WMTV: INDIA
KOLKATA, STREET FOOD PARADISE
Kolkata’s street food scene is a feast for the senses, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. Partnering with my friend Ramanuj from Calcutta Walks, we embarked on an incredible journey through the city’s bustling markets and iconic food spots. From savory snacks to sweet treats, every corner of Kolkata offered a new culinary adventure. This playlist captures the essence of Kolkata’s vibrant street food culture, showcasing the rich flavors and stories behind each dish. Join me as we explore the heart of this street food paradise.
EPISODE 1: KOLKATA STREET FOOD
Follow me as I discover Northern India. Today, with my friend Ramanuj from Calcutta Walks, we’re checking out the diverse culinary street food scene of Kolkata and how cultures from all over the world have influenced its cuisine.
EPISODE 2: KOLKATA FOOD LEGENDS
Next on our itinerary with my friend Ramanuj from Calcutta Walks, we continue to discover Kolkata’s unique street food scene and learn about its diverse influences from Central Asia
EPISODE 3: DHARMATALA
In this episode, with my friend Ramanuj from Calcutta Walks, we continue to explore Kolkata’s street food treasures with a visit of the famous Nahoum & Sons Confectionary, one of the last vestige’s of Kolkata’s Jewish heritage, then followed by unbeatable street food sandwiches the city has to offer.
EPISODE 4: MACHUABAZAR
Today, with my friend Ramanuj from Calcutta Walks, we are tasting different historical dishes from the city. Follow us in Kolkata YMCA’s canteen, where we try the legendary mutton stew. Ramanuj explains to me later the French influence in some local specialities, like the amazing Kabiraji dishes served in one of the oldest eateries of College Street: Dilkhusha Cabin
EPISODE 5: LEGENDARY VENTURES
Basanta Cabin is a 130-year-old institution in College Street, Kolkata. With Ramanuj we try their signature fish fry, topped with chaat masala. Then we visit the Paramount Cafe, another piece of history, famous for its sherbet. Shasik, the owner tells us the story of his venture and invites us to taste some of his renowned recipes.
EPISODE 6: HOOGLY RIVER
Follow me today from the banks of the Hoogly River (also locally named “Ganga”) to Muliik Ghat, the largest flower market all over Asia. We’ll finish our day trip in the astonishing Maniktala Fish Market
EPISODE 7: CHITPUR & BHAWANIPUR
Today we are in Chitpur with Anirban from Calcutta Walks, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in North Kolkata. We visit a milk auction centre, then a cheese market, where you can find some Koya, a soft yellow cheese, which recipe has been introduced to Bengal by the Portuguese and is used mainly for desserts.
EPISODE 8: KOLKATA’S NIGHTLIFE
Let me show you some of the best places in the city like Apanjan, in Kalighat: a “hole in the wall” street food spot where you can eat chicken leg fry, fish fry, egg chop and fish chip.
Then, you must try the famous Ghugni on Park Street, a freshly cooked dal with tamarind, masala, and onion with a fresh squeeze of lime.
EPISODE 9: BOW BARRACKS
Crossing the Howrah Bridge, you enter some incredible historical districts of Kolkata.
With Anirban, from Calcutta Walks, we start our day by visiting the cluster of Bow Barracks. The locality is a small hub of mainly the Anglo-Indian population who have lived here for generations. They are also famous for their Christmas celebration.
EPISODE 10: TIRETTA BAZAAR
In central Kolkata is a neighbourhood named Tiretta Bazaar. It’s also well-known as the “Old China Market”.
Here is my spots selection you should visit when you’re in the area:
Toong On Church, Sea Ip Church, Pou Chong, Tung Nam Eating House
EPISODE 11: A BENGALI DINNER
Join us for dinner, as Madu will cook us some mouthwatering dishes: saag, pumpkin with red chickpeas, bottle gourd with shrimps and a fantastic yoghurt curry of carp.
EPISODE 12: MECHHUA & KUMORTOLI
EPISODE 13: TASTY FOOD EXPERIENCES
If you are looking for some tasty food experiences in Kolkata, you should visit the places I recommend below: Mamagoto Mamagoto is a fusion Pan Asian café on Park St.
Elahi Luxury Dining, where I meet Asif, one of the three founders, serves a very inspired Mughlai, Awadhi and North Indian cuisine.
Indian Coffee House: y visiting this institution, you literally travel in time! Enjoy the place and try the Mutton Afghani!
EPISODE 14: INDIAN COFFEE HOUSE
You can now enjoy these dishes in my restaurants, like the Goat Nihari in Will St., the fried chicken in Honey & Smoke, the Roti Prata in Mama San, and so on…
Back to College Street, Kolkata, in the popular (and very crowded) Indian coffee house with Anirban, from Calcutta Walks, to close my journey in one the world’s best street food paradise.
