Trifter

Are you planning to visit Kolkata soon? If yes… I’m sure that you have gathered all the necessary information “bout this second largest city of India. You have probably decided where to stay, places to visit, things to try, events to be part of while in the city. But please don”t say that you are going to stick to the same old and boring food that the so called “World Class Restaurants” have to offer. Of course, Kolkata can boast of some of the best restaurants in India with diverse recipes from Chinese to Mughlai. Kolkata also has a treasure of distinct Bengali recipes. But if you only try what is served in the high class restaurants, then you will definitely miss separate school of recipes that is available on the streets of Kolkata. Like other cities of India, Kolkata too has its own collection of exquisite, delicious and mouth watering Street Foods, some of which can give good competition to some of the best dishes available in popular restaurants.

If you happen to be around BBD Bag in the East Kolkata, between Lalbazaar and Great Eastern Hotel, there is a strip of street vendors during the day making some of the most amazingly delicious food, cooked right in front of your eyes. The aroma of oil, spices and different ingredients is so inviting and royal, that anyone can sit for another meal even if he had had his lunch couple of minutes ago. The place is one of the busiest financial places of Kolkata and large numbers of people eat in these road side stalls. The vendors here are always extra careful “bout hygiene, since they don”t want their regular customers to be sick.

In Sudder Street (between Dharmatala Crossing and Park Street Crossing) which is a hub of international budget tourists and backpackers, there are two Chinese Noodle Shacks worth to be given a try. If you happen to be in “Esplanade” or Chowringee in Central Kolkata, Dacres Lane, just next to the Peerless Head Office is a place to visit some of the best Street Food vendors.

Along the Eastern Metropolis Bypass (commonly called EM-Bypass) just after the HUDCO Crossing, there are a cluster of road side stalls famous for Chaats which can be given a try. Rolls are among the favorite street foods / fast foods of young Kolkata. Available in many varieties like Paneer Rolls, Kati Rolls, Egg Rolls, Chicken Rolls, and so on, will definitely keep you wanting for more. Park Street, AJC Bose Road (opposite Gorkey Sadan), place around the Rabindra Sadan Metro Station should be your destination to check out rolls. However, Nijam’s is the best fast food joint to serve the best of delicious spicy rolls.

Futchka (also known as Pani-puri or Gol-guppa in other states of India), is a must have while you are in Kolkata. These are crisp balls of papdi filled with a mixture of tamarind juice, curd, spices, smashed potato and chick peas. These are some times so huge that one has to break it before filling it in the mouth. Definitely, Kolkata offers best Futchkas in India.

Jhal-Muri or spiced puffed rice is according to me is the east’s answer to Popcorn of the West. It is a very basic and quick to prepare item that can be enjoyed at almost any time of the day. It is one of the traditional street foods of Kolkata and an absolute favorite of Kolkatans.

Tele-Bhaja literally meaning “fried in oil” is also traditional street foods of Kolkata. There is a large variety of tele-bhaja like beguni, aaloor chap, Pyanji etc., that can be eaten individually or together with Jhal-Muri, tea or coffee.

Now when you have a guide to the magnificent street foods of Kolkata, you can be sure that you are not going to miss any part of the foodie Kolkata.