Kolkata, known for its rich cultural heritage and culinary diversity, is a paradise for street food enthusiasts. The city’s bustling streets offer a plethora of flavors that cater to all tastes. Here are some must-try street food dishes in Kolkata if you find yourself in Kolkata:
- Kathi Rolls:
Kolkata is famous for its Kathi Rolls, which are paratha-wrapped rolls filled with various fillings like spiced meats (chicken, mutton, or beef), paneer, and egg. Nizam’s and Kusum Rolls are iconic places to savor these delights.
- Phuchka (Puchka or Golgappa):
These crispy, hollow puris filled with a mixture of mashed potatoes, tangy tamarind water, chickpeas, and spices are a quintessential Kolkata street food. You can find excellent phuchka vendors throughout the city.
- Jhalmuri:
A popular Bengali street snack, Jhalmuri is a mixture of puffed rice, peanuts, sev, chopped vegetables, and various spices. It’s a delightful and crunchy snack that’s often enjoyed during leisurely walks.
- Chow Mein:
Kolkata’s Chinese food culture is unique, and the street-style Chow Mein reflects this fusion. The noodles are stir-fried with vegetables and a choice of meat, offering a savory and flavorful experience.
- Aloo Kabli:
This simple yet flavorful street food consists of boiled potatoes mixed with a tangy tamarind chutney, spices, and other ingredients. It’s a quick and satisfying snack.
- Telebhaja:
A popular evening snack, telebhaja includes a variety of deep-fried items like beguni (fried eggplant slices), phuluri (spiced batter-fried lentil dumplings), and more. These are often enjoyed with a cup of tea.
- Kachori Sabzi:
Fluffy, deep-fried kachoris paired with a spicy potato curry make for a delicious and filling street food option. The burst of flavors in each bite is a treat for your taste buds.
- Rolls and Cutlets:
Apart from Kathi Rolls, Kolkata is also famous for its egg rolls and cutlets. Egg rolls typically contain eggs, onions, and a filling wrapped in a paratha, while cutlets are deep-fried patties made from minced meat or vegetables.
- Mishti:
Kolkata is renowned for its sweets, or mishti. While not exactly a “street food” in the traditional sense, you can’t visit Kolkata without trying sweets like Rasgulla, Sandesh, and Misti Doi from iconic sweet shops like KC Das and Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick.
Remember to explore the various street food stalls in areas like Park Street, College Street, and New Market for an authentic Kolkata street food experience. Always consider hygiene standards and eat where the locals eat for the most genuine flavors.