Indian Coffee House, Kolkata
Our guest author, uses the nom de plume, Babui Roy. She is a native of Kolkata. Her recent move to Mumbai accentuated her passion for the city of her birth and upbringing. She is a school teacher by day and a freelance writer by night. Her recent travels have taken her to Darjeeling, Benares and the Himalayan foothills.
If there is a city in India which can be called a food capital, Kolkata (erstwhile Calcutta) will definitely win that competition hands down.
No, this is not only a true blue Kolkatan speaking, though I admit, the emotional Kolkatan in me works full time whenever I even think about my beloved hometown.
The iconic restaurants of Kolkata solidify its rank as the food capital of India.
The Bengali Love for Food
Food is synonymous with Bengali culture. It comes across in our daily life as well as in any of our functions. βLiving to eatβ is the tag line for the majority of Bengalis wherever they may be.
Known mainly to be fish and sweet lovers, Bengalis enjoy different varieties of food and cuisines aside from their own famous Bengali cuisine.
Ilish Maach (Hilsa Fish)
Bengali Luchi
So it does not come as a surprise that Kolkata, the hometown of the "pet pujo" (literally translated as worshipping the stomach), has some of the most iconic restaurants.
They have loads of interesting stories behind them.
From one end of its jurisdiction to the other, the sheer variety of restaurants in Kolkata can be overwhelming. Yet each has its own die-hard fan base and stories.
Below I share with you some of my favorite inexpensive but iconic restaurants of Kolkata. Visiting them not only brings gastronomical happiness but tugs an emotional string for my personal attachment with them. They are listed in no particular order.
1
Adarsha Hindu Restaurant - Simplicity at its Finest
Most Bengalis love their own cuisine and in Kolkata there are many restaurants which are famous for their authentic Bengali dishes. My personal favorite inexpensive but iconic restaurant of Kolkata is Adarsha Hindu, in Gariahat Market.
It is one of the many βpiceβ (pa-ice) hotels in Kolkata. A pice hotel is a typical Bengal legacy, where each item is individually priced. From the banana leaf on which the food is served to every item on the plate; even lemon wedges and extra helpings.
It is a place with extremely simple dΓ©cor. Most times of the day you will find it crammed with customers β many regular. Youβll find that the Adarsha Hindu restaurant offers both authentic vegetarian and non-vegetarian Bengali dishes, all deliciously cooked.
Aloo Bhaja
Bengali Dal (lentils) and Mutton (lamb)
Starting with Aloo Bhaja (shredded fried potato) and Daal (lentil soup) along with some popular Bengali vegetarian side dishes, the main course consists of fish, chicken or mutton (lamb).
Bengalis have a special affinity for fish. It is not surprising therefore that there are many choices of fish, namely, Rohu, Pabda, Koi, Illish (Hilsa), Chingri (shrimp), depending on the season.
The meal is not complete without a traditional "chutney", made with seasonal fruits or vegetables; for example, mango, tomato and olives or jalpai.
Being situated in Gariahat market, the vegetables, fish and meat, are all fresh, as they are procured daily.
2
Indian Coffee House - Paradise for the Revolutionary
Every list of iconic restaurants of Kolkata must include the Indian Coffee House. It is situated on College Street, across from the prestigious Presidency College. Perhaps not surprising therefore that the Indian Coffee House is known for its intellectual ambience amidst plumes of cigarette smoke.
Indian Coffee House has innumerable daily visitors who wile away their time passionately discussing (referred to as "adda" in Bengali) everything from politics to the arts, over many cups of coffee and delicious snacks.
Situated on College Street, the Boi Para or βbook localityβ of Kolkata, the very old Indian Coffee House, popularly called just Coffee House, has its own historical and intellectual significance.
Indian Coffee House
Mutton (Goat) Kobiraji Cutlet
Buzzing with conversation, it is famously visited by stalwart Bengali filmmakers, actors, singers, poets and writers.
