s, and Barbeque Nation.
9. Tiretti Bazaar: This bustling market in the heart of Kolkata’s Chinatown is famous for its early-morning Chinese breakfast stalls, which serve dumplings, noodles, and other Chinese delicacies.
10. Golpark: This residential area in South Kolkata is home to some of the city’s best Bengali restaurants, such as Bhojohori Manna and 6 Ballygunge Place. These restaurants serve authentic Bengali dishes such as fish curry, rice, and a variety of vegetable preparations.
11. Dacres Lane: This narrow lane in central Kolkata is home to several street food stalls serving a variety of dishes such as chicken cutlet, fish fry, and biryani. It’s a great place to try some of Kolkata’s most popular street food.
12. Mocambo: This iconic restaurant in Park Street is famous for its Continental cuisine and retro decor. It’s a great place to enjoy a classic steak or seafood dish.
13. Zakaria Street: Some of the most popular food items on Zakaria Street include kebabs, biryanis, and phirni, a sweet rice pudding dessert. Some of the famous food shops and restaurants on the street include Aminia, Royal Indian Hotel, and Sabir’s Hotel, Delhi 6, Taskeen. In addition to the food, Zakaria Street is also known for its beautiful architecture and historic buildings, including the Nakhoda Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Kolkata. Visitors can also explore the nearby flower market and the famous Chitpur locality, which is known for its vibrant cultural heritage.
14. Apanjan: Apanjan is a popular restaurant located in the Girishpark area of Kolkata, known for serving delicious Bengali cuisine. The restaurant has been around for several decades and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike
15. Tung Nam: Tung Nam is a popular Chinese restaurant located in the Tangra area of Kolkata, known for serving delicious and authentic Chinese cuisine. The restaurant has been around for several decades and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Tung Nam’s menu features a wide range of Chinese dishes, including dim sum, soups, noodles, and a variety of meat and seafood dishes. Some of the most popular dishes include chili garlic prawns, shredded chicken with celery, and mixed fried rice. The restaurant has a simple and unassuming decor, with wooden tables and chairs and Chinese artwork on the walls. The ambiance is casual and welcoming, making it a great place to enjoy a relaxed meal with friends and family. One of the highlights of Tung Nam is its dim sum, which is served in traditional bamboo steamers and includes a variety of steamed dumplings, buns, and rolls. The dim sum is made fresh to order and is a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant.
16. Gupta Brothers: It is a popular sweet shop and snack bar chain in Kolkata, known for serving delicious sweets, chaats, and other snacks. The chain has several outlets across the city, with the original one located in the Kalighat area. Gupta Brothers are particularly known for its sweets, which include traditional Bengali favorites such as rasgulla, Sandesh, and mishti doi. The sweets are made fresh daily using high-quality ingredients and are a must-try for anyone visiting Kolkata.