Kolkata's Street Food- A Culinary Delight

Kolkata-The City of Joy

When you hear the song ‘Majhi re, Oh Majhi re, Dekha hai kya, tumne usse…” (by Rabindranath Tagore), it instills a serene image of Kolkata in your mind- The revered Ganga flowing below the majestic Howrah Bridge, a small boat with a boatman dressed in a ‘dhoti and genjee(vest)’ cruising his boat and humming a local folk song.

The capital of West Bengal- Kolkata, was a vital trading hub in the era of colonization. Erstwhile known as Calcutta, it was the Capital of the British Empire.

Walking around the city, one will witness architecture from the bygone era, like Victoria Memorial, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Writer’s Building, etc. A center for art and learning, the metropolis has gifted the country with many notable singers, poets, writers, and musicians. And thus enjoy the undisputed tag of being the Cultural Capital of India.

Kolkata- The Street Food Capital

Apart from this eastern metropolitan’s literary and tranquil aura, another aspect will blow you over – Kolkata’s mouthwatering Street food. The plethora of choices- ranging from food for the health-conscious to the patrons of deep-fried fritters will leave a Michelin Star chef dumbfounded.

Did you know?

Kolkata serves such excellently prepared food that the international website ‘Eater’ listed it as one of the world’s Top food Destinations, the only Indian city to make it to the list.

For first-time visitors

Those visiting Kolkata, especially first-timers, must add a couple of days to their itinerary if they wish to ‘cover’ all the famous, lip-smacking vegetarian and non-vegetarian varieties available in a Dhaba or a stall located in an obscure nukkad (corner), or a series of kiosks in the centre of busy market streets serving the best food one can imagine. And mind you, they stretch across the megacity’s length and breadth. A rendezvous with Kolkata’s Street food is a rollercoaster experience, from the areas exuding the old world and colonial charm to the newer and more sophisticated places.

And although the metropolitan doesn’t have a Trevi Fountain, its local cuisine is enough to ensure that you return again and again.

Are you booking your flight to Kolkata? If yes, let’s plan your itinerary-not for sightseeing but for experiencing a multisensorial extravaganza.

Order-Eat-Relish-Repeat

Strolling through the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, you will find innumerable stores lined up, from sweet to savories to full meals-there is something for everyone.

So, let’s find our way through this food maze, shall we?

Phuchka: If Street food is the pulse, Phuchka is the heart of Kolkata

Your visit to the city is incomplete if you don’t experience the sheer bliss of eating the small shells made from wheat and semolina dough filled with spicy mashed potatoes and sour tamarind water.

Although the local kiosks are reasonable, you must visit Shree Thakur Panditji ka Phuchka, Vivekananda Park, Southern Avenue, or Durga Pandit ka Phuchka, Lake Kalibari. They are the best in town. The USP of these stalls is that they provide variations, like dahi phuchka and dum aloo phuchka. And don’t forget to leave some space for the spicy aloo dum.

Pocket pinch: Phuchka-Rs. 30 for six pieces (regular)

Aloo Dum-.Rs.25.00

Churmur: Phuchka’s favorite cousin

Sharing lineage with the much-loved phuchka, Churmur is another street food that somebody can eat separately or pair with the elder brother. Served in bowls made from Sal leaves, Churmur will tantalize your taste buds for its sweet and sour flavor (can be customized). A concoction of crushed phuchka, potatoes, tetul-gola (tamarind pulp), spices, and tamarind water- Churmur is crispy yet soft. This super yummy snack at Krishna Kant Sharma Wala, Vardan Market, Camac Street, will tempt you to indulge.

Pocket Pinch – Rs 20-Rs 40

Jhal Muri: A one-of-a-kind snack

A mix and match of puffed rice, cucumber, tomato, onions, lemon juice, and Chanachur make it irresistible when you cross the stall. Hungry after a shopping spree? Enjoy the time-tested Jhal Muri available in a string of stalls in Esplanade, in front of Shreeram Arcade, close to the Grand Hotel. Munch on the crunchy muri and sip hot tea from a ‘kulhaad’ (earthen vessel).

Pocket Pinch: Rs. 20-Rs. 30

Papdi Chaat and Bhelpuri: A gem in the treasure trove of street foods

Numerous toppings, including raw mango, coconut pieces, and other ingredients, make it a meal on its own.

Drive down to Bablu’s Stall in Hindustan Park or access it from the lane next to M.L. Roy & Sons, Rash Behari and have a hearty meal of Papdi Chaat, Bhelpuri, or both. The perk of going there is that Bablu’s brother prepares spicy and flavorful Ghugni chaat (white peas), charging Rs. 40-Rs 50, which leaves you rejuvenated.

Pocket Pinch: Papdi chaat- Rs. 80-Rs.100

Bhelpuri: – Rs. 80-Rs.100

Kathi Rolls: Divinity within your reach

Flaky parathas made from white flour rolled with fillings like vegetables, eggs, paneer, or minced meat, garnished with different sauces, and finally wrapped in the thinnest possible sheet of white paper- Kathi Rolls are nothing short of divinity within your reach.

Everyone from an ordinary man to an Executive of an MNC devours these delectables. But, the Rolls available at Kusum Rolls or Hot Kathi Rolls in Park Street are beyond words. The chef appears to sprinkle a magic powder in their preparations because you can’t equate their Kathi Rolls with any other. After gorging on these hot parathas, coolers like cola or a post-meal sip are essential. So, walk down to Upper Wood Street to cool yourself with Soda Shikanji or Masala Thumbs Up at Shibuji, opposite Ramesh Chandra Parekh Jewellers.

Pocket Pinch: Rs. 90-Rs. 120

Momo: Himalayan Dumpling to the King of Street Food

Momos are quintessentially Tibetan. But the dish has a fan following and craze to give any restaurant a run for its money. Steamed dumplings, with fillings varying from cabbage to meat, momos’ are a healthy and pocket-friendly option for students and office-goers alike. And not to forget, the ‘oh-so-hot’ garlic chutney which catapults the flavor five folds. Among the popular joints, the one near Park Street Metro Station, Firoz’s Momos – a chef deciding to fulfill his dream of running his place.

Pocket Pinch: Rs 20 for vegetarian, Rs 25-Rs 40 for non-vegetarian

These are just a few of the many street stars. A book describing the vast canvas of Kolkata’s Street Food can be published quickly, as the list is endless. Other popular dishes are Doi Bora (Dahi Vada), Pav Bhaaji, Kulfi or handmade ice cream, Victoria Vada, and Moong Dal Chilla. Moreover, the ease of finding typical Bengali’ cha’ (Tea) with ‘Kesar’ or ‘Elach’ (cardamom) and a place for Adda(gathering) adds a whole new meaning to life.

So those visiting, ensure you get a natural feel of the never-ending buffet Kolkata has spread for you.

P.S. Forgot to mention: Do visit the Share Market in BBD Bag, Dalhousie area. It’s like the Khao Gali of Mumbai. From omelets, sandwiches, and samosas to the famous Malai Toast- you name it, and you’ll get it. And none of them will pinch your pocket.

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