Besides the delicious hot and the cold coffee served there, the snacks (mind you only non-vegetarian) here are to die for.
Masala Chai
From different types of sandwiches to omelettes to various fish items which include, fish fry, fish fingers and baked fish, the unique Coffee House chicken and mutton (goat) cutlets are also served.
My favourite is the Mutton Kobiraji - a cutlet made of minced meat covered in egg wash and deep fried.
Surprisingly this iconic restaurant of Kolkata has very inexpensive prices.
You can sit here for hours without ordering anything at all. Nobody will notice or ask you to leave.
3
Paramount Sherbets and Syrups - Chill Out
Sit and sip a cool glass of sherbet (chilled juice made of fruits, herbs and/ or flowers) in a hundred-year-old shop: the Paramount Sherbets and Syrups. Yet another inexpensive iconic restaurant of Kolkata.
Its clientele has included some of the most famous Indians in all walks of life - from politics to movies to sports to science. The word legendary is not an exaggeration for this institution.
Sherbet
Mango Mania
Go enjoy my favourite βMango Maniaβ, in a shop where Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose (Indian Independence freedom fighter), Satyajit Ray (Academy Award winning movie director) and Amartya Sen (Nobel Economist) were just a few of the many patrons. It always gives me goosebumps.
A small little shop, where you have to share your table with the other customers, there are a variety of juices to choose from. This place is always teeming with people. It boasts very friendly and good service.
You may get to hear a story or two about this legendary shop from its friendly owner, Mr. Majumdar.
4
Peter Cat, Park Street - Home of the Chelo Kabab
The famous Park Street of Kolkata is known - amongst other things - for the sheer number of iconic restaurants of Kolkata. One of them is Peter Cat. Friendly staff, good ambience and service, this is definitely a must stop for any foodie.
Unless you are very lucky, be prepared to stand in a queue till the steward (hostess) calls out your name. There is no sitting arrangement while you wait but rest assured the food of this place is worth wearing out your feet.
Chelo Kebab - Peter Cat
Ambience - Peter Cat
The restaurant serves both Indian and Western cuisine which includes awesome sizzlers to Peter Catβs famous signature Chelo Kebab. This is a must try and is a meal by itself. It is served on a rice bed full of butter and a poached egg, with succulent kebabs and vegetables.
5
Arsalan - The King of Biryani
Mughlai dishes are extremely popular in Kolkata. Many of them, including the Biryani, were introduced to Kolkata by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Lucknow, the last ruler of Oudh. He was forced to settle in Kolkata after being exiled by the British following the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857.
The best Biryani in Kolkata, in my opinion, is to be found at Arsalan. This alone qualifies it as an iconic restaurant of Kolkata.
Kolkata Biryani
The uniqueness of the βKolkata Biryaniβ is the addition of potatoes, not seen anywhere else. There are many restaurants all over the city famous for its Mughlai cuisines including biryani and my favourite among all of them is Arsalan.
Arsalan, has many branches all over the city and the food served in each are of the same quality and managed by competent staff.
Famous for its Kathi Rolls to various delicious kebabs, my main attraction is its biryani and the choices are quite a few. Full of aroma and flavour, Arsalan Biriyani stays true to the Kolkata biriyani name and is a must try for all.
6
Tibetan Delight - Save the Trip to Tibet
Another popular delicacy of Kolkata is Tibetan food. From street side stalls to restaurants, Tibetan food is available and gorged upon in many places in the city. Tibetan Delight, near Elgin Road (central Kolkata), is top on the list for many. It has become over the years an iconic restaurant of Kolkata.
A very narrow entrance leads to this small eatery, which has a cramped look and is another place where you may have to be waiting patiently until a waiter calls you inside. Again, be ready to share the table with other customers.
Momos
Thenthuk Soup - Tibetan Delight
The lip smacking βmomosβ and βthukpasβ to noodles to fried rice and other side dishes; there is a wide range of choice. Here, even vegetarians have much to choose from.
