Kolkata India Video

Culinary Journeys: Street Foods of Kolkata India to Try

Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal in India, is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and vibrant street food culture. The city offers a wide variety of delectable street foods that are a must-try for any food enthusiast. From savory snacks to sweet delights, Kolkata’s street food scene is a treat for the taste buds. In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey through the streets of Kolkata, exploring the must-try street foods that define the city’s gastronomic landscape.

Kolkata’s Iconic Puchka (Pani Puri)

• Spicy and Tangy: Puchka, also known as Pani Puri, is a popular street food snack in Kolkata. It consists of hollow puris filled with a mixture of spicy and tangy flavored water, mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and tamarind chutney. The burst of flavors in each bite is a true delight for the taste buds.
• Crunchy and Refreshing: The crispy puris add a satisfying crunch to the dish, while the flavored water provides a refreshing burst of flavors. Puchka stalls can be found in every nook and corner of Kolkata, and locals swear by their favorite spots.
• Must-Try Variations: Kolkata offers unique variations of Puchka, such as Aloo Puchka (with potato filling), Dahi Puchka (with yogurt), and even Chocolate Puchka (with a chocolate-flavored filling). Each variation adds its own twist to the classic street food.

Kathi Rolls: A Kolkata Street Food Staple

• Flavorful and Filling: Kathi Rolls are a popular street food item that originated in Kolkata. They consist of a paratha (Indian bread) wrapped around a filling of marinated and grilled meat, such as chicken or mutton, along with onions, chutneys, and spices. The rolls are packed with flavors and make for a satisfying meal on the go.
• Vegetarian Delights: Kolkata is also known for its vegetarian Kathi Rolls, which use fillings like paneer (Indian cottage cheese), mixed vegetables, or even egg. These vegetarian options are equally delicious and cater to a wider audience.
• Street Food Paradise: The streets of Kolkata are dotted with Kathi Roll stalls, each offering its own unique flavors and variations. From the iconic Nizam’s to the local street vendors, there are plenty of options to choose from.

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Mouthwatering Jhal Muri

• Light and Spicy Snack: Jhal Muri is a popular street food snack in Kolkata, perfect for those looking for a light and spicy treat. It is made with puffed rice, mixed with chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, coriander leaves, and a tangy tamarind sauce.
• Crunchy and Flavorful: The combination of different textures and flavors in Jhal Muri creates a delightful experience. The crunchiness of the puffed rice, along with the freshness of the vegetables and the tanginess of the sauce, make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
• Street Food Carts: Jhal Muri is commonly sold by street food vendors who carry their carts around the city. It is a popular snack to enjoy while exploring the streets of Kolkata or sitting by the riverfront.

Mishti Doi: Kolkata’s Sweet Delight

• Sweet and Creamy: Mishti Doi is a traditional sweet yogurt dessert that is synonymous with Kolkata’s culinary heritage. It is made by fermenting sweetened milk overnight in clay pots, which gives it a distinctive flavor and texture.
• Signature Dessert: Mishti Doi is a must-try dessert for anyone visiting Kolkata. The creamy and luscious texture, along with the perfect balance of sweetness, makes it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
• Availability: Mishti Doi can be found in sweet shops and local markets across Kolkata. It is often served in earthen pots, adding to the traditional charm of the dessert.

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Patiala Lassi: A Refreshing Drink

• Thick and Creamy: Patiala Lassi is a popular traditional yogurt-based drink that originated in Punjab but is widely enjoyed in Kolkata as well. It is made by blending yogurt, sugar, and sometimes flavored syrups or fruits to create a thick and creamy beverage.
• Refreshing and Energizing: Patiala Lassi is the perfect drink to beat the heat and refresh yourself during the hot summer months in Kolkata. It provides a burst of flavors and cools down the body.
• Popular Lassi Shops: Kolkata is home to several famous lassi shops that serve this refreshing drink in various flavors. Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick, and Paramount Sherbets & Syrups are some of the renowned places to try Patiala Lassi.

Kolkata’s Iconic Street Food: Ghugni

• Protein-packed Snack: Ghugni is a popular street food in Kolkata made with yellow peas cooked in a flavorful gravy of spices, onions, and tomatoes. It is often garnished with chopped onions, green chilies, and coriander leaves.
• Hearty and Filling: Ghugni is a hearty and filling snack that is often enjoyed as breakfast or as an evening snack. It is packed with protein and is a favorite among locals for its taste and nutritional value.
• Street Food Stalls: Ghugni stalls can be found in various parts of Kolkata, especially in busy market areas and near popular tourist spots. It is a popular choice for those looking for a quick and satisfying snack.

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Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Rosogolla

• Soft and Spongy: Rosogolla, also known as Rasgulla, is a popular Bengali sweet that originated in Kolkata. It is made by simmering chenna (cottage cheese) balls in a sugar syrup until they become soft and spongy.
• Melt-in-your-mouth: Rosogolla is known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet taste. It is a must-try dessert for anyone with a sweet tooth.
• Famous Sweet Shops: Kolkata is home to several iconic sweet shops that specialize in Rosogolla. K.C. Das, Bhim Nag, and Ganguram’s are some of the renowned places to indulge in this delightful sweet.

Delicious Aloo Kabli

• Tangy and Spicy: Aloo Kabli is a popular street food snack in Kolkata, made with boiled potatoes, chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and a tangy tamarind chutney. It is garnished with a mix of spices and sev (crunchy noodles).
• Quick and Flavorful: Aloo Kabli is a quick and flavorful snack that is often enjoyed as a light meal or as an accompaniment to other street foods. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite among locals.
• Street Food Carts: Aloo Kabli is commonly sold by street food vendors who set up their carts in busy market areas and near popular tourist spots. It is a convenient and delicious snack to grab on the go.

Kolkata’s Favorite Fish Roll

• Fish Lover’s Delight: Fish Roll is a popular street food item in Kolkata, especially among fish lovers. It consists of a crispy fried fish fillet wrapped in a paratha (Indian bread), along with onions, chutneys, and spices.
• Regional Flavors: Kolkata’s Fish Roll is known for its unique flavors, which are influenced by the local Bengali cuisine. The combination of the crispy fish and the soft paratha creates a delightful contrast of textures.
• Local Street Food Stalls: Fish Roll stalls can be found in various parts of Kolkata, particularly in areas near the riverside and fishing docks. They are a popular choice for seafood enthusiasts.

Kolkata’s Sweet and Savory Jalebi

• Crispy and Sweet: Jalebi is a popular sweet dish in Kolkata that is made by deep-frying a fermented batter in pretzel or circular shapes and soaking them in a sugar syrup. It is often enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack.
• Street Food Delight: Kolkata’s Jalebi is known for its unique flavor and texture. The crispy outer layer, along with the sweet syrup, creates a heavenly combination that is hard to resist.
• Local Sweet Shops: Jalebi is available in various sweet shops across Kolkata, particularly in areas like Chandni Chowk, Hatibagan, and Burrabazar. It is best enjoyed fresh and hot.

Conclusion

Kolkata’s street food scene is a paradise for food lovers. From iconic dishes like Puchka and Kathi Rolls to unique delicacies like Mishti Doi and Jhal Muri, the city offers a wide range of flavors and experiences. Exploring the streets of Kolkata and indulging in its street foods is a must for anyone looking to savor the authentic flavors of the city. So, next time you visit Kolkata, make sure to embark on a culinary journey through its vibrant street food culture.

References

• Petit Palace: petitpalace.co.uk
• K.C. Das: kcdas.co.in
• Bhim Nag: bhimnag.com
• Ganguram’s: ganguram.com