Kolkata, the City of Joy, is renowned not only for its rich cultural heritage and literary history but also for its delectable street food. The bustling streets of this vibrant metropolis are adorned with food stalls and vendors offering an array of mouthwatering treats that will tantalize your taste buds. From spicy and savory to sweet and succulent, Kolkata’s street food scene has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take you on a gastronomic journey through the 10 must-try street foods in Kolkata.
1. Kathi Roll
A visit to Kolkata would be incomplete without savoring a Kathi Roll. These delectable rolls consist of skewer-roasted kebabs wrapped in soft paratha bread and garnished with onions, chilies, and a dash of tangy sauce. You can choose from various fillings like chicken, mutton, egg, or even paneer for a vegetarian delight.
2. Phuchka (Pani Puri)
Phuchka, known as Pani Puri in other parts of India, is a beloved street food in Kolkata. These crispy hollow balls filled with spicy tamarind water, mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and various spices create a symphony of flavors with every bite.
3. Jhalmuri
Jhalmuri is Kolkata’s version of bhel puri. It’s a spicy mixture of puffed rice, peanuts, fried lentils, and various spices. Vendors often customize it to suit your spice level, making it a delightful and quick snack.
4. Chingri Macher Cutlet (Shrimp Cutlet)
For seafood lovers, Chingri Macher Cutlet is a must-try. These crispy shrimp cutlets are seasoned with aromatic spices and fried to perfection, resulting in a mouthwatering street snack that’s hard to resist.
5. Mughlai Paratha
Mughlai Paratha is a stuffed, deep-fried bread that is heavenly in taste. It’s typically stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, egg, and spices. This calorie-rich street food is an indulgence you won’t regret.
6. Telebhaja (Fritters)
Kolkata’s telebhaja stalls offer an assortment of fried goodies, including beguni (deep-fried eggplant slices), mochar chop (banana flower fritters), and alur chop (potato fritters). These crispy snacks are perfect for satisfying your fried food cravings.
7. Aloo Kabli
Aloo Kabli is a simple yet satisfying street snack. It consists of boiled and spiced potatoes mixed with tamarind chutney, chopped onions, and green chilies. The combination of flavors and textures is delightful.
8. Kolkata Biryani
Kolkata Biryani has its own distinct flavor profile. It’s a fragrant rice dish cooked with succulent pieces of meat (usually mutton), aromatic spices, and saffron. The addition of potato chunks is unique to Kolkata biryani and adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
9. Ghugni
Ghugni is a popular street food made from dried yellow peas cooked with spices and served with chopped onions, green chilies, and a sprinkle of tangy tamarind chutney. It’s a savory delight that’s both flavorful and filling.
10. Mishti
No visit to Kolkata would be complete without indulging in its famous sweets. The city offers an incredible array of sweet treats, including roshogolla, sandesh, misti doi (sweet yogurt), and more. These sweets are often made with techniques passed down through generations, ensuring their exceptional taste.
Kolkata’s street food culture is not just about satisfying your hunger; it’s an immersive culinary experience. The next time you find yourself in this vibrant city, make sure to embark on a culinary adventure and explore these ten must-try street foods. Your taste buds will thank you as you savor the flavors and textures that make Kolkata’s street food scene truly extraordinary.
