Foods And Drinks In Kolkata

● Phuchka

Category: Street Food

Details: **Phuchka, known as Pani Puri in other parts of India, is an iconic street food in Kolkata. It consists of a hollow, crispy puri filled with a delicious mixture of spiced mashed potato (aloo), boiled chickpeas (chana), and tamarind (tetul) water. The vendor fills the puri and serves it to be eaten in one go. The tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors, combined with the crunch of the puri, create a delightful burst of taste. Variations include Dahi Phuchka, where the tamarind w

Where It's Found: Vivekananda Park and Bhawanipore. Maharaja Chaat Centre on Southern Avenue is particularly famous. You can find vendors in almost every neighborhood.

Price: Rs. 20-40 for 6 phuchkas

● Kathi Roll

Category: Street Food

Details: The Kathi Roll is a delectable wrap that originated in Kolkata. A thin paratha (Indian flatbread) is fried with an egg and then filled with a variety of ingredients. The most popular fillings include succulent pieces of chicken or mutton (Mangsho), often mixed with onions and a special blend of spices. Vegetarian options with paneer, potato, or vegetable fillings are also available. This grab-and-go meal is a must-try for its smoky flavor and satisfying taste. **

Where It's Found: Zaika on Park Street, Nizam's and Badshah in New Market, and Kusum's on Park Street.

Price: Rs. 80-250

● Jhal Muri

Category: Street Food

Details: **Jhal Muri is a quintessential Bengali puffed rice snack. It is a savory, light, and crunchy mixture of puffed rice (muri) with various ingredients like roasted peanuts, chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and coriander leaves. The mix is brought together with a dash of mustard oil and a special chaat masala that gives it its unique, pungent flavor. The vendor typically serves it in a small paper cone, making it a perfect snack to enjoy while walking. **

Where It's Found: You can find Jhal Muri vendors on almost every street corner, especially near parks, bus stops, and markets.

Price: Rs. 15-30

● Mughlai Paratha

Category: Street Food

Details: This rich and savory fried bread is a complete meal in itself. A Mughlai Paratha is a large, square-shaped paratha stuffed with a generous filling of spiced minced meat (keema), broken cutlets, or an egg mixture with chopped onions. It is deep-fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while the inside remains soft and flavorful. It is often served with ghugni (curried peas) and a side salad of onions and cucumber. **

Where It's Found: Anadi Cabin on Jawaharlal Nehru Road is a historic place known for its Mughlai Paratha. Other places include Nizam's and local stalls.

Price: Rs. 50-150

● Ghugni Chaat

Category: Street Food

Details: **Ghugni Chaat is a hearty and spicy snack made from dried yellow peas (motor). The peas are soaked and then cooked with a blend of spices, including ginger, garlic, and onions, to create a thick and flavorful curry. It is then topped with a mix of chopped onions, coriander, tamarind pulp, and sometimes even pieces of coconut. The combination of the soft peas and crunchy toppings makes it a satisfying and popular street food. **

Where It's Found: Dacre Lane (Decker's Lane) is famous for its Ghugni Chaat. You can also find this delicious snack in local markets and from street vendors across the city.

Price: Rs. 30-60

● Churmur

Category: Street Food

Details: A close relative of the phuchka, Churmur is a delightful street food made by crushing phuchka puris and mixing them with mashed potatoes, boiled yellow peas, and a generous amount of tangy and spicy tamarind water. A sprinkle of chopped onions and coriander adds freshness. The name "Churmur" literally means "crushed," referring to the texture of the dish. It is a flavor-packed experience with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy. **

Where It's Found: Any popular Phuchka stall will likely sell Churmur. Try it at Maharaja Chaat Centre on Southern Avenue.

Price: Rs. 30-50

● Luchi & Alur Dom

Category: Street Food

Details: **Luchi is a fluffy, deep-fried bread made from refined flour (maida). It's a staple in Bengali cuisine and is often served with Alur Dom, a rich, spicy, and tangy potato curry. The Alur Dom is a Bengali rendition of the classic Dum Aloo, cooked with tomatoes, ginger, and a blend of spices. The combination of the soft, puffy luchi and the flavorful potato curry is a simple yet irresistible meal. **

Where It's Found: Fairlie Place is renowned for its Luchi and Alur Dom. It's a common breakfast and lunch item at many street stalls.

