Kolkata Street Foods: There is a reason why Kolkata is called the ‘City of Joy’. Although historians believe Kolkata (then Calcutta) has been inhabited for thousands of years, its documented history only begins after the arrival of Job Charnock on behalf of the British East India Company in 1690. Since then, the city has experienced a variety of social, cultural, and economic changes, shaped the character of what modern Kolkata is today. Food also plays a major role in shaping the vibe of the city. If you explore, you will find different types of dishes with different origins, showing the cultural impression that each community has left over the years. You will find Bengali food from West Bengal and East Bengal (now Bangladesh), Anglo-Indian cuisine, Indo-Chinese food, Persian cuisine, Sheherwali food culture, Mughlai cuisine, Bohri food, etc. . Kolkata map. The same is true for street food in Kolkata.
Koyel Roy Nandy, co-head chef at Sienna Calcutta, explains, “What I find unique about Kolkata food is its versatility. Here, food is not limited to Bengali cuisine. It is more about different communities, the use of ingredients, flavors, and a strong cultural influence. It is the same for street food, you will find a variety of colors throughout the city, each carrying an interesting history of its dominant influence on food, making the cuisine visible in many.”
In this article, we will take you on an exciting journey through the most legendary street food places in Kolkata that have been a foodie for years. Get ready to discover a hidden gem in Kolkata’s street food scene!
9 Most Popular Street Foods in Kolkata And Where To Try:
1. Phuchka at Dilip Da’s Phuchka Centre:
How can I imagine starting a list without mentioning phuchka. Everyone’s favorite in the city, you’ll find a wide variety of dishes being sold at every nook and cranny. But if you ask to choose the right place for your first try, we suggest you to go to Vivekananda Park in South Kolkata. There you will find ‘Dilip Da’, serving hundreds of people with delicious phuchka, filled with a mixture of spicy aloo and tamarind gondhoraj lebu (ketchup) water. Apart from the classic phucka, you will also find churmur, ragda chaat dahi phuchka sold at stalls, priced at no more than Rs. 40 plates.
Where: Maharaja Chat (Dilip da’s Puchka Centre), G975+QJ2, Kavi Bharati Sarani, Hemanta Mukherjee Sarani, lake Terrace, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029
2. Kachori at Kanhaiya Kachori Shop:
Did you know, the kachori culture in Kolkata has been around for years? Be it the khasta kachoris or the regular ones, these delicacies will instantly remind you of the streets of Lucknow and Varanasi. But what is unique is the sabzi they serve. Made with very Bengali spices, these sabzis give the kachoris a layer of flavor to the meal. And to enjoy the same, we recommend you to go to Kanhaiya Kachori Shop, located in North Kolkata’s Burrabazar area. The store opens from 7am, serving thousands of customers every day until 11.30am. Kanhaiya’s most popular dish is club kachori (small sized kachori), priced at Rs. 10 per piece and served with special sabzi. But for the full experience, we suggest you pair the meal with hot jalebis, fried in desi ghee.
Where: Kanhaiya Kachori Shop, 224, Rabindra Sarani, Raja Katra, Singhi Bagan, Jorasanko, Kolkata, West Bengal 700007
3. Momo in Tibetan Delight:
If you think momo is the most popular street food in Delhi, then dear readers, you must try the ones available in Kolkata. From roadside shops to local restaurants, this Nepalese delicacy is a major attraction for customers. One place to visit is Tibetan Delight, serving some of the tastiest momos in town. From the classic steamed momos to the juicy fried ones, these delightful little treats have a variety of options to satisfy your cravings. But that’s not the end. You will also get a variety of Chinese and Tibetan food to enjoy.
