Fish is an integral part of Kolkata’s kitchen and something Bengali can’t live without. Macher Jhol, fried or curried and paired with rice, makes for a wholesome meal that seafood lovers should try while in Kolkata. It is a spicy curried traditional dish, which includes potatoes and tomatoes other than fish. Seasoned with garlic, onions, grated ginger, and turmeric, Macher Jhol is one of the best dishes in Kolkata.
Learn More
Made out of fermented sweet yogurt, this Bengali dessert is one of the most popular culinary sweets. Though packed Mishti Doi is available in grocery stores all over the country, you should try the fresh one from one of Kolkata’s legendary sweet corners at least once in your life.
Learn More
Alur Torkari is a lip-smacking curry considered the best Bengali-style comfort food which includes potatoes cooked in a thick tomato gravy. Alur Torkari is usually served with flatbreads like puri or chapati.
Learn More
Probably the city’s favorite carb treat, Luchi is a deep-fried flatbread served in Kolkata and the rest of Bengal. Luchis are prepared from maida flour, refined and bleached wheat flour, and fried in ghee or oil until they are crisp. To enhance your meal, pair Luchi with Alur Torkari or any other rich curry for a truly mouth-watering experience.
Learn More
A true Bengali dinner is incomplete without a bowl of this tasty lentil curry made from chana dal or gram. Cholar Dal is a thick, heavily spiced, and sweet dish that can be enjoyed with luchis or puri. It is also served with plain or jeera rice. Pair with its hearty companions or just enjoy it as a snack, Cholar Dal is one of the best Bengali comfort foods.
Learn More
Yet another Bengali dish, Shukto is a meal prepared with a variety of vegetables including potato, pumpkin, bitter gourd, and bottle gourd. A little sweet and a little bitter, Shukto can be paired with rice or a flatbread
Learn More
Desserts are an integral part of Bengali cuisine and Chomchom is the truly Bengali dessert. It is prepared from flour, sugar, cream, lemon juice, saffron, and coconut flakes. Festive seasons are filled with Chomchom. The round-shaped, brown-colored sweet dish from Bengal is popular in all corners of the country.
Learn More
Made from milk, cottage cheese, and sugar, Sandesh is a super popular dessert and is one of the most abundant snacks you can try while in Kolkata. Sandesh comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, from little circular discs to round balls. Sandesh is a doughy and buttery sweet and is the perfect sweet dish to end your Bengali meal.
Learn More
Who’s not familiar with Rasgullas, right? They are actually small balls of cottage cheese and semolina dough dipped in chashni or sugary syrup. While most people in India believe that Rasgullas are a Bengali dish, it is truly a sweet dish originating from Odisha. Bengali sweet or Odisha snack, no meal in Kolkata is complete without gulping down a pair of Rasgullas.
Learn More