Clean, quick in service, and reasonably priced, this is a popular hangout for people of all age groups. It should be visited by tourists who would like to enjoy authentic Tibetan food in the city.
7
Krystal Chopsticks - Traditional Indo-Chinese
In my view, Krystal Chopsticks is definitely on top of the list of iconic restaurants of Kolkata. It specializes in a famous culinary niche: Indo-Chinese cuisine. Nestled in a lane in Gariahat area, it is a cozy restaurant which boasts sumptuous food.
Indo Chinese - Chow Mein
Dining Area- Krystal Chopsticks
The dishes range from soup to fried rice, Chow Mein to Chop Suy, and other popular dishes. The customer is spoiled with a plethora of options of the said dishes made with chicken, fish, prawn (shrimp), lamb, duck, crab and squid. The vegetarian versions are also served.
You can always end the hearty meal with a refreshing ice-cream.
Lovely dΓ©cor, friendly staff and good service are hallmarks of this place, but one must be prepared to wait, mainly during rush hours in their waiting area, which has a cute aviary.
Conclusionβ¦The Inexpensive Iconic Restaurants of Kolkata Reflect the Bengaliβs Love for Food
It is a mammoth task to choose only some of the iconic restaurants of Kolkata. There are so many. Itβs difficult leaving out the rest like Nizamβs, Trincas, Magnolia, Mocambo, Amber, and Suruchi, to name just a few.
Nevertheless, I have tried to share here a few places which are not only my favourites but also have become symbolic of Kolkataβs food culture. A visit to these iconic restaurants of Kolkata should be on your agenda - whether you are a Kolkatan or a tourist to the city.
So, as they say in Kolkata, apanΔra khΔbΔr upabhΕga kΓ΄run (Bon Appetit) !
What's on Your List of Inexpensive Iconic Restaurants of Kolkata ?
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I’m engaged to a Bengali from California and we’ll do a second wedding ceremony in Kolkata. This list is fantastic ! It’ll be a good orientation of places to eat when we’re there. Thank you so much for putting this together.
You are elcome and Congratulations Kim on your engagement. Am sure you are going to love Kolkata when you visit this vibrant city which will definitely have an impact on you. Enjoy and gorge over the lip smacking dishes the restaurants mentioned in this article and many more of them. Kolkata will not disappoint you in this field at all, I am definite. Would love to hear your food experience after your Kolkata visit.
I’m from France and I visited the Adarsha Hindu Hotel. Frankly this is not a place for Westerners. It takes simplicity to an extreme.
Jacques this has to be one of the craziest comments I’ve ever heard. Ms. Roy is a local talking about her perspective as a native of Kolkata. I’m sick and tired of Westerners thinking the object of the world is to create lists for their comfort. Take from this review what you can and do your own research. God forbid you let go of your colonial attitudes.
A brasserie in Paris would hardly qualify as βfancyβ from a French perspective, except perhaps for the Indian who is used to eating with his hands. I am not surprised at the shock value a pice hotel would have for a Westerner. Try South India next time if you feel adventurous.
Well Jacques I understand the “shock value” you may have encountered when you visited Adarsha Hindu Hotel, but as I mentioned the place is simple but the food is good and one has to at times look over the simplicity to enjoy the real place.
I definitely hope that someday you visit Kolkata once again and enjoy the other places mentioned in this article and return with happy memories and tummy.
I second
π
reading this makes me feel hungry
I know Mala. I was so hungry when I was recalling all these favourite restaurants of mine and hoping to visit them soon and gorge on the delicacies they serve.
Wish the same for you too.
I’ll be there as soon as this COVID thing is over. LOVE kebabs. That Chelo Kabab looks fantastic. Peter Cat it is !
