We are certain that you must have heard of Roshogullas & Sondesh, and may have even tasted the enchantment of these cultural innovations. But when it comes to Kolkata cuisine, there are countless surprises for food enthusiasts like you and us. Right from the appetizers to the main course followed by dessert, the city offers culinary delights on a silver platter, and we wager you can’t just have one! (Shotti!)
So whenever you take a trip to this paradise, make sure you go out and savor these 15 Bengali dishes that would make for an absolutely delicious full course meal!
Traditional Gastronomic Delights Of Kolkata Cuisine
Kolkata Cuisine is known for its exquisite flavors. These are some of the traditional dishes which one must taste and enjoy the authentic tastes of the ancient Bengali delicacies.
- Macher Jhol – Exclusive Fish Curry
- Kolkata Biryani – Finely Flavored Rice
- Kosha Mangsho – Special Mutton Curry
- Alur Torkari With Luchi – Kolkata Style Aloo Puri
- Shukto – Bowl Of Vegetables
- Chelo Kebab – Unique Platter
- Mochar Ghonto – Flavorful Bites
- Katla Kalia – Traditional Delicacy
- Macher Muri Ghonto – Bowl For Health
- Aloo Posto – For Potato Enthusiasts
- Phuchka – Cute Paani Puri
- Telebhaja – Perfect Snack
- Jhalmuri – Healthy Munchings
- Chop – Spicy Cutlets
- Kathi Rolls – World Famous Wraps
- Roshogullas – Sweet Tooth Love
- Sandesh – Mandatory Bites
- Chom Chom – Delicious Combination
- Mishti Doi – Fermented Sweet Yogurt
- Patisapta – Festive Delights
1. Macher Jhol – Exclusive Fish Curry
There is no doubt that both rice and fish are the staple Kolkata cuisines. Every restaurant with a Bengali food menu has the famous Macher Jhol. While this traditional dish is a spicy fish curry made along with potatoes & tomatoes, and usually seasoned with turmeric, garlic, onions & grated ginger, it is best enjoyed with rice. If you’re a seafood lover, make sure this is on the top of your list.
Top dining destinations: Bhajahori Manna, 6 Ballygunge Place, Peter Cat, and others.
Essential Read: 29 Top Romantic Restaurants In Kolkata
2. Kolkata Biryani – Exquisitely Flavored Rice
Inspired by the Awadhi style, the Kolkata Biryani is a winner! Its captivating fragrance and the finely flavored rice with potato cooked in a bounty of spices is served hot with succulent mutton or chicken, making it a must-try when you’re in the city. If you’re not an adventurous eater and prefer to play it safe, rest assured and order this heavenly dish from the menu.
Top dining destinations: Arsalan Restaurant, Royal Indian Hotel, and others.
3. Kosha Mangsho – Specialized Mutton Curry
One of the renowned Bengali culinary recipes, Kosha Mangsho is a curry cooked with mutton, an assortment of vegetables like tomatoes and onions, and garnished with an array of spices. Its rich brown color enhances the experience, and there’s no denying that it delivers a heavenly taste, especially for meat lovers. To savor its full potential, you can enjoy it with steamed rice, luchis, or paranthas. This is among the most illustrious cuisine in Kolkata.
Top dining destinations: Golbari, Koshe Kosha, Oh! Calcutta, and others.
4. Alur Torkari With Luchi – Kolkata Style Potato Bread
While it may appear as our typical potato bread from the North India, understand that it is not. With potatoes cooked in a dense tomato gravy, this delightful curry is the safest Kolkata cuisine to try in the city. Served mostly with breads like luchi or chapati, it is an ideal delectable snack to have for breakfast.
Best place to eat: Arsalan Restaurant
5. Shukto – Bowl Of Vegetables
Considered as one of the best Bengali herbivorous recipes, Shukto is a traditional cuisine that consists of a variety of vegetables like potato, pumpkin, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, and more. Its partly bitter and partly sweet taste makes it a unique mixture, which can be enjoyed along with rice or a traditional flat bread.
Best places to eat: Bhajahari Manna, Oh! Calcutta, and more.
6. Chelo Kebab – Distinctive Platter
If you’re an avid chicken enthusiast, this platter of lamb seekhs and chicken kebabs is something you absolutely must try in Kolkata. Served with steamed rice and vegetables, it is an incredibly delicious dish and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as part of the main course.
Best place to eat: Peter Cat
7. Mochar Ghonto – Savory Bites
: Secret Indian Recipe
This is one of the most renowned household dishes in Kolkata, a traditional addition to every Bengali restaurant and home. Made with banana flower and grated coconut, this vegetarian dish tastes heavenly with rice. The meaning of “Mocha” in Bengali is flower, which is thoroughly cleaned and requires significant time and patience. After removing the petals, the flower is pressure-cooked and spices are added to give it an irresistible flavor.
Best place to eat: Maa Tara Restaurant, City of Joy
8. Katla Kalia – Traditional Delicacy
: Flavorsome Flavors
The Katla Kalia is a classic delicacy made with a 3 kg Katla fish. This dish holds great significance in Bengali households. It is cooked with onions, bay leaf, ginger, and garlic paste, which is then seasoned with spices, garam masala, and ghee. It is a popular choice for Sunday lunches.
Best place to eat: Koshe Kosha, Jagatmata Bhojanalaya, Kasturi Restaurant
9. Macher Muri Ghonto – Nourishing Bowl
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1. Macher Muri Ghonto: A Traditional Bengali Dish
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The Macher Muri Ghonto is an authentic Bengali dish that has been handed down through the generations. Made with Rohu fish, this dish features a gravy made from onion, chili, cumin paste, and ginger paste, which imparts the classic flavors of this ancient recipe. To enjoy this delectable fish dish, serve it with white rice.
Recommended Restaurant: Saptapadi Restaurant’s Murighonto
Further Reading: Discover the Ghost Stories of Kolkata’s 11 Haunted Places
2. Aloo Posto: Perfect for Potato Enthusiasts
Maunikagoardhan
Aloo Posto is a traditional delicacy and a must-have side dish in every Bengali household. It serves as a savior when unexpected guests arrive. Made with poppy seeds and potatoes, Aloo Posto is the ideal accompaniment to dal and white rice. In Bengali cuisine, this dish is considered one of the finest.
Recommended Restaurant: Sonargaon’s Sonar Tori
Further Reading: A Guide to Shopping in Kolkata: Spend Your Money Wisely
Street Specialties
Kolkata is renowned for its delectable street food, ranging from traditional Bengali delights to other delightful flavors.
3. Phuchka: The Adorable Paani Puri
Phuchka, also known as gol gappas or paani puri, are small water-filled bombs with a spicy masala and sweet chutney. They are a must-try street food in Kolkata. Despite their seemingly light appearance, they are surprisingly filling and irresistibly delicious, making it impossible to stop at just one.
Recommended Places: Dilipda’s phuchkas in Vivekananda Market, Krisnakant Sharma’s stall in Vardan Market, Kiosk near Triangular Park, Ram Gupta’s Stall at Victoria Memorial, and more.
Further Reading: 10 Exquisite Churches in Kolkata: A Reflection of Spiritual Essence
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