Let's Experience Kolkata’s culinary heritage over four delicious days. Each day is grouped by area to minimize driving, with breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner stops that highlight iconic eateries (some over a century old) and popular modern spots. Parking tips are included for each stop. Bon appétit!
Day 1: North Kolkata – Heritage Bites Galore
Breakfast (8:00 AM) – Putiram Sweets, College Street (12A Surya Sen St, near College Square). Start early at this 150-year-old sweet shop famed for its kochuri (fried flatbread) with chholar dal (Bengal gram curry). Pair it with a syrupy pantua (Bengali gulab jamun) or creamy raschhora. Timing: Opens ~6:30 AM. Parking: College Street is busy; park at the pay-and-park near College Square or Vidyasagar Street and walk over. Seating is limited – expect a quick, stand-up breakfast amid history.
Lunch (1:00 PM) – Golbari, Shyambazar (211 Acharya Prafulla Chandra Rd, Shyambazar 5-Pt Crossing). This 92-year-old eatery[1] is legendary for its dark, rich mutton Kosha Mangsho (slow-cooked Bengali mutton curry) served with fluffy porotas. The tender meat in velvety gravy has made “Golbarir Kosha” synonymous with Kolkata cuisine. For chicken lovers, a chicken kosha is available, but mutton is the star. The name “Golbari” comes from the round (gol) facade of the original New Punjabi Restaurant started by Ratan Arora in the 1920s. Parking: Very limited – try side lanes of Shyambazar or the Star Theater parking area and walk. The restaurant is small (seats ~18) and often packed; you may share a table or stand and eat.
Afternoon Sweets (3:00 PM) – Girish Chandra Dey & Nakur Chandra Nandy, Hedua (56 Ramdulal Sarkar St). Satisfy your sweet tooth at this legendary 1844-established sweet shop[2] known for artisanal sandesh. Must-tries include jal bhora sandesh (stuffed with syrup) and kachagolla. This shop’s sandesh varieties are so famous that it’s often the first stop on any “mishti trail”. Parking: Difficult in the narrow lanes; park near Hedua Park (Star Theater area) and walk 5 minutes. Enjoy your sweets on the go – there’s no seating.
Evening Snack (5:30 PM) – Mitra Café, Sovabazar (47 Jatindra Mohan Ave, near Sovabazar Metro). Open since 1910, Mitra Café is a North Kolkata institution offering a “nostalgic taste of Kolkata’s culinary past”. Don’t miss their famed Fish Kabiraji (bhetki fish fry wrapped in a lacy egg batter) and Mutton Breast Cutlet – crispy, hearty snacks that pair perfectly with a splash of the house mustard. The brain chop and diamond fish fry are also iconic, reflecting the century-old cabin’s unchanged recipes. Parking: Limited street parking on Jatindra Mohan Ave or Raja Nabakrishna St – it’s a congested area, so you might park a bit away near Sovabazar Metro and walk. The outlet is small and usually standing-room only.
Dinner (8:00 PM) – Royal Indian Hotel, Chitpur (147 Rabindra Sarani, near Nakhoda Masjid). A heritage Mughlai restaurant from 1905 [3], Royal is the pinnacle of old Kolkata Awadhi cuisine. Its signature mutton chaap – succulent slow-cooked ribs in aromatic gravy – and fragrant biriyani (with the trademark potato and egg) draw crowds from all over the city. Royal has been a Mughlai food landmark for over a century. Also recommended: the mutton rezala (a delicate yogurt-based curry) with roomali roti. Parking: Being in Burrabazar’s bustling wholesale area, parking is tough. In the evening, you may find space near Nakhoda Mosque or along Rabindra Sarani once market traffic subsides. Alternatively, use the pay parking on Zakaria Street and walk. Royal’s atmosphere is no-frills, but the food more than makes up for it – you’ll literally taste history here.