Have a great trip visit to Kolkata Harry, whenever you can make it( soon enough I hope). Yes, the Chelo Kabab at Peter Cat is to die for and I am sure you are going to enjoy them. Try the other Kababs which some of the restaurants mentioned in this articles have to offer. I am sure you will not be disappointed. Looking forward to hearing from you after your experience with Kolkata food.
This is awesome ! Thank you Boobui. Planning to visit Calcutta in a few months. The city is so overwhelming. A review like this saves me so much time. Itβs impossible for someone from Germany, like me, to figure out where the good places are to go.
Thank you Gertrude. Yes I agree my hometown is overwhelming. It has a strong impact on people who visit it, mostly in a good way.
Please visit all these iconic food places( I could only write about a few of them and there are many, trust me) whenever you visit Kolkata. Do let us know how you felt after visiting this places. would love to get your feedback.
Very interesting.
How I crave for Bengali food !
India Coffee House was where we spent hours when we were in college.
Many thanks
Thank you NN for the appreciation. I totally understand your emotion as being away from my home and city in a far off place, I too crave for my Bengali food and the restaurants of Kolkata( only some of whih I could write about here). I
I feel, Indian Coffee House, Kolkata’s walls are loaded with priceless memories and emotion of so many of us all over the World.
Mouth watering and Fabulous!!!!
Cant wait to go!!!
Ben, given your superior knowledge of the nuances of Indian cuisine that is quite the compliment!
Thank you for the appreciation Ben. Hope you visit Kolkata soon and enjoy the delicacies from all the above mentioned iconic restaurants and many more others.
Share your experience after that.
While reading I could very well recall the heavenly taste of those mouth watering dishes mentioned by you. Yes, some of these restaurants are my favorites too!I love Mughlai food ‘Aminia’has taken a special place in my heart.
Thank you Nivedita for your appreciation and comment. Yes, ‘Aminia’ is another popular place for Mughlai food in Kolkata.
Love the write-up and presentation Nama ππ You are such an awesome food blogger my dear girl! π₯°β₯οΈ and I am so craving for Kolkata food right now. All of these are my favorite places to visit in Kolkata. I would add Karco and Beduin Rolls, Phuchka from Victoria to your list! πππππ
Aww Apar, thanks a ton for your appreciation and encouragement. I guess the passion and love for the food in some of my favourite restaurants of my hometown made me a good blogger in this article.
Yes, Marco, Beduin rolls and Kolkata phuchkas are other icons too. Actually there are so many iconic restaurants in Kolkata that it is an uphill task to name only a few. You need multiple articles to cover them. π
Baboo you did such a great job reviewing some very original restaurants. Your insider’s view makes all the difference. Many of these places are not in the guide books, which makes this article such a find. Please write more !
Thank you Cindy. π
Thank you for the appreciation Ben. Hope you visit Kolkata soon and enjoy the delicacies from all the above mentioned iconic restaurants and many more others.
Share your experience after that.
Very nice quick list for anyone who wants to sample the variety of Calcutta food. I must say there are two on the list I haven’t tried … Yet. But better than that is the easy flowing writing style. I’ve known the writer for years but did not experience this side of her, the writing. Keep blogging. This is excellent!
Thank you very much Sir. Cannot tell you how elated I am to read your comments. You have been a teacher and mentor, and today if I am able to write to this article, it has a lot to do with the guidance you gave me when I was a novice.
If possible visit the 2 places you are yet to visit mentioned in the article. Would look forward to know your take on them.
Never knew my Teacher is such a big foodieπ . This article is damn good , as it has given me an idea to explore restaurants and taste the scrumptious foods .
Hope to meet you soon and can visit one of the places with youβ€οΈ
Thank you so much darling. I really hope so too that we have a great time scouting all the mentioned places and more and gorge on the delicacies soon enough in a safer and healthier World.
Not a foodie, but growing up in a bengali family, I can totally say these are the places that I’ve been to,the most for dinnerπ It’s so perfectly written and the choices are so precise. Loved reading this!!