Price: Rs. 40-80

● Momo

Category: Street Food

Details: While originally a Tibetan dish, momo has become an extremely popular street food in Kolkata. These are small dumplings, either steamed or fried, with a variety of fillings. Common fillings include spiced minced chicken (Murgi), vegetables, and sometimes paneer. They are served with a spicy, red chili sauce (chutney) and a clear soup, offering a comforting and delicious experience. The steamed momo is particularly loved for its soft texture and succulent filling. **

Where It's Found: Around Rabindra Sadan Metro Exit and various street food stalls in the city.

Price: Rs. 40-100

● Beguni

Category: Street Food

Details: **Beguni is a crispy, deep-fried fritter made from slices of eggplant (begun). The eggplant slices are coated in a spiced batter of gram flour (besan) and then fried until they are golden and crunchy. Beguni is a popular snack, often enjoyed with puffed rice (muri) or as a side dish with a main meal. Its soft inside and crispy outside provide a satisfying contrast in texture. **

Where It's Found: You can find Beguni at many local street stalls and food vendors, particularly in the afternoons.

Price: Rs. 10-20 per piece

● Aloo Kabli

Category: Street Food

Details: **Aloo Kabli is a tangy and spicy potato salad that is a favorite among locals. The main ingredients are boiled and cubed potatoes, which are mixed with roasted chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, and cucumber. A generous amount of tamarind water and a special mix of spices are added to give it a zesty flavor. It is a light, refreshing, and zesty snack that is perfect for a quick bite. **

Where It's Found: This popular snack is available at almost all chaat stalls and street food vendors throughout Kolkata.

Price: Rs. 20-40

● Macher Jhol

Category: Bengali Delicacies

Details: A staple of Bengali cuisine, Macher Jhol is a traditional fish curry. The name literally translates to "fish curry" (Macher meaning fish and Jhol meaning curry). The dish is prepared with fresh water fish, commonly Rohu or Katla, cooked in a light and watery gravy with a mix of vegetables like potatoes and cauliflower (phulkopi). The curry is seasoned with a distinctive blend of spices and mustard oil, giving it a unique, piquant flavor. It is always served with s

Where It's Found: Reputable Bengali restaurants like Bhojohori Manna, Oh! Calcutta, and 6 Ballygunge Place.

Price: Rs. 300-600

● Kosha Mangsho

Category: Bengali Delicacies

Details: **Kosha Mangsho is a famous Bengali mutton curry known for its rich and spicy flavor. The mutton (Mangsho) is slow-cooked for a long time with a medley of onions, garlic, ginger, and a variety of whole and ground spices. The process, known as Kosha, involves repeatedly stirring the meat until the masala is well-browned and the mutton is tender and succulent. This dish is best enjoyed with luchi, paratha, or steamed rice. **

Where It's Found: A must-try at places like 6 Ballygunge Place, Oh! Calcutta, and Kasturi.

Price: Rs. 400-800

● Shukto

Category: Bengali Delicacies

Details: **Shukto is a traditional Bengali vegetable dish, often served as the first course of a multi-course Bengali meal. It is a mild, slightly bitter medley of various vegetables like bitter gourd (uchhe), raw banana (kacha kola), brinjal (begun), and potatoes (aloo). The dish is cooked with a special Shukto spice blend, including mustard seeds, ginger, and poppy seeds, and is often sweetened with a touch of milk. Its unique bitter-sweet taste is a classic repres

Where It's Found: Most authentic Bengali restaurants in Kolkata, such as Bhojohori Manna and 6 Ballygunge Place.

Price: Rs. 200-400

● Bhapa Ilish

Category: Bengali Delicacies

Details: **Bhapa Ilish is a traditional and highly revered Bengali dish made from Hilsa fish (Ilish Machh), a freshwater fish known for its distinct taste and delicate texture. The fish is marinated in a paste of mustard (shorshe), poppy seeds, green chilies, and mustard oil. It is then steamed to perfection, either in a container or wrapped in a banana leaf. The steaming process locks in the flavors, resulting in a tender and aromatic dish. **

Where It's Found: Seafood specialty restaurants and high-end Bengali eateries like Oh! Calcutta. It is a seasonal delicacy.

Price: Rs. 700-1500 (depending on the size of the fish and season)

● Aloo Posto

Category: Bengali Delicacies

Details: **Aloo Posto is a simple yet incredibly flavorful vegetarian dish. It is prepared with potatoes (aloo) cooked in a smooth, creamy paste of poppy seeds (posto). The potatoes are cut into cubes and cooked with a touch of mustard oil, green chilies, and a pinch of nigella seeds (kalonji). The poppy seed paste gives the curry a nutty and rich flavor. It is a comforting side dish that is a staple in most Bengali households and is served with plain rice. **

Where It's Found: You can find this dish at any traditional Bengali restaurant like Kasturi or Bhojohori Manna.

