Kolkata is the City of Joy and rightly so. Other than the people there, the Kolkata street food will also make you believe the same. The varied cultures and art portrayed by the citizens here tend to reflect on the whole dimension of street food as well. According to statistical data, Kolkata has been topping the list of ‘street foods in India’ by food enthusiasts. Here we try to bring you the Kolkata food guide on street food.
Kolkata encompasses savoury dishes, starting from tangy cravings to sweet endings, along with the ones which leave a burning sensation on our taste buds i.e. spicy snacks. The best part of it is that most of the street food is dirt cheap. You could get a plate of Jhaal Muri for Rs. 10 only! Submitting to one’s cravings sometimes has harmed no one, right? Kolkata ensures that its diversified street food includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Here is a list of the lip-smacking 10 Best Street Foods in Kolkata that one shouldn’t miss:
1. Kolkata Phuchka
Phuchkas are known by a variety of names all over the country such as Golgappes in the north and Pani Puri on the western side of India. But in Kolkata, we call it Phuchka. It also happens to be one of the best street food in Kolkata! Now the debate for the perfect name could go on forever so instead let’s continue reading. Kolkata serves as the ultimate destination for that potato-filling and tamarind water Phuchkas.
There’s a heavenly combination of Indian spices and the mashed potatoes along with the tamarind water, all of which create a symphony of flavours in your mouth. Phuchkas here are the ones to die for. However, they differ a wee bit in North Kolkata and the South. The tamarind water in North Kolkata has a touch of cumin in it. Certain vendors experiment with their stuffing and add Aloo Dum or Ghugni to their Phuchkas giving it yet another salivating experience.
Such is this famous food in Kolkata loved by all that we now have big shops opening with different creative flavours of puchka as their sole offering! They proudly call it waterballs (ahem..)!
Places to try: Every locality of Kolkata (yeah, you read that right!).
2. Ghugni
Places to try: New Market (Opposite Bombay Dyeing), Decker’s Lane. These are practically the best Kolkata places to eat Ghugni.
3. Kolkata Kathi Rolls
Kolkata is the forerunner when it comes to Kathi Rolls, or simply ‘Roll’. Nizam’s at New Market was the first to start making them and then the rest followed. If you are visiting Kolkata then you have to try out the Kathi Rolls there. It is a wheat flour-based wrap with a variety of stuffings, with varieties ranging from Egg Rolls to Chicken Rolls, and on the vegetarian side, there are Paneer Rolls and Cheese Rolls. The variety of Kathi Rolls in Kolkata will take you by surprise!
Places to try: Hot Kathi Roll at Park Street(specialty) & once again, every locality of Kolkata (yep, again!) Though a few places are especially known as the best street food places in Kolkata, namely Camac Street, Theater Road, Park Street & Chowringhee Rd crossing (towards Birla Planetarium), behind Writers Building, and Satyanarayan Park.
4. Churmur
The delicious churmur belongs to the same variety as Phuchkas do. You will get them in the same stalls too. It is similar to Phuchkas but with a twist. Mashed potatoes with a perfect blend of Indian spices, crushed Phuchkas and tamarind juice results into a tangy snack which takes you to spice heaven right away. It cannot be missed out of this list at all!
Places to try: Russell Street, Vardan Market, New Market, Ramgarh Phuchka Stand, 5-star Phuchka stand near Poddapukur, Bhawanipore, etc.
5. Kolkata Fish Finger and Fish Cutlets
Fish Fingers and Cutlets are a must-try when you plan a trip to Kolkata! Bengalis are known for their love for fish, and this dish represents just that. If you are a non-vegetarian, then give this dish a try with mustard sauce and you will be amazed! It is made from pomfret fish and is dipped in a batter and then deep-fried. This gives it a crunchy taste! One may try it with tomato ketchup too. The crispy crunchy exterior with the steaming hot and soft stuffing is a must-try.
Places to try: New Market, Girish Park, Shobhabazar, Shyambazar.
6. Tele Bhaja
Telebhaja is an authentic Bengali food in Kolkata which is very popular in the streets of Kolkata! Tele Bhaja literally means fried in oil. They can be bites of fried bread, potatoes, onions, lentils or anything else, each piece wrapped in a batter of besan. There are a variety of flavours that you will get from a single bite due to the creative mix of ingredients. It is deep-fried and is very crunchy. It is Kolkata best street food by all means.
Places to try: Taltala, New Market
7. Aloo Kabli / Aloo Chaat
Most of the dishes in Kolkata are potato-based simply cause we love aloo! Aloo Kabli is also known as Aloo Chaat and is an on-the-go savoury street food that many vendors sell. Definitely works as a wholesome appetizer which fulfils one’s sudden cravings. It is a blend of sliced boiled potatoes with onions and green chillies and just the right amount of Indian spices. A top pick from flavoursome street foods that can be prepared quickly, aloo kabli ends on a tangy note due to the tamarind juice majorly present in the snack. It truly represents Kolkata food.
Places to try: Surya Sen Street, New Market, Shyambazar, Shobhabazar crossing.
8. Chhanar Jilipi
Jalebi in Bengali is pronounced as Jilipi. It is different from the normal jalebis in a way that its main ingredient is called “chhana”. This is what makes it soft. It melts in your mouth and is sweet as heaven.
Places to try: Bhawanipore, Kalighat, Rabindra Sadan
9. Moglai Porota/Mughlai Paratha
If you are looking for the best street food in Kolkata then you have got to give this dish a try. It is inspired from Mughlai dishes and has a heavy stuffing such as chicken keema. If you are a fan of Mughlai dishes then you ought to be craving this dish. It is known as the typical kolkata famous food.
Places to try: New Market, Central, Ahiritola, Shobhabazar
10. Kolkata style Jhal muri
This dish is Kolkata’s take on the Bhel Puri but with a spicy touch. The word “jhaal” means “spicy” in Bengali. Its main ingredient is Muri or Rice Puffs along with chopped onions, tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers and tamarind sauce. It is one of the best street food of Kolkata.
Places to try: Available all around Kolkata!
Hope you found it tastefully interesting reading about Kolkata street food. We also recommend you to have a look at the most happening cafes in Kolkata. Or go through the musings of a Kolkata girl about her City of Joy.
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