The Case For Kolkata

We Indians, unapologetically, have an intense relation with Food. Cutting across innumerable identities and varied geographies- passion for food is something that remains identical. From bustling cosmopolitans to not-so-happening towns, each one is capable to enthrall your senses with their unique presentations. Almost every taste to offer which your taste buds could possibly dream of. If you are already lost in the crazy world of Indian street food and your sole excuse to live is to eat, then let me take you on a tasty street food journey of Kolkata- The Food Capital Of India. A journey you will certainly cherish for some time to come!

Kolkata in a gist

Famously known as the city of joy, Kolkata has no dearth of cuisines to celebrate. The food here is perhaps cheaper than anywhere else in India. The city is evidently just in love with the legendary dish- Biryani, a spicy meat-rice combo that came here along with the Mughal-governors back in the 16th century. Momo, traditionally a Nepali and Tibetan dish is a regular sight here. The cute little steamy dumplings stuffed with meat and red chilly dip simply drive your appetite crazily insatiable. Kathi rolls are synonymous with Kolkata- greasy, meaty, tangy, spicy- the flavours are a party in your mouth. Ubiquitous in the colourful land of Bengal is Jhalmudi, a street-snack. It's a spicy mixture of puffed rice, spices, potatoes, chillies, coconut flakes beaten inside a vessel with a pungent dash of mustard oil.

Kathi Roll

Much like a Shawarma, but still conspicuously different from it. Kathi Roll is an unleavened bread fried in a dash of oil and stuffed with an assortment of veggies plus egg or meat or cheese or all of them. Before being rolled up it's drizzled with sauces of your choice- and there you hold it! It's meaty, it's crunchy, it can be red-hot spicy, and greasy for sure ;)

Places to look for it: "Nizam's" and "Kusum Rolls" in Kolkata

Jhalmudi

Basically, Jhalmudi or "spicy puffed rice"(as the name suggests) is a colourful melange of puffed rice, lentils, gram, chillies, mashed potato, onions, peanuts, and a shave of dry coconut stirred with a pungent dash of mustard oil. Served in a small paper bag it's your favourite partner on the go!

Places to find it: Just about anywhere, and definitely inside trains to & from the state of West Bengal

Puchka

The mention of Bengali street food shall never be complete until we drool over the mouth-flooding Phucka aka Gupchup. It's like a crispy shot of mashed potato and peas drowned in spicy water. As soon as you insert that Puchka inside your mouth it is flooded with a tsunami of extreme flavours of different herbs and spices!

Biryani

I wouldn't be exaggerating if I were to claim that Biryani is the national dish of India. It's is not just a dish! It's a legend, it is an emotion, the epitome of taste, believe me, or not- it has got millions of devotees and I'm one among them. It's a careful mixture of rice, meat, and exotic herbs & spices cooked until tenderness in a sealed pot. This technique of cooking is known as "dum pukht".

Places to find: Arsalan and DadaBoudi Biryani

Fish cutlet

A type of cutlet where fishes with fewer bones such as tuna, salmon and bhetki are mixed with potatoes and coated with breadcrumbs and fried until crispy. It is unmistakably served with mustard or coriander dips and to further scintillate your palates do squeeze some lime on it!

Places to find it: Mitra Cafe & Apanjan in Kolkata

Momos

Momos generally belong to the hilly regions of Nepal and Bhutan. Thanks to a heavy influx of people into India's northern and northeastern region, we too could take a bite into these heavenly often-meat-stuffed dumplings. Pair these with red-hot chilli chutney and lose count.....!

Places to find it: "Momos Plaza" & "Hamro Momos" in Kolkata

Chai

Chai or Tea is arguably the most liked drink in India. And Kolkata is definitely one of the best places in the country to find your favourite cup of tea. Premium quality tea leaves from nearby Darjeeling hills boiled in milk with select spices and condiments gives you an enchanting aroma that you would hardly find elsewhere.

Places to find it: The best chai is found at the street-side stalls

Rasgulla or Roshogulla

Bengal is often credited for the invention of various renowned sweets including Rasgulla. Rasgullas are cheese balls dipped in sugar-rose syrup. Hardly do you put a saturated rasgulla into your mouth when it melts in your mouth! You can't help but appreciate this sweet delicacy.

Places to find it: KC Das and Ganguram in Kolkata

Rasmalai

Having arrived at the conclusion of this list, something would have been amiss without the mention of Rasmalai. It's similar to Rasgulla but the syrup here is malai or cream that has been further enhanced with saffron and dry fruits. The dessert gives you an exotic feeling every time you chance upon it. And what better place to find it other than the city of joy- Kolkata!

Places to find it: Balaram Mullick & Girish Chandra Dey

P.S: Thanks for your interest. Hope you appreciate it.