Price: Rs. 150-300

● Chingri Malaikari

Category: Bengali Delicacies

Details: **Chingri Malaikari is a decadent and creamy prawn curry that is a signature Bengali dish. It is made with large prawns (chingri) cooked in a rich gravy of coconut milk (Narkel dudh), onions, ginger, and garam masala. The subtle spices and the sweetness of the coconut milk create a luxurious and aromatic curry. This dish is often reserved for special occasions and festivities due to its rich flavor and high-end ingredients. **

Where It's Found: Premium Bengali restaurants like Oh! Calcutta and 6 Ballygunge Place.

Price: Rs. 600-1200

● Mochar Ghonto

Category: Bengali Delicacies

Details: **Mochar Ghonto is a unique and delicious vegetarian dish made from banana blossoms (mocha). The banana blossoms are finely chopped and then cooked with potatoes, coconut, and a mix of spices. It is a time-consuming but rewarding dish that has a rich texture and a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. This dish is a true example of how Bengali cuisine elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. **

Where It's Found: Traditional Bengali restaurants such as Bhojohori Manna and Saptapadi.

Price: Rs. 250-450

● Dhokar Dalna

Category: Bengali Delicacies

Details: **Dhokar Dalna is a flavorful and popular vegetarian curry made from fried lentil cakes (dhoka). The dhoka are prepared by grinding lentils (chana dal) and cooking the paste with spices before shaping and frying them. These crispy cakes are then simmered in a rich and spicy gravy made with ginger, tomatoes, and a variety of Bengali spices. It is a traditional dish that is often served on auspicious occasions and is a great alternative to meat curries. **

Where It's Found: Authentic Bengali restaurants and some traditional sweet shops that also serve savories.

Price: Rs. 200-400

● Bhetki Paturi

Category: Bengali Delicacies

Details: **Bhetki Paturi is a traditional Bengali fish delicacy where fish fillets, typically Bhetki, are marinated in a pungent paste of mustard (shorshe) and green chilies. The marinated fish is then wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed or cooked on a low flame. The banana leaf imparts a distinct aroma to the dish, and the steaming process ensures the fish remains moist and tender. This dish is celebrated for its earthy, spicy, and sharp flavors. **

Where It's Found: Upscale Bengali restaurants like Oh! Calcutta and Sonar Tori.

Price: Rs. 500-1000

● Luchi and Kosha Mangsho

Category: Bengali Delicacies

Details: While Luchi and Kosha Mangsho can be enjoyed separately, their combination is a match made in culinary heaven. The fluffy, deep-fried luchi serves as the perfect accompaniment to the rich and spicy Kosha Mangsho. The simple, slightly sweet luchi complements the complex, slow-cooked mutton gravy, making it a classic combination for Sunday lunches and special occasions. **

Where It's Found: This popular combination can be found at all major Bengali restaurants like 6 Ballygunge Place and Bhojohori Manna.

Price: Rs. 500-900

● Rosogolla

Category: Sweets

Details: The Rosogolla, also known as Rasgulla, is arguably the most famous Bengali sweet. It is a soft, spongy ball made from chhena (cottage cheese) and semolina, which is then cooked in a light sugar syrup. The rosogolla absorbs the syrup, making it juicy and sweet. Its origin is a matter of debate, but it is deeply ingrained in Bengali culture. The perfect rosogolla is soft to the touch and melts in your mouth. **

Where It's Found: K.C. Das, Bhim Chandra Nag, and Nobin Chandra Das & Sons are among the most famous sweet shops.

Price: Rs. 15-30 per piece

● Sandesh

Category: Sweets

Details: **Sandesh is a quintessential Bengali sweet made primarily from chhena (cottage cheese) and sugar or jaggery (gur). Unlike the rosogolla, it is a dry sweet that can be molded into various shapes and designs. There are many variations of Sandesh, including Nolen Gurer Sandesh (made with date palm jaggery during winter), Jol Bhora Sandesh (a unique version with a liquid jaggery filling), and a modern version with chocolate flavor. **

Where It's Found: Renowned sweet shops like Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick, Nalin Chandra Das & Sons, and Girish Chandra Dey & Nakur Chandra Nandy.