Thank you so much Madeha darling. Yes Bengalis and food go so hand in hand. Very few community in the world can boast of the passion Bengalis have for food.
Though ur tour guide is the loveliest one, but many many authentic food joints u missed I,e, Mitra Cafe, Anadir Cabin, Hatari Resturant, Royal Biriyani, India Resturant, Nizam Biryani, many many Sweet joints missed
Hope next time everything would be added with full of taste
Thank you Kaushik. As this was my first article, started with my favourite ones, knowing fully well that I am missing out many icons as you mentioned. Maybe in future articles they too will feature.
If you try to do them all you will need more than a blog post. You will need a few books! Calcutta is the food paradise of the country – we still get fresh beef here!
So agree sir. One can Never write about all the food places in Kolkata and each one will have their own favourite. βΊοΈ
My mouth is already watering…when I retire I’m personally going to tour all these places with you Babui. You have captivated me with in depth description of these gastronomic delicacies. I can vouch for Arsalan thanks to you. Enjoyed reading your blog…a foodies delight!
Thank you so much Geets. Yes we must visit all these places mentioned and more within Kolkata and make our tummies happy. So looking forward to those fun days π
Thank you for pointing me to several restaurants I had not visited. I hope that in another article you will focus on some of the other well-known restaurants which serve authentic Bengali food such as 6 Ballygunge Place and Kewpie’s Kitchen if they are among your favourites.
Thank you very much Ma’am. I will keep your suggestions in mind whenever I will write more about Kolkata restaurants in future.
Dr. G, I’ve visited 6 Ballygunge Place. You’re right. It is fantastic. Very authentic with an upscale approach to traditional Bengali cuisine. It’s this very upscale approach however which keeps it from being “inexpensive.” Given how new it is, not sure it has attained the status of iconic yet either. However, with time it quite possibly will be.
Roy, this is a good article. It gives a quick list of many places I’ve been to. Of course there are some which I would have put in which you do not have. However, that is due to this being a very subjective subject. Well done !
Thank you Dr. Aggerwal. Glad you liked it. Would love to know the favourite ones of your list, which are not mentioned in this article.
Great article. Much better than what’s on Lonely Planet. What I like is the insider’s view. Lot of the guide books come out as sterile and without opinion or emotion.
Thank you Fredrick. I am so glad to know that you found the article helpful. I sincerely hope you visit the mentioned restaurants and give your personal feedback on how you found the..
Thanks so much for the tour! Like others have said, what I really loved was the insider’s view. I’ve reached an age where guides like the Lonely Planet just don’t do it for me any more. I guess I’m seeking a deeper, more authentic experience some how. The idea of sharing a table with other diners and getting to meet, and hopefully chat with, people whose live I might never cross otherwise, appeals enormously. The fact that it is over such mouth-watering dishes is better still. Kolkata has long been a bucket-list goal of mine. So thanks again for the yummy road map to tuck in my pocket if/when I get there!
Melanie, appreciate your detailed feedback. That really helps us improve our future blogs.
Thank you very much Melanie. I am glad you found the article informative and interesting. Frankly, Kolkata or erstwhile Calcutta is a foodies delight and I could only mention few of my favourite food jaunts. There are so many and of various price ranges, serving different delicacies.
Yes, sharing the table with the local people can be a fun experience mainly for visitors, as that is a great way to talk and learn more about the pulse of a city.
I sincerely hope you visit Kolkata soon and get to eat in these mentioned places and more and share your experiences. Looking forward to it. Till then yummy dreams for the tummy π
You got it dead on, Melany. It’s the “insider’s view” which makes this different from say Lonely Planet (not to pick on them particularly). I find guide books very sterile, lacking vibrancy,
Thanks for your blog, nice to read. Do not stop.
That’s the kind of enthusiasm I like to see! Appreciate the positive feedback.