Essential Delicacies and Sweets to Try in Kolkata: A Food Lover’s Paradise
Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is renowned for its rich culinary heritage. This city is a paradise for food lovers, offering a diverse array of delicious delicacies and sweets. Whether you explore street food or dine at renowned restaurants, Kolkata's culinary scene is a blend of flavors and traditions. Let's dive into the must-try items along with some popular places to find them.
Delicacies
Kolkata's culinary tradition is a riot of flavors, with a wide range of delicious dishes that are a must-try when visiting the city. Here are some of the standout delicacies and where to find them:
Puchka
Description: A spicy tangy snack made of hollow puris filled with tamarind water, chickpeas, and spices.
Where to Find: Vivekananda Park Golpark or any local street vendor.
Kathi Roll
Description: A wrap filled with spiced meat or vegetables rolled in paratha.
Where to Find: Nizam's Kusum Rolls or Peter Cat.
Macher Jhol
Description: A traditional Bengali fish curry made with seasonal fish, vegetables, and spices.
Where to Find: Bhojohori Manna on 6 Ballygunge Place.
Shorshe Ilish
Description: Hilsa fish cooked with mustard paste, a classic Bengali dish.
Where to Find: Oh! Calcutta on 6 Ballygunge Place.
Chingri Malai Curry
Description: Prawns cooked in coconut milk with spices.
Where to Find: Peshawri at The Great Eastern.
Sweets
Kolkata's sweet offerings are equally captivating, with a variety of delicacies that bring joy to your taste buds. Here are some must-try sweets and where to find them:
Rasgulla
Description: Soft cheese balls soaked in sugar syrup.
Where to Find: Balaram Mullick, Radharaman Mullick, or K.C. Das.
Sandesh
Description: A delicate sweet made from fresh chhena cottage cheese, often flavored with fruits or spices.
Where to Find: Bhim Chandra Nag Nakur Nandy or K.C. Das.
Mishti Doi
Description: Sweetened yogurt typically served in earthen pots.
Where to Find: K.C. Das Mishti Doi Shop near College Street.
Chamcham
Description: A spongy sweet made from chhena, often coated with coconut or sugar syrup.
Where to Find: Balaram Mullick or Radharaman Mullick.
Gur er Mishti (Jaggery Sweets)
Description: Various sweets made with jaggery, especially popular during winter.
Where to Find: Local sweet shops during winter months.
Conclusion
Kolkata's culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors and traditions, making it an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Explore the diverse array of delicious delicacies and sweets throughout the city, and you'll discover why food lovers are drawn to this vibrant metropolis. Whether you're a fan of street food or fine dining, there's something for everyone in Kolkata's culinary paradise.