Food in Kolkata

Kolkata - the Cultural Capital of India is a heaven for foodies and especially for people with a sweet tooth. Bengali sweets are famous and certainly needs no introduction, however; the spicy, tangy and absolutely mouth-watering dishes that Kolkata has to offer will leave you undecided on whether you like the spicy Bengali cuisine more or the melting flavors of the sweetmeats. So, here are the top 10 food places in Kolkata.

1. Biryani At Arsalan Restaurant

Located in the Kolkata’s unofficial dining district, Arsalan Restraunt has distinguished itself for its authentic Mughlai cuisine. This type of cuisine is derived from Persian-influenced food served in the imperial kitchens of the Mughal Empire. Kolkatans come to Arsalan — or order Arsalan for big gatherings — for its biryanis. For many locals, Arsalan is considered to serve the best biryanis in Kolkata with variations such as mutton biryani, Hyderabadi biryani, chicken biryani and more. Other menu favorites include Arsalan’s chicken chaap and its many kabab options.

Where: Marina Garden Court Park Street, Beniapukur Kolkata

Timing: 12:30pm – 11pm

Price: Rs 450 for two

2. Dudh Cola At Balwant Singh's Eating House

Balwant Singh's Eating House is one of the oldest food joint in Kolkata, just behind P.G. Hospital, in Bhawanipore, which serves excellent tea along with quick bites like samosas, nimkis and kachoris. They are also famous for Dudh Cola and North Indian cuisine. Most interesting thing about this place is that , it's pocket friendly.

Where: 10/B, Harish Mukherjee Rd, Bhowanipore

Timing: 24 hours

Price: Rs 300 for two

3. Coffee At Indian Coffee House

This iconic eatery has been the adda hotspot of some of Kolkata’s greatest minds. Today, it welcomes intellectuals, college students, office goers and travellers alike. 

Where: 15 Bankim Chatterjee Street

Timing: 9 am – 9 pm

Price: Rs 200 for two

4. Rolls At Nizam’s 

Started in the early 1930s by SK Hasan Raza, Nizam’s invented the kathi roll and still rules the roost when it comes to this typical street delicacy.

Where: 23/24 Hogg Street

Timing: 11:30am – 11pm

Price: Rs 400 for two

5. Phuchka At Vivekananda Park 

Love phuchka? Then head to Vivekananda Park and you will find phuchkawalas working flavour magic like robots in a factory. What makes these special are their quality and variety – we recommend the dahi phuchka and aloo dum phuchka.

Where: P-512 Lake Road

Timing: 4pm – 10pm

Price: Rs 200 for two

6. Kachori At Putiram

One of the oldest sweet shops in the area, Putiram is popular for its melt-in-the-mouth sweets. They also serve the best kachoris in north Kolkata, Hing Kachori and Mung Daal Kachori with Cholar Daal being the tastiest. Piping hot with steam rushing out when you makes holes in the kachori, this is traditional Bengali food at its finest.

Where: 12A Surya Sen Street

Timing: 7am – 9pm

Price: Rs 100 for two

7. Sandesh At Nalin Chandra Das & Sons

From Talshansh and Chocolate Sandesh to Butterscotch Jolbhora and Orange Jolbhora, this shop serves incredible fusion mishti. In fact, here, mishtimaking is an art form. Their Ice Cream Sandesh is fabulous too.

Where: 57 Ramdulal Sarkar Street

Timing: 7am – 10pm

Price: Rs 100 for two

8. Chelo Kebab At Peter Cat

Derived from a Persian dish, this special kebab dish available in chicken and mutton options is prepared using unique spices and Persian herbs and served on a bed of rice with butter and egg. It’s Peter Cat’s pièce de résistance.

Where: 18A Park Street

Timing: 11am–11:30pm

Price: Rs 1,200 for two

9. Rosogolla At Chittaranjan Mistanna Bhandar

Established in 1907 by Hiralal Ghosh, Chittaranjan is a top sweetmeat seller in north Kolkata. Their Sponge Rosogolla is the stuff of nostalgia – juicy, soft and melt-in-the-mouth.

Where: 34B Shyambazaar Street

Timing: 8 AM– 8 PM

Price: Rs 10 onwards

10. Mishti Doi At Mithai

Mishti doi is to Kolkata as pizzas are to Italy. The brainchild of the Ghosh brothers, Mithai is best-known for the white Mishti Doi as opposed to the traditional jaggery-based dessert.

Where: 48B Syed Amir Ali Avenue

Timing: 7am – 10pm

Price: Rs 10 onwards

With so much choice all around and our list to help you on your food trip in the city, you can be sure to have a new experience the next time you head out for a bite. What are your favourite places to eat in Kolkata? Do let us know in the comments section. Stay tuned for more such blogs.