Where: Tibetan Delight, 1, Suburban Hospital Rd, Chowringhee, Sreepally, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700020
4. Chaat at Hedua Chaat Centre:
Papdi chaat, bhelpuri, dahi vada, sev puri, samosa chaat, and more – these delicacies never fail to capture your heart at a certain point. While different types of chaat have different regional origins, you will find them all in Kolkata, with added uniqueness. Kolkata is big on chaat, but unlike what is available in North India, here we find less use of dahi and more use of roasted Bengali masala (bhaja masala), made with cumin-coriander-red chillies. To try it, we recommend going to the Hedua Chaat Centre. This street food joint offers a variety of lip-smacking options including dahi papdi, samosa chaat, alu-daam and more.
Where: Hedua Chaat Centre, 182, Bidhan Sarani Rd, Manicktala, Hedua, Kolkata, West Bengal 700006
5. Chop and Cutlet in Apanjan:
A Kolkata food trail would not be complete without tasting the hot and crispy morsels. Bengali pakodas (or fritters), basically a spicy batter, dipped in besan batter and fried until golden and crispy. You can find different types of chops all over the city. From authentic aloo and peyaji to rich mutton, eggs, and fish, there is something for every taste. We recommend visiting Apanjan in Kalighat. While you will get a variety of options at the stall, we recommend starting with the delicious chop bhetki macher and then work your way up.
Where: Apanjan, 58, Sadananda Rd, Anami Sangha, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700026
6. Chowmein at Goutam’s:
If you are in Kolkata, you must try the chow mein available on street corners all over the city. These desi-style Chinese hakka noodles have a dedicated fan base, filling their carts in the evenings to delight. Chow mein in Bengal has both veg and non-veg versions and is served with ketchup and salad on top. One place that has been serving this food for almost two decades now is Goutam. Owned by Goutam Karmakar, this place offers roadside favorites along with distinctive signage that is likely to spot you from miles away. And guess what, the desi-Chinese combo starts at Rs. 50.
Where: Goutam’s, 26/B, Duttabad Road, EM Bypass, Salt Lake
7. Ghugni in Chitto Babur Dokan:
In simple words, it is Bengali style ragda, spruced up with different types of spices. Ghugni, also popular in Bihar, is cooked in aman matar, served with spices, tamarind water, onions, green chillies, and coriander on top. You can have it plain or pair it with pav, roti, and paratha. One place you must visit to try this food is Chitto Babur Dokan near Raj Bhavan. Despite its small size, this place is known for its delicious food, with a pleasant aroma that is hard to leave.
Location: Chitto Babur Dokan, Peerless Bhawan, 3, James Hickey Sarani, Next to Peerless Bhavan, Near Raj Bhavan, Esplanade, North Chowringhee, Bow Barracks, Kolkata, West Bengal 700069
8. Roti Bakar Malai in Kona Dukan:
Visit the chai stalls in Central and North Kolkata in the morning, you will find toasted malai patrons thronging the place for a delicious breakfast. Confused what is food? This is a local bread, cut into two slices, grilled on a tawa, and served with malai (a top layer of boiled milk) and sprinkled with white sugar on top. Try this dish one day to learn how the simplest ingredients can be combined to create a delicious dish. Where to find toasted malai? We recommend visiting Kona Dukan in BBD Bagh. The 77-year-old tea shop is now run by the fourth generation owner. While you’ll find a variety of food options here, the classic malai toast with chai reigns supreme.
Where: Kona Dukan, Lyons Range, Murgighata, BBD Bagh, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001
9. Kathi Roll at Kusum Rolls:
And how can you miss the roll? Good street food in Kolkata offers the goodness of crispy parathas and chicken and mutton kebabs in one dish. All you need to do is, heat and enjoy. While you’ll find a wide selection of roll centers around the city, we recommend going to Park Street and enjoying Kusum Rolls. A small place with a small kitchen and an open sales counter, this place serves thousands of foodies in the city throughout the day. Just open the menu on the wall and order your favorite.
Where: 21 Park Street, Karnani Mansion Beside, Olypub Restaurant, Kolkata (Calcutta) 700016