Taste of Bengal: Top 12 dishes to try when in Kolkata

Out of all the things Kolkata is known for - its rich history, culture, and love for football- food runs in the blood of a Bengali. And this saga of food is not just famous in Kolkata, but also popular across the country. Kolkata is literally synonymous with roshogolla, but there are a plethora of other dishes that are true to the culture of the city. Here’s the list of top 12 of our favourite dishes that you must try in Kolkata.

Kosha Mangsho 

Pieces of mutton cooked in the delicately balanced spice mix served with rice, this is the typical Sunday lunch item for most Bengali households. There are no meat lovers who wouldn’t lick their fingers after eating this sinful plate of Kosha Mnagsho.

Where: Golbari, 6 Ballygunge Place, Bhojohori Manna

Mughlai Parotha

Not your standard aloo paratha- these crispy wonders are stuffed with chicken, mutton, or egg. Layers of fillings is spread out generously on a thinly rolled out dough. This dough is then folded in a traditional manner and dunk in hot oil. The steamy hot pieces of paratha can be eaten with ghugni.

Where: The Royal Bengal Tiger cafe, New Aahar, Nizam’s Restaurant

Kochuri - Torkari 

Similar to Aloo-Puri, this traditional Bengali dish is often served for breakfast. The Kochuri is a cross between a Puri and Rajasthani Kachori, as it is stuffed with filling and ends up with a soft texture. Dip it in the torkari, made of aloo and dry matar, this dish is a heavenly combination.

Where: Maharani, Maharaja, Tasty Corner

Ghugni

If you love warm hearty food which is also healthy, grab a bowl of ghugni for the perfect evening snack. Made with yellow pea, this soupy dish is served with chopped onions, chilli and goes perfectly with puffed rice (muri). This dish is usually available at food stalls across the city.

Where: Dacre Street, Vardaan Market, New Market

Chop

Every state has its own deep-fried snack, and for West Bengal it’s Chop. Made with vegetable, chicken, fish, or even an entire boiled egg, these fillings are dipped in batter and fried to a crispy consistency. Have it with some onion, lemon, and ketchup to ease your fast food cravings. This one is one of the best Kolkata dishes, and you must definitely try.

Where: Mitra Cafe

Macher Jhol (Fish-curry)

Bengali’s are often stereotyped as fish eaters. Although everyone might not agree to this, it’s still safe to say that they have the best fish dishes. The quintessential Macher Jhol made with an amalgamation of spices like turmeric, garlic, onions, and grated ginger is a must for any special occasion.

Where:6 Ballygunge Place, Bhojohori Manna

Kathi Rolls

Soft, melt-in-your-mouth Paratha with skewer-roasted kebab, topped with chutney and veggies. Have we not said enough already? Kathi Roll is a staple snack for Bengalis'. Over the years, the recipes have evolved, and you would find varieties of Kathi rolls on the street. From Veg Kathi rolls to Egg Kathi Rolls, they have a lot to offer.

Where: Kusum Rolls, Nizam’s, Nawab Snacks Bar

Kolkata Biryani

Biryani in Kolkata is quite different than its Hyderabadi counterpart. This traditional dish comes with a surprise - potatoes. It blends in with the spices and makes the Biryani even better. Don’t believe us? Try it for your self.

Where: Aminia, Arsalan, Shiraj—Golden Restaurant

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Phuchka

Delhi calls it Gol Gappa, Mumbai calls it Paani Puri, and Kolkata calls it Puchka. Instead of sweet and spicy Paani, Phuchka is dunked in tamarind water. It's a must-have dish if you’re in Kolkata.

Where: Pravesh Pani Puri, Krishna Kant Sharma Fuchka Wala, Puckalacious

Pitha

Everyone knows about the staple Roshogolla and Sandesh as the popular Bengali sweets. So today, we are going to introduce you to a lesser-known sweet, Pitha. Made out of rice dough, these sweets are stuffed with a filling made of sesame seeds, jaggery, and coconut. You can cook these by baking, steaming or frying. Usually served hot, you can have it with a sweet syrup too.

Where: Aaheli, Pithe Bilashi,  Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick

Rosogolla

Soaked in sweet syrup, this soft, spongy Rasagullas is one of the best desserts out there. We bet, eating just one piece would not be enough.

Where: KC Das Grandson Pvt. Ltd., Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick, Hindustan Sweets

Sandesh

Sandesh is a traditional Bengali sweet and is made from milk, sugar and sometimes cottage cheese or chenna. Everybody knows, Sandesh is India me World famous. It has a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and is one of the best desserts you can have after a meal. Of course, you can't have only one. And if you're planning to take something home from your Kolkata tour, this is the most travel-friendly dishes you'll get.

Where: Girish Chandra Dey and Nakur Chandra Nandy, Mouchak