Price: Rs. 20-50 per piece

● Mishti Doi

Category: Sweets

Details: **Mishti Doi translates to "sweet curd" and is a creamy, fermented yogurt dessert. It is made by blending thick yogurt with sugar and then allowing it to set naturally in a terracotta pot (handi). The traditional setting process gives it a unique flavor and texture. Mishti Doi is a perfect way to end a meal, as it is both sweet and refreshing. **

Where It's Found: All famous sweet shops and many Bengali restaurants. Ganguram and Makhan Lal Das & Sons are well-known for their Mishti Doi.

Price: Rs. 30-80 per cup

● Rasmalai

Category: Sweets

Details: **Rasmalai is a soft and spongy dessert that is loved across the country. It consists of small, flattened chhena balls soaked in a creamy, sweetened milk (malai) flavored with saffron (kesar) and cardamom. It is often garnished with chopped nuts like almonds and pistachios. The chhena absorbs the creamy milk, making it a melt-in-your-mouth experience. **

Where It's Found: K.C. Das is a popular choice for Rasmalai. You can find it in most sweet shops.

Price: Rs. 40-70 per piece

● Pantua

Category: Sweets

Details: **Pantua is a deep-fried sweet that is often referred to as the Bengali version of Gulab Jamun. It is made from chhena, flour, and semolina, which are kneaded into small balls and deep-fried in ghee until they are a dark reddish-brown. The fried pantuas are then soaked in a sugar syrup, which they absorb to become soft and juicy. It has a slightly crispy outer layer and a soft, spongy inside. **

Where It's Found: Most traditional sweet shops like Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick and Ganguram.

Price: Rs. 25-50 per piece

● Chomchom

Category: Sweets

Details: **Chomchom is a sweet made from chhena and flour, which is cooked and shaped into an oval. It is then coated with sugar syrup and sometimes rolled in shredded coconut. The famous Porabari Chomchom from Bangladesh is known for its dense texture and brownish hue. It is a rich, satisfying sweet with a unique, slightly chewy texture. **

Where It's Found: Sweet shops across Kolkata. Nalin Chandra Das & Sons is known for its Chomchom.

Price: Rs. 20-40 per piece

● Patishapta

Category: Sweets

Details: **Patishapta is a popular Bengali pancake-like sweet, especially consumed during the winter season. A thin crepe or pancake is made from a batter of rice flour and semolina, which is then filled with a delectable stuffing of sweetened coconut, khoya, or a mixture of coconut and jaggery (Nolen Gur). It is a soft, light, and flavorful sweet that is a must-try. **

Where It's Found: Seasonal sweet shops in the winter. You can find them at many local sweet stalls and some restaurants.

Price: Rs. 20-50 per piece

● Ledikeni

Category: Sweets

Details: **Ledikeni is a special sweet created by the confectioner Bhim Chandra Nag to honor Lady Canning, the wife of the British Governor Lord Canning. It is a deep-fried sweet made from chhena and khoya, which is then soaked in a sweet, light sugar syrup. It is similar in appearance to a Gulab Jamun but has a unique texture and flavor. **

Where It's Found: Bhim Chandra Nag in Bowbazar is the historic place to try this sweet.

Price: Rs. 30-60 per piece

● Payesh

Category: Sweets

Details: **Payesh, a Bengali version of rice pudding, is a comforting and rich dessert. It is prepared by slow-cooking rice in milk with sugar, cardamom, and bay leaves until it becomes thick and creamy. It is often garnished with dry fruits like cashews and raisins. There are different variations, including Chhanar Payesh (with cottage cheese balls) and Nolen Gurer Payesh (made with date palm jaggery). **

Where It's Found: Most Bengali households and restaurants. It is a traditional dessert for special occasions.

Price: Rs. 50-100 per bowl

● Kheer Kadam

Category: Sweets

Details: Also known as Ras Kadam, this is a sweet with a surprise inside. The outer layer is made of khoya (condensed milk) and is dusted with sugar, while the inside has a tiny, juicy rasgulla. The combination of the rich, milky outer layer and the syrupy, spongy interior provides a wonderful contrast in both flavor and texture. It is a very popular sweet among Bengalis. **

Where It's Found: You can find Kheer Kadam at many well-known sweet shops in Kolkata.

Price: Rs. 20-40 per piece

● Chai

Category: Drinks

Details: **Chai is more than just a drink in Kolkata; it is a way of life. The city's street-side tea stalls, known as "chaa-er dokan," serve a sweet, milky, and strong tea. It is often served in a small, unglazed clay cup called a "bhar," which gives the tea a subtle earthy flavor. The communal act of drinking chai with friends and strangers is an integral part of Kolkata's culture. **

Where It's Found: Every street corner in Kolkata. Sharma Tea is a famous name with multiple branches.

