Kolkata is the second-largest city in India. The city believes in the transparency of every emotion with all its warmth of genuine humanity. Straight coming from a brilliant novel, Kolkata absolutely looks like a fantasy town that embodies the Bengali love for culture and tradition. There is a particular time of year when the streets of Kolkata get clogged with traffic, pandals, hawkers, and people who are continuously jostling for a place. And surprisingly, one doesn’t mind at all. That time every day the city murmurs joy despite the monotony of life. With the glimpse of autumn in the blue sky and in the stretches of thin white clouds, you can feel the sparkle in your eyes, tolerance in the heart of every person of the City of Joy. The fascinating fragrance of “Shiuliphul”, lots of shopping, the sound of dhak, and the magical baritone of Birendra Krishna Bhadra on the early Mahalaya morning will finally remind you of the arrival of Mother Goddess or Maa Durga. This festival involves a strange juxtaposition of faith and celebration. During this festival, the city which thrives on intellectualism transforms itself into a huge art gallery. One biggest reason for puja being highly anticipated in Kolkata is food. Due to the long queues, it is a little difficult to eat at restaurants but Bengalis think it’s a sin to eat homemade foods in puja. To try Bengali cuisine is a must but there are a lot of people who love to be a little more experimental with foods during puja. From Chinese to Mughlai, Japanese to Asian, people wait for the time to make a change in their food habits. To make all your sufferings like being stranded for hours, a never-ending wait outside restaurants, the aroma of good gnawing at your guts worthy, we have listed a few food destinations with their puja special delicacies. Having some world cuisines makes your mundane life a little experimental with these outstanding food destinations.
Potboiler Coffee House:
If we talk about Bengalis, then their gregariousness and their love of talking are needed to be mentioned. For every Bong, engaging in adda is an essential part of the day. And traditionally for a perfect adda, there should be a little bit of politics, arts, literature, gossip, food and most importantly tea or coffee. Our every festival is incomplete without adda. So, in the middle of the chaos, if you are finding a perfect place to recall your memories with friends, Potboiler Coffee House should be your first preference. This place gives you an opportunity to browse at leisure, leafing through books of your favourite or simply unwinding with friends sipping rejuvenating beverages, iced or piping hot. Their special The Pujo Hibiscus, cold brew & juice concoction, will be the perfect pick-me-up for the post-pandal hopping blues.You can also taste their delicious Fish fingers and Chicken hot wings, Tangra Chilli Chicken, Cantonese Fish. They have also included Grilled Bhetki in Parsley Butter Sauce, Dhaka Deem Curry with Gobindobhog rice, Grilled Chicken with Mushroom Sauce, Pattaya Street Style Chowmein(Veg/Egg/Chicken), Burnt Garlic Fried Rice (Veg/Egg/Chicken), Stir-fried Vegetables as their puja special. Go and grab your favourite one.
What:ThePujo Hibiscus, cold brew & juice concoction, Fish fingers, Chicken hot wings, Tangra Chilli Chicken, Cantonese Fish, Grilled Bhetki in Parsley Butter Sauce, Dhaka Deem Curry with Gobindobhog rice, Grilled Chicken with Mushroom Sauce, Pattaya Street Style Chowmein(Veg/Egg/Chicken), Burnt Garlic Fried Rice (Veg/Egg/Chicken), Stir-fried Vegetables.
Where: P-468, Lake Terrace road Keyatala, Near Vivekananda Park, opposite of Kunbisarees, Kolkata, West Bengal700029
When: From Panchami to Dashami (10th to 15th October, 2021)
Price: 700/- for two people (approx.)
Traffic Gastropub:
In Durga Puja, the City of Joy natives in various parts of the country and the world make their way to their homes. There is no particular rule to celebrate this festival. It is a feeling of connectivity with nature, our roots and us. It’s absolutely perfect not to be a pandal-hopping type. So, if you want quality time, Traffic Gastropub has something special for you to celebrate your festival in their way. For the ten days right from Shasthi, they have ShasthirBondhon (Afghani Chicken Tikka), RanginSaptomi (stuff chicken lollypop + chilli fish + tempura calamari + falafel + paneerpasanda, AshtamirRangabati (Queenfishsteak), NavamirPrem (Cheesy stuffed tandoori broccoli), DasomirKhela(darshan with flavoured ice cream) and Smoking Goat (Fiery & smoky mutton chops), Crocodile Bird (Golda chingriThermodor), Calcutta to Kolkata (Bhetkipaturi pizza), ParamSundori (Coconut flaky prawn fritters), Stall adda (Chicken Kathi roll + desichowmein).
