City Of Gluttons: Eight Kolkata Restaurants Everyone Needs To Try At Least Once

Locals love Arsalan for Kolkata biryani which comes with a big piece of potato and heaps of rice and meat. The multiple outlets of Arsalan make it convenient to get your hands on this sinful dish from any corner of the city. Order the ‘special’ biryani for double the amount of meat. The mutton chaap and phirni are highly underrated dishes. 

 

You can’t leave Kolkata without visiting this magnificent Bengali restaurant. Set in a colonial house, 6BP serves the best Bengali food. Enjoy finger-licking classic delicacies from Pathuri {fish steamed in coconut leaves}, Jhoori Bhaaja {the Bengali version of potato fries}, to Kosha Mangsho {traditionally prepared mutton curry} and Aamer Chutney. 

Hidden in the lanes of Tangra {the unofficial China Town of Kolkata}, Golden Joy serves Kolkata’s take on Indian-Chinese food. We love the Thai Soup, Steam Prawns and Hakka Chilli Tofu for a kick of spice and authentic Asian flavours. Ask for the family room if you are going in a bigger group. You can also order half plates of food if there are just a few of you. 

Spend an afternoon strolling around New Market and top it off with a classic kaathi roll from Nizam’s. Ask for a family room {tiny private rooms} if you are not comfortable with the ambience. Don’t forget to carry cash {cards are not accepted}.

The go-to place for South Indian food, Anand gives you the communal eating experience. The masala dosas are the best in the city and go perfectly with the filter coffee. Try to avoid the weekends, the queues can get very long. 

Located on the crossing outside Park Circus Market, Mithai is known for rolling out thousands of Bengali sweets every day. Mishti doi (fresh sweetened yoghurt), rosogollas, and the wide variety of sandesh will make anyone with a sweet tooth happy. Ask for the special sugar-free sweets and in the winter months, the special seasonal jaggery (gud) sweets. Carry small change to make payment easier. Pocket pinch for two is less than INR 100.

Jai Hind is known as an almost-24 hour dhaba. The ultimate Kolkata experience is to spend a night out partying and make your way to Jai Hind in the wee hours of the morning to enjoy warm naans, creamy paneer butter masala and anda tadka on the roof of your car. It’s best to go in a big group so you can try a variety of dishes. 

One of the most iconic restaurants in the city, Flavours of China and its sister restaurant Bar B Q gives you a bird’s eye view of Park Street. Flavours serves delicious Chinese dishes with a flavourful Indian twist. The Crispy Chilli Babycorn and Chilli Garlic Noodles are favourites of the regulars.

Commute in yellow cabs, trams and rickshaws to get the complete Kolkata experience!