Pandal Hopping This Durga Pujo? Don’t Miss These Street Food Hotspots in Kolkata!

Durga Puja is not just about the vibrant pandals and beautiful idols; it’s a feast for your senses, especially your taste buds. And if you're out for pandal hopping, Kolkata’s streets come alive with irresistible aromas and flavours that you simply can’t miss.  Here’s a list of Must-try food near Durga Puja pandals to satisfy your cravings while you hop from one pandal to another.

1. Phuchka & Aloo-Kabli

You can’t talk about Kolkata street food without mentioning phuchka, the beloved Bengali version of pani puri. If you're heading to the  Ballygunge, Kolkata near Vivekananda Park then, one of the top places to experience this is at Durga Pandit ka Phuchka Shop, where even Deepika Padukone has stopped by for her fix! They serve not only the classic phuchka but also mouth-watering variations like dahi phuchka and aloo dum phuchka (a fusion of spicy mashed potatoes and crispy phuchkas). Another must-visit is Maharaja Chat Centre (also known as Dilip Da’s Phuchka Centre), where innovation meets tradition—Dilip Da was one of the first to serve phuchka with bottled water for added hygiene.

2. Kathi Rolls

Kolkata is the birthplace of the Kathi roll, and no pandal hopping session is complete without one. For an unforgettable experience, head to Nizam’s—the original inventor of this delicacy. You can also try Jabbrr Afghani, Kusum Rolls, or Hot Kathi Roll, where the rolls are filled with juicy kebabs wrapped in soft, flaky parathas. The combination of spicy, smoky meat and tangy sauces makes it a must-try street food.

3. Telebhaja & Fish Fry

Fried food has its own charm, and when it comes to telebhaja (deep-fried snacks), College Street and Hatibagan offer some true hidden gems. Try Lakshmi Narayan Shaw & Sons in Hatibagan for crispy beguni (eggplant fritters) or Kalika on College Street for their famous fish fry. If you're near Rashbehari Avenue, stop by Sankar’s Fry kiosk for their vast selection of telebhaja, which includes everything from fried vegetables to prawn chops. The Jihobar Jol, Dhakuria serves a vast line-up of nearly 40-50 kinds of different ‘telebhaja’ varieties. These deep-fried delights are perfect for a quick, satisfying snack that will make your mouth water.

4. Papri Chaat & Ghoti Gorom

If you’re in the mood for something tangy and crunchy, look no further than papri chaat or bhel puri. With layers of crispy papri, tangy tamarind chutney, yogurt, and masalas, this dish is a burst of flavours. Meanwhile, ghoti gorom is a classic mix of puffed rice, peanuts, and spices served in newspaper cones, perfect for a quick snack while you continue your pandal tour.

5. Cha & Biscuit

Refresh your pandal hopping with the quintessential Bengali combination of cha (tea) and biscuit. Among numerous tea stalls in every puja pandal, you can have the best flavours of chai at Arun Tea Stall near Mullick Bazar for a perfect cup of tea brewed with a side of biscuits. If you’re on Southern Avenue, make a stop at Dilip’s Tea Stall, serving piping hot tea with condensed milk where the milky, rich tea will warm your soul.

6. Aloo Puri/Luchi Alur Dum

If you’re craving something traditional, try Aloo Puri or Luchi Aloo, a classic Bengali breakfast or snack dish. Soft, puffed puris are served with a mildly spicy potato curry that hits all the right notes. One of the best spots to try this is Maharani on Sarat Bose Road, near Desapriya Park. Or grab a plate from the small street-side stall beside Prachi Cinema in Sealdah, where locals flock for this delicious combination.

7. Ghugni

Another crowd favourite is ghugni, a delicious yellow peas curry typically served with a squeeze of lemon, chopped onions-coconuts, and a sprinkle of spices. It’s a warm, comforting dish that you can find at almost every corner during Durga Pujo, but look out for Ghugni stalls near Hatibagan and College Street—those are the hotspots!

8. Momo

While Kolkata is famous for its traditional street food, the Momo craze has taken over the city., For unique and innovative flavours, visit Jeet Momo Stall in Phool Bagan, where you’ll find varieties like cheese pan-fried, Malai chicken, and even seafood momos! The juicy, flavour-packed momos at Denzong Kitchen in Jadavpur are also a must-try, especially for college-goers looking for a pocket-friendly option.

9. Biryani & Kebab

Nothing can beat the rich, fragrant taste of Kolkata’s Biryani with Aalu. When you're craving a hearty meal, stop by Dada Boudi Biryani at Barrackpore for an unforgettable plate of biryani. The slow-cooked meat, combined with saffron-flavoured rice will transport you to food heaven. For kebab lovers, Bro's Kebab in Baghbazar is the place to be. The tender, smoky flavours will keep you coming back for more.

10. Kulfi & Mishti Doi

Finally, end your food journey on a sweet note with some classic kulfi or mishti doi. The creamy richness of mishti doi (sweetened yogurt) and the cold, nutty flavour of kulfi are the perfect finish to a day of pandal hopping. Most pandals have nearby stalls selling these treats, but you can also visit popular sweet shops like Balaram Mullick in Bhawanipur, or Nobin Chandra Das & Sons at Shobhabazar, for a more authentic experience.