What: ShasthirBondhon, RanginSaptomi, AshtamirRangabati, NavamirPrem, DasomirKhela, Smoking Goat,Crocodile Bird, Calcutta to Kolkata, ParamSundori, Stall adda
Where: 2 Floor, City Centre, Rajarhat Newtown, Kolkata, WestBengal 700157
When: For ten days right from Shasthi (11th October, 2021onwards)
Price: 1,800/- for two people (approx.)
Asia!Asia!Asia!:-
Who says Bengalis can’t get over “machh-bhaat”? Yes, we love these, but our love for different kinds of cuisines is unimaginable. Bengalis are always ready for experiments. From fashion to culture we just love to experiment and innovate. After having the proper Bengali cuisine, if you really want to give a jerk to your taste buds, you should try Asia Asia Asia’s specialVeg buffet and Non-Veg buffet will be of Rs. 850 and Rs. 950 respectively plus taxes as applicable. The Grilled Jumbo Prawns with Butter Pepper Sauce is the centre attraction for this Puja. Every celebration is incomplete without sweets so they have Dorayaki (Japanese pancakes with red bean filling) and Mochi Ice-cream. Asia! Asia! Asia! - Street BBQ & Buffet- India’s first Asian table grill restaurant that has launched their Bento Box, which is a single portion packed meal of Japanese origin. A meal, usually served in an elaborately decorated box that is divided into sections for holding individual portions of food. The Durga Puja special menu is going to be live from October 11thto 15thfrom 12 noon till 2am. Visit there and experience the pure happiness that is a must for this gala time.
What:Grilled Jumbo Prawns with Butter Pepper Sauce, veg and Non-Veg buffet, Bentoooh Box (Veg & Non-Veg), Dorayakiand Mochi Ice-cream.
Where: DN 37, 1st Floor, DN Block, Bidhannagar, Sector 5, Salt Lake, Kolkata
When: From 11th to 15th October, 2021 (From 12 noon till 2 AM)
Price: 1,500/- for two people (approx.
Lord of the Drinks:
Festival is all about the feelings of togetherness. It’s a time to reunite with old friends, relive the beautiful memories with lots of enthusiasm. To share some delightful moments of fun and friendship Lord of the Drinks has their newly launched global menu with a touch of glamour. They have Beetroot Goat Cheese Galouti, Southern Peppered Calamari, Chicken Chimichurri, and Korean Style Fried Prawns. In their sizzler section, they have Minced Chicken Pepper Steak Sizzler, BBQ Half Roast Chicken Sizzler, Cottage Cheese Sizzler, and Kung Pao Pomfret Sizzler. New Zealand Lamb Chops, Atlantic Grilled Salmon, and Baked Mix Seafood are also some of their delicacies. Give your taste buds a galore relish and let their taste burst like sunshine on your festive days.
What:Beetroot Goat Cheese Galouti, Southern Peppered Calamari, Chicken Chimichurri,Korean Style Fried Prawns,Minced Chicken Pepper Steak Sizzler, BBQ Half Roast Chicken Sizzler, Cottage Cheese Sizzler, Kung Pao Pomfret Sizzler,New Zealand Lamb Chops, Atlantic Grilled Salmon, Baked Mix Seafood.
Where: South City Mall, Fourth, Kolkata 700068
When: From Panchami to Dashami (10th to 15th October, 2021)
Price: 1,200/- for two people (approx.)
Unplugged Courtyard:
In our mundane life, festivals come like hope. It gives us the energy to run again in this never-ending race of life. Kolkata is known for its liveliness and culture. It comes alive with the arrival of Maa Durga. UnpluggedCourtyard always tries to amaze its patrons by offering food, ambience, view, and hospitality. The hazy cityscape and the grand dome of the Victoria Memorial will accompany you to fall in love with this city again especially when the whole city transforms itself into a newlywed bride.Count your moment with some exclusive puja delicacies from their carefully curated menu. They have DahiKeShammi, Unplugged Chakna Plate and Mushroom Salt & Pepper in vegetarian section &Kolkata Fish Fry with red onion tartare, Asian Chilli Chicken, Manhattan Fried Chicken, Unplugged Fried Chicken Sliders in non-vegetarian section. They also have AmritsariChole with AlooSirkaPyazKulcha&Tawa Mutton Boti with ChurChurNaan as platters.
What:DahiKeShammi, Unplugged Chakna Plate and Mushroom Salt & Pepper, Kolkata Fish Fry with red onion tartare, Asian Chilli Chicken, Manhattan Fried Chicken, Unplugged Fried Chicken Sliders, AmritsariChole with AlooSirkaPyazKulcha, Tawa Mutton Boti with ChurChurNaan.
