Kolkata, a city where culinary traditions and cultural heritage intertwine, offers food experiences as rich and diverse as its history. From mouth-watering street food to classic Bengali sweets and fine dining experiences, Kolkata’s culinary landscape is a delight for food lovers. Here’s a guide to Top 10 Picks in Kolkata that capture the essence of the city’s vibrant food culture!
1. Flurys – Iconic Breakfast Spot on Park Street
Established in 1927, Flurys on Park Street is a legendary tea room and bakery known for its English breakfast, pastries, and signature hot chocolate. Their buttery croissants, freshly baked bread, and creamy pastries have been a favorite for generations, making it an essential breakfast stop in Kolkata.
- Must-Try Dishes: English Breakfast, Rum Ball, Swiss Roll
- Cost for Two: ₹700-₹900
- Average Rating: 4.5/5
- Atmosphere: Vintage and cozy, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying classic bakery vibes
2. Peter Cat – Home of the Chelo Kebab
Located on Park Street, Peter Cat is famous for its signature dish, the Chelo Kebab, a platter of buttery rice with mutton and chicken kebabs. This dish, paired with their Parsi and continental offerings, makes Peter Cat an iconic dining destination that has retained its old-world charm over the years.
- Must-Try Dishes: Chelo Kebab, Sizzlers
- Cost for Two: ₹800-₹1000
- Average Rating: 4.6/5
- Atmosphere: Retro with a lively crowd and dim lighting, reminiscent of old-school Kolkata
3. Mocambo – Continental and Mughlai Delights
Mocambo, another Park Street classic, is a must-visit for its continental and Mughlai menu. Known for its prawn cocktail and devilled crabs, the restaurant combines an old-fashioned ambiance with delightful culinary experiences.
- Must-Try Dishes: Prawn Cocktail, Devilled Crab, Chicken Tetrazzini
- Cost for Two: ₹1000-₹1200
- Average Rating: 4.4/5
- Atmosphere: Classic and intimate, with a vintage decor and attentive service
4. Kewpie’s Kitchen – Authentic Bengali Cuisine
For a taste of home-style Bengali cuisine, Kewpie’s Kitchen offers an array of traditional dishes served on banana leaves. Their thalis are a great introduction to Bengali flavors, featuring items like Shorshe Ilish (mustard hilsa) and Kosha Mangsho (spicy mutton curry).
- Must-Try Dishes: Bengali Thali, Shorshe Ilish, Kosha Mangsho
- Cost for Two: ₹1200-₹1500
- Average Rating: 4.6/5
- Atmosphere: Quaint and cozy, with a homely decor that adds to the authentic Bengali experience
5. Arsalan – For Kolkata’s Famous Biryani
Arsalan in Park Circus is one of Kolkata’s favorite spots for Mughlai cuisine, especially their aromatic Kolkata Biryani with potatoes and boiled eggs. The flavors here are subtle yet memorable, with each grain of rice and piece of meat cooked to perfection.
- Must-Try Dishes: Kolkata Biryani, Chicken Chaap
- Cost for Two: ₹600-₹800
- Average Rating: 4.5/5
- Atmosphere: Casual and bustling, with a mix of families and food enthusiasts
6. Indian Coffee House – A Nostalgic Coffee Experience
Located on College Street, the Indian Coffee House is a historic spot known for its coffee, snacks, and intellectual gatherings. The Chicken Cutlet and Fish Fry here are popular, but the real charm lies in its vintage atmosphere and rich history as a hub for artists and intellectuals.
- Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Cutlet, Fish Fry, Filter Coffee
- Cost for Two: ₹200-₹300
- Average Rating: 4.3/5
- Atmosphere: Nostalgic and relaxed, often filled with students, artists, and writers
7. Nizam’s – The Birthplace of the Kathi Roll
Nizam’s is legendary as the birthplace of the Kathi Roll, a paratha wrap filled with spiced meat, onions, and chutney. This street-food-inspired dish has become iconic across Kolkata, and Nizam’s is the go-to spot for an authentic roll experience.
- Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Kathi Roll, Mutton Kathi Roll
- Cost for Two: ₹200-₹300
- Average Rating: 4.4/5
- Atmosphere: Street-style, with a casual and vibrant crowd
8. Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick – For Bengali Sweets
This iconic sweet shop, with multiple branches across Kolkata, is known for its delectable Bengali sweets like Rasgulla, Mishti Doi (sweet yogurt), and Sondesh. The perfect stop for anyone with a sweet tooth, they offer a range of traditional sweets made with high-quality ingredients.
- Must-Try Dishes: Rasgulla, Mishti Doi, Sondesh
- Cost for Two: ₹150-₹200
- Average Rating: 4.7/5
- Atmosphere: Casual and quick, ideal for sweet cravings and takeaways
9. 6 Ballygunge Place – Fine Dining Bengali Thali
Set in a beautifully restored mansion, 6 Ballygunge Place offers an elegant take on Bengali cuisine. Their Bengali Thali includes items like Prawn Malai Curry, Chingri Macher Paturi, and Bhapa Ilish, each bursting with authentic flavors. It’s a great spot for an immersive Bengali culinary experience.
- Must-Try Dishes: Bengali Thali, Prawn Malai Curry, Bhapa Ilish
- Cost for Two: ₹1500-₹1800
- Average Rating: 4.6/5
- Atmosphere: Upscale and warm, perfect for special occasions and family gatherings
10. Tiretti Bazaar – For Early Morning Chinese Breakfast
Tiretti Bazaar is a hidden gem offering an early morning Chinese breakfast experience with dim sum, momos, and Chinese buns prepared by the local Chinese community. It’s a unique fusion of Kolkata and Chinese flavors, best enjoyed at dawn as the vendors set up their stalls.
- Must-Try Dishes: Pork Dumplings, Steamed Bao, Momos
- Cost for Two: ₹200-₹300
- Average Rating: 4.4/5
- Atmosphere: Street-style, early morning vibe with a mix of locals and food enthusiasts
Local Tips
Kolkata’s food scene is best explored with a flexible schedule for spontaneous discoveries, especially for street food. Many traditional places are cash-only, so come prepared. Don’t miss out on tasting Kolkata’s famous sweets and, of course, the rich and aromatic Kolkata biryani!
Wrap-Up
From historic tea rooms to street-side kathi rolls and exquisite Bengali thalis, Kolkata offers a food journey unlike any other. Each of these places captures the flavors and stories that make Kolkata’s culinary landscape so memorable.
Also Read :Top 10 Picks in Bangalore: Must-Visit Food Spots for Every Foodie
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