Traditional Culinary Delights in Kolkata that are must try

Bengali or not, you must have heard of the magic of cultural inventions like Sandesh or rasgulla. But, Bengal has much more to offer when it comes to culinary delights which are an endless spiral of surprises. And, if you happen to be in Kolkata, the cultural melting pot of India, Din you shouldn’t give these dishes a miss! 

1. Macher Jhol 

Rice and fish are the staples of Bengali cuisine, undoubtedly. As the saying goes – no one can cook fish better than the Bengalis do, macher jhol is a glaring example! Made alongside tomato and potato & seasoned with garlic, ginger, onion and turmeric - this heavenly dish is best relished with steamed rice. 

Not to mention, if you are a seafood lover you can literally make jhol out of any fish! You can easily have a taste of this staple measure at any of the best restaurants in Kolkata offering Bengali food menu. 

2. Kolkata-style Biryani 

With its captivating aroma and the flavour of finely ground masala, Biryani is a wholehearted dish by itself. Found in almost all princely states in India, Kolkata Biryani is heavily influenced by the Awadhi style. Speculated to have been first introduced in the city by Nawab, Wajid Ali Shah, it has evolved and culminated the style of cooking from other states as well. 

What resulted is a melting pot of the confluence of a variety of Mughlai cuisine and an absolute gem in itself. The unique part of Kolkata-style Biryani is the addition of aloo (potato). If you want to experiment with food then this delectable dish will surely will your heart! 

3. Luchi with Aloor Torkari 

Considered as the staple of every Bengali household and perhaps the most comfort food you can find in Kolkata, this quintessential combo is to die for! From grab and dash eateries to high-class restaurants, this tooth-some snake is the ideal dish to have for breakfast. 

4. Kebab platters 

Now, here is the twist! Born out of bawarchis kitchen, Kebab has undergone a series of evolution since the 16th  Century. From the Mughals to the Britishers, Kebab can both be enjoyed with paratha (Mughlai) or flavoured rice (English). But whatever the roots of it maybe, if you are heart code meet lover a platter of assorted kebabs will surely bring a smile on your face and water in your mouth! 

Some of the best restaurants in Kolkata offer this exceptionally lip-smacking dish in their own style. You can also so it up with biryani and customise it the way you want to! Bon Appetite! 

5. Machher paturi & kalia 

An iconic Bengali dish, Machher Paturi (be it ilish or bhetki) is traditional delight. The fish is here marinated in poppy seeds along with a paste of ginger garlic and bay leaf. It is then wrapped inside a banana leaf and steamed to perfection. Paturi is best enjoyed with steamed jeera rice or period with Shoru Chakli. 

When it comes to its cousin, Kalia, it is usually made from rohu or katla fish and is cooked with onions, ginger garlic paste and can further be marinated with garam masala, ghee and spices. Often the most preferred dish on a weekend lunch, this traditional delicacy can be enjoyed all year long! 

6. Kathi rolls

Rolls or wraps is synonymous with both Oriental and Western concept. But what sets the Kathi rolls in the city apart from the rest of India is its exceptionally flavoured mutton and chicken pieces. Found in the best restaurants in Kolkata and fast food eateries alike, the flaky flour paratha and the irresistible spices and sauces that go into the stuffing (with your choice of meat) makes it a foodie’s gateway to heaven! 

7. Mishti Doi & Rasgulla 

When the traditional Bengali cousins are here can the sweet delicacies be far behind? Mishti Doi is one of the city’s legendary culinary creation which is made from a thick consistency of fermented sweet yoghurt. Another II action that can create an everlasting impression is the rasgullas. Little balls of cottage cheese and semolina dough, these cute little fluffy things are then dipped in a sugary syrup and gulped down in one bite! 

It is said that even if you are not born with a sweet tooth you can still enjoy rasgulla (any time of day). 

Both culture and food in Kolkata speak volumes and it is nothing less close than a beauty. So without much thinking take on a gastronomical joy ride as you tickle your taste buds in some of the best restaurants in Kolkata!