Price: Rs. 10-20 per cup

● Lassi

Category: Drinks

Details: A refreshing drink made from yogurt, sugar, and water, lassi is a popular choice to beat the Kolkata heat. It can be a simple sweet lassi or have a variety of flavors added to it, such as mango or saffron. It is a thick, creamy, and filling drink, often served in a tall glass. Some versions also have a spoonful of clotted cream (malai) on top. **

Where It's Found: Balwant Singh Dhaba is known for its Pede Wali Lassi. You can find it at many juice and beverage stalls.

Price: Rs. 50-100

● Doodh Cola

Category: Drinks

Details: **Doodh Cola is a unique and unconventional drink that has found immense popularity in Kolkata. It is a simple concoction of milk (doodh) and a carbonated cola drink. The two ingredients are mixed to create a fizzy, creamy, and sweet beverage. Despite its strange combination, it is surprisingly refreshing and has a dedicated fan base. **

Where It's Found: Balwant Singh Dhaba near Harish Mukherjee Road is famous for this drink.

Price: Rs. 40-70

● Aam Pora Sherbet

Category: Drinks

Details: A popular summer drink in Bengal, Aam Pora Sherbet is made from roasted raw mangoes (aam). The mangoes are roasted over a fire until the skin is charred, which imparts a smoky flavor to the pulp. The pulp is then blended with water, sugar, and black salt. This tangy, sweet, and smoky drink is believed to have cooling properties and is a traditional remedy for heatstroke. **

Where It's Found: Seasonal juice stalls in summer.

Price: Rs. 40-80

● Gondhoraj Lebu Sherbet

Category: Drinks

Details: **Gondhoraj Lebu is a unique and highly aromatic lime variety specific to Bengal. The juice of this lime is squeezed and mixed with sugar, water, and a pinch of black salt to create a simple yet incredibly fragrant and refreshing drink. The intense aroma of the Gondhoraj Lebu makes this sherbet a delightful thirst-quencher. **

Where It's Found: Street-side juice stalls and some restaurants, particularly in the summer.

Price: Rs. 30-50

● Lassi with Malai and Peda

Category: Drinks

Details: This is an even richer version of the classic lassi. A thick, creamy lassi is prepared and then topped with a generous dollop of fresh cream (malai) and a crumbled peda (a sweet made from condensed milk). This drink is a meal in itself, known for its richness and heavenly taste. **

Where It's Found: Balwant Singh Dhaba is a prominent place for this unique and hearty drink.

Price: Rs. 80-150

● Masala Soda

Category: Drinks

Details: A fizzy, tangy, and spicy drink, Masala Soda is a popular choice for those who prefer something with a kick. It is a simple mixture of soda, black salt, and a special masala blend. A slice of lemon or lime is often added for extra zest. It is a quick and effective thirst-quencher that also aids in digestion. **

Where It's Found: Street food stalls, especially near busy markets.

Price: Rs. 20-40

● Coconut Water

Category: Drinks

Details: While not unique to Kolkata, fresh coconut water (daab) is a very popular and widely available drink in the city, especially during the hot and humid summer months. The vendor cuts the top of a fresh green coconut and serves the cool, refreshing water with a straw. It is a natural and healthy alternative to packaged drinks and is a very effective hydrator. **

Where It's Found: You can find coconut vendors on almost every street corner.

Price: Rs. 30-60

● Bel Sherbet

Category: Drinks

Details: **Bel Sherbet is a traditional Bengali drink made from the pulp of the wood apple (bel). The pulp is mixed with water, sugar, and sometimes a pinch of black salt. It is a natural and cooling drink, known for its digestive and medicinal properties. The taste is unique, with a slight sweetness and a characteristic fruity aroma. **

Where It's Found: Seasonal juice stalls in summer.

Price: Rs. 30-50

● Jal Jeera

Category: Drinks

Details: **Jal Jeera is a popular Indian drink with a spicy, tangy, and refreshing flavor. The name "Jal Jeera" literally translates to "cumin water." It is made by mixing water with a special masala blend that typically includes roasted cumin powder, black salt, black pepper, and mint leaves. It is often served chilled with ice and a squeeze of lime. **

Where It's Found: Chaat stalls and various street food vendors.

Price: Rs. 20-40