Kolkata, also known as the “City of Joy,” is a bustling metropolis located in the eastern part of India. Apart from being a cultural hub and the birthplace of many prominent figures in Indian history, Kolkata is also renowned for its mouthwatering cuisine, which draws inspiration from a variety of different sources, including traditional Indian flavors, Bengali cuisine, and colonial influences.

Macher jhol

One of the most iconic dishes in Kolkata is fish curry,(macher jhol), which has been a staple of Bengali cuisine for centuries. The dish is typically made with a variety of different fish, including Hilsa, Bhetki, and Rohu, all of which are readily available in the region.

I am also a better cook and expert in cooking special fish curry. The preparation of fish curry typically involves cooking the fish in a flavorful broth made with tomatoes, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices.  However, the exact recipe for the broth can vary depending on the cook’s preference. But it usually includes ingredients like ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric, which lend the dish its distinct flavor profile.

The cooking of different varieties of fish is very simple.

To prepare the dish, fish is first cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces, which are then marinated in a mixture of turmeric, salt, and lemon juice. This helps to tenderize the fish and infuse it with flavor before it is added to the broth.

Once the broth has been prepared, the fish is gently simmered in it until it is cooked through and tender. The dish is typically served with steamed rice, which helps to soak up the flavorful broth and balance out the spicy flavors of the fish curry.

Roshogolla of Kolkata

Another popular sweet dish in Kolkata is roshogolla, which is a spongy and syrupy dessert made from chenna, a type of curdled milk. The dish is believed to have originated in Kolkata in the late 19th century and has since become a beloved staple in Bengali cuisine.

To prepare roshogolla, chenna is first made by curdling milk with lemon juice or vinegar, which causes the solids to separate from the liquid. The solids are then drained and kneaded until they form a smooth and pliable dough, which is then rolled into small balls.

The balls are then boiled in a mixture of sugar and water until they become spongy and absorb the syrupy liquid. The result is a sweet and delicious dessert that is beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Rosogolla of K C Das is popular here and exported to different places.

Nani Lal Ghosh, Hatibagan

I was not very fancy about rosogolla, but after a stay in Kolkata, I fall in love with rosogolla from one famous shop, Nano Lal Ghosh. I was posted at the Hathibagan branch in 2006 and this shop was near my branch.

Once I tasted rosogolla from that shop, I do hold a soft spot for this Bengali sweet in my heart that continued to date.  Yes, one of my fondest memories is of Nani Lal Ghosh’s sweet shop.

Mishti doi

Another popular sweet dish in Kolkata is mishti doi, which is a creamy and sweetened yogurt that is typically served as a dessert. The dish is made by first boiling milk until it is reduced and thickened, which gives it a rich and creamy texture.

The milk is then cooled to room temperature and mixed with a small amount of yogurt, which acts as a starter culture and helps to ferment the milk. The mixture is then left to ferment for several hours, which gives the yogurt its characteristic tangy flavor and creamy texture.

To sweeten the yogurt, it is typically mixed with jaggery, a type of unrefined sugar that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. The result is a delicious and refreshing dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. This Misti Doi is my favorite dessert.

In addition to fish curry, roshogolla, and mishti doi, Kolkata is also famous for a variety of other dishes, including kathi rolls, which are stuffed flatbreads filled with spicy meat or vegetables, and puchka, which are crispy and hollowed-out spheres that are filled with a tangy and spicy mixture of potatoes, chickpeas, and tamarind water.

Street food

Yes, It is worth making a trip to Kolkata to try its scrumptious street food as well. From the macher jhol to biriyani, signature kathi rolls to phuchkas, the streets are a smorgasbord of different dishes.

Overall, Kolkata’s cuisine is a true reflection of its rich history and cultural heritage. Whether you’re a fan of spicy curries, sweet desserts, or savory street food, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Please come and enjoy.

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