Even though there’s no time like all year to eat scrumptious, authentic Bengali food, there’s special something in the air when the Pujo bells start ringing.
Of course, bhaat and mangsho on a usual Sunday afternoon is a festivity in itself, but we’ve rounded up some more of our favourite Bengali restaurants and recommendations.
Encapsulating the nostalgia that’s ubiquitous in Calcutta, this eatery {with cane furnishings and B&W maps and posters} makes a mean Chicken Rezala.
City of Joy is known to procure their fish and spices from Bengal, and their kitchen crew is Oriya – a combination predestined to dish out amazing food! Must tries are their signature Diamond Fish Fry, Prawn Malai Curry, Aloo Dum and Amshotto Khejur Chutney.
With one stall at Dilli Haat, and a second sit-down restaurant inside Banga Bhawan, the outsourced Bijoli Grill is best experienced by tasting one of the thalis on offer.
This nondescript little joint in Dwarka serves the most delicious Mochar Chop and Chingri Mochar Chop {banana flower cutlet with shrimp}.
The staff here insists one try the Daber Payesh {rice kheer with tender coconut}. Those who like to tuck in at home, fret not – they also have a very prompt delivery service.
There is a reason this restaurant has the creds it does. It is the ideal place for the uninitiated to explore this complex, yet delicate cuisine. With elaborate english descriptions and extremely helpful staff, this is the perfect place to try some of the unusual items.
We highly recommend the buffet for a languid Bengali meal, with the rabindra sangeet adding to the ambience. We’re fans of the Bhapa Ilish {boneless}, Daab Chingri, Kosha Mangsho, Cholar Daal and Potoler Dolma with the luchi.
With dhaba-like seating in the inner courtyard of CR Park Market 2, Maa Tara doles out plates of fish curry and rice throughout the day to their extremely loyal clientele.
Extremely affordable, this place stands out for the freshness of its fish. Vegetarians must try the sukto {tempered mixed veg} and Dhokar Dalna {on the lines of gatte ki sabzi}.
We’ve sampled the Kolkata Kathi Rolls at Ki Hangla {egg chicken FTW}, and if those are anything to go by, we look forward to sampling more off the menu.
The repertoire includes popular street snacks {Beguni Bhaja, Egg Devil}, as well as local favourites like Deem Tadka {dal with egg drop}, Mughlai paratha and Matar Kochuri.
Madly Bangalee does homely as well as rich flavours like no other. We loved the utterly butterly Chicken Ala Kiev. This is the only place outside of big hotels that offers Shutki Maach {dry fish}, so all the Bengalis in the house can now celebrate.
And let us give you a tip, the First Class Railway Mutton Curry is going to make you want to take a trip {to the pantry car}, so order carefully.
Market No. 1 has a row of little kiosks that serve customers day in and day out. Our favourites are the ghoognee, phuchkas, Fish Cutlet, Egg Devil, jhal muri, and kathi rolls.
We genuinely feel that Bengali mishti can be made a standalone meal of, and thus, deserves as much attention. Be it the many variants of the delicious shondesh, the creamy misti doi, pati shapta {stuffed sweet crepes}, lobongo latika {clove flavoured sweet pastry}, or chitrakoot – they’re all available, if you know where to look.
What To Order: Kacha Gola, Mishti Doi, Radhaballavi {stuffed puri}, Aloo Dum, Sita Bhog {sweetened cottage cheese noodles}
What To Order: Chitrakut, Malai Chop, Kheer Kadombo {sondesh with a surprise rasgulla inside!}