Where: Hotel Golden Park, Terrace, 13, Harrington St, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071
When: From Panchami to Dashami (10th to 15th October, 2021)
Price: 2,800/- for two (approx)
Canteen Pub & Grub:
For every person canteen isn’t a place, it’s an emotion which understands the actual effort friends make to pool in for one leisurely meal. The one place where our percentage of attendance is always higher than class. To relive the charm, laughter and rejoice this puja you should visit Canteen Pub & Grub and try their signature puja special dishes likePomfretRawa fried, Murgmalai Cesar salad, Assorted non veg Bao, Tandoori Pomfret, BhapaIlish with Ghee & peas Pulao. It’s a promise from us that Canteen will drive you in a perfect ambience for rendezvous, keeping aside all your hassles of mundane life.
What: PomfretRawa fried, Murgmalai Cesar salad, assorted non-veg Bao, Tandoori Pomfret, BhapaIlish with Ghee & peas Pulao.
Where: City Centre 1, C301,3rd floor, DC Block, Sector 1, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700064
When: From Panchami to Dashami (10th to 15th October, 2021)
Price: 1700/- for two (approx)
Hard Rock Cafe, Kolkata:
Like the way Machherjhol and Bengalis are inseparable, our festivals are incomplete without good music, food and lots of fun. We are known for our amazing diversity of traditions, music, foods and culture. In the City of Joy, if you are really looking for some of the best American classics for sharing with friends & family, then this puja, pay a visit to Hard Rock Cafe Kolkata. Groove in their rock ‘n’ roll theme and try some signature dishes like Flatbreads & Sliders, or irresistible local flavours by Chef Cyrus Irani, viz. KandhariPaneer Tikka Pomegranate Molasses, Chicken Tikka Masala, Cajun Rubbed Fish Fillet with Caper Cream Sauce, Orange Tequila Prawns, we could go on! Top up these delectable delights with Hard Rock signature potent beverages, and you’ve just got the recipe for moments to cherish forever!
Celebrate your festivals with some popular local Indian dishes with a touch of bona fide American flavour, and a dose of Rock!
What: KandhariPaneer Tikka Pomegranate Molasses, Chicken Tikka Masala, Cajun Rubbed Fish Fillet with Caper Cream Sauce, Orange Tequila Prawns
Event lineup: October 12/ Saptami/ Commercial Night
October 13/ Ashtami/ Remix Night
October 14/ Navami/ Bollywood Night
Address: Park Mansion, 57-A, Park St, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
Price: 1800/- for two people (approx.)
Aminia:
Somewhere in between Rosogolla and Bhetkimacherpaturi, one dish that is not only loved by Bongs but every Indian craves for, is Biriyani. People unanimously love indulging this in the mouth. It’s an emotion or feeling that connects us with every celebration. Since 1929, Aminia has been serving delicious Mughlai cuisine to satisfy our taste buds. The MurghMusallam, Raan-E-Sikandari, RaanMusallam&Bakra Musallam are their specialities. Their authentic taste of Biriyani needs no further explanation. You can try some mouth-watering Kebabs like Chicken Tangri Kebab, Mutton Galawti Kebab, Fish Irani Kebab, etc.
What: MurghMusallam, Raan-E-Sikandari, RaanMusallam&BakraMusallam, Chicken Tangri Kebab, Mutton Galawti Kebab, Fish Irani Kebab.
Where:
New Market: 6A, SN Banerjee Road, New Market, Kolkata-700087
Golpark: 57, Ballygunge Gardens, Gariahat, Kolkata-700019
Saltlake: EP Block, Sector V, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700091
Barrackpore: 62, SN Banerjee Rd, opposite Great Eastern, Sardar Bazar, Kolkata-700120
Sodepur: Bhagawati Apartment, Amarabati, Kolkata-700110
Serampore: 212, Grand Trunk Rd, Mahesh, Mahesh Colony, Serampore, West Bengal-712202
Behala: 54, Diamond Harbour Rd, Pathak Para, Behala, Kolkata, West Bengal-700060
Hatibagan: 94, BidhanSarani, Sovabazar, HatiBagan, Shyam Bazar, Kolkata-700004
Chinar Park: Rajarhat Main Rd, opposite Karnataka Bank, Chinar Park, Sukanta Pally, Baguiati, Kolkata-700136
Jessore Road: 166, Jessore Rd, Shyam Nagar, Satgachi, South Dumdum-700055
When: From Panchami to Dashami (10th to 15th October, 2021)
Price: 500/- for two people (approx.)
THE ULTIMATE FOOD DESTINATIONS TO DIG INTO THIS PUJA
