Here’s How To Get A Taste Of Anglo-India In Kolkata

Want to dig deep and find out about the unique past of the community? You can do that at The Derozio Anglo-Indian Research Collection on the 3rd floor of the Central Library at the University of Calcutta. Inaugurated in 2013, it has every publication written by or about Anglo-Indians and even has doctoral research, books, documents, letters and more on the community.

The Dalhousie Institute is the hub of all things Anglo, from the dressing style of the members to the menu loaded with traditional dishes of the community. The chilli beef, beef steaks and yellow rice and ball curry are what you need to try. On Mondays, the bar here is open to members of over ten Kolkata clubs including the Saturday Club, Tollygunge Club and CCFC. Find out if your club is included in the list and enjoy an evening of retro live music every Monday night.

The heritage Bow Barracks were built to house soldiers during World War I. Today it is home to many Anglo-Indians. The close-knit community hosts tons of events including hockey tournaments and an annual football tournament on Independence Day. Spend Christmas week dancing on the road to the coolest music. Open to all, you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind Anglo-style Christmas party.

Bow Street is also where you get lots of classic Anglo-Indian dishes. Hunt down the inconspicuous shop on Bow Street that sells beef and coconut patties. Another popoular one is the shop that specialises in barkakhanis. Although barkakhanis, a type of chewy flat bread, is originally from Dhaka, you can find it on many an Anglo breakfast tables. Team it with some pork roast from Terreti Bazaar, and you are all set for a power-packed breakfast.

Panthras is a crumb-fried pancake stuffed with minced beef or chicken – full of crunchy, meaty goodness. To get a taste of the authentic stuff, you will need an Anglo-Indian friend who you can coax into making this piece of awesomeness. If you don’t have one, then head to the canteen at Frank Anthony Public School. It’s not accessible to the public of course, but if you know a student who is willing to pick up a few for you, it’s well worth the effort.

Spend a day volunteering at the Tollygunge Homes. Spread over a couple of lush green acres, it houses many Anglo-Indian senior citizens. The food served, the books in the library, the dress of the residents are all signature Anglo-Indian style. Do sit and chat with the people here – they have the most interesting stories of colonial India and Independence.

Post 9pm, the predominantly Anglo-Indian live band at Trincas is all about busting out Anglo-Indian classics. ‘Red Red Wine’, ‘Alice’ and tons of jive numbers are lined up to shake a leg in true Anglo fashion. Once frequented almost solely by Anglo-Indian families, you still get the occasional couple who will hit the floor with characteristic moves.

The South Park Street Cemetery is where you can find the grave of Henry Louis Vivian Derozio, who was not only a prolific Anglo-Indian but also a vibrant poet and nationalist. One of the first teachers of Western learning, you probably know him as the driving force of Young Bengal. If you’re a lover of literature, poetry, architecture, nature or even photography, this spot is a must-visit in the city.

A bust of the legendary Anglo-Indian hockey player (he was three-time member of the team that won gold at the Olympic Games), Leslie Claudius stands proud near the crossing of AJC Bose Road and Park Street. Take a look at it, admire the minimalist design and pay tribute to one of the greatest hockey players of India’s past.