Day 2: Central Kolkata & Park Street – Colonial Charm and Street Classics
Breakfast (9:00 AM) – Flurys, Park Street (18 Park St). Kick off the day at Kolkata’s iconic colonial-era tearoom. Flurys was established in 1927 by a Swiss couple and remains beloved for its old-world charm. Go for the Full English Breakfast platter – eggs, bacon, sausages, buttered toast – or the signature ham sandwiches and rum-soaked plum cake [4]. Wash it down with Darjeeling tea or rich hot chocolate. The elegant chandeliers and pink decor will transport you to a bygone era. Parking: Park Street has paid street parking (try near The Park Hotel or on Middleton St). At 9 AM you may find a spot out front. Otherwise, Park Street Parking Plaza (nearadays KMC parking lot) is a short walk.
Mid-Morning (10:30 AM) – Nahoum & Sons Bakery, New Market (F20 Bertram St, New Market). After Flurys, stroll 5 minutes to this century-old Jewish bakery founded in 1902. Inside New Market’s bustling bazaar, Nahoum’s is an oasis of nostalgia. Try their famous Rich Fruit Cake (packed with rum-soaked dry fruits) or the gooey brownies. The lemon tarts and cheese samosas are also local favorites. It’s one of Kolkata’s oldest surviving family-run bakeries and a must-visit for its old-world bakery charm. Parking: If you’ve parked near Park Street, consider walking (10 minutes) or drive and park at the New Market parking building on Bertram Street for easier access.
Lunch (1:00 PM) – Peter Cat, Park Street (18A Park St, Stephen Court). Dine at one of Kolkata’s most celebrated restaurants (est. 1975) – recently ranked among the world’s top legendary restaurants[5]. Peter Cat’s fame rests on its Chelo Kebab platter: two seekh kebabs and one chicken tikka served on buttered rice with a runny poached egg and grilled veggies on the side. This Iranian-style dish is a signature that locals swear by. The retro ambiance with red velvet seats and uniformed waiters adds to the experience. If you have room, their sizzlers and Cheese Baked Crab are classics too. Parking: Street parking on Park Street in daytime is limited. Use the parking lot behind Stephen Court or the Parking Plaza near Lindsay Street. They don’t take reservations at lunch, so arrive by 12:30 to avoid a queue.
Afternoon Dessert (3:30 PM) – K.C. Das, Esplanade (Private Rd, near Dharamtala). Pop into the flagship outlet of Kolkata’s iconic sweet-makers. K.C. Das’s founder is the son of Nobin Chandra Das, inventor of the Rossogolla (rasgulla) in 1868[6]. Here you can taste the original spongy white rosogollas, sitting in cool syrup, that started it all. Also try Mishti Doi (sweet yogurt) served in earthen pots, and rasmalai (another invention of the Das family). It’s a quick stop – stand at the counter for a syrupy treat that’s a piece of Bengal’s history. Parking: The shop is right by New Market; if you still have your car parked from lunch, just walk over. Otherwise, find a spot on Esplanade Row or use the same New Market parking house.
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| A chef assembling Kathi Rolls – Kolkata’s famous skewer-roasted kebabs wrapped in paratha. Don’t miss Nizam’s for the original version! |
Evening Snack (6:00 PM) – Nizam’s, New Market (23-24 Hogg St, New Market). This is the birthplace of the Kathi Roll, a quintessential Kolkata street food [7]. Nizam’s started serving these portable meals in the 1930s – juicy kebabs (mutton or chicken) tossed with onions and spices, rolled in a paratha that’s lined with a fried egg. Try the mutton kathi roll (the classic) or a double-egg chicken roll for a protein punch. The greasy, flavorful wrap with a squeeze of lime and onion is heaven on the go. Though Nizam’s also offers biryani and curries, stick to the rolls here – they’ve been perfecting them for nearly a century. After your roll, walk a few steps to New Market’s street food stalls (Dacres Lane nearby) for a hot cup of chai in a clay cup or some fruit kulfi if you like. Parking: If you’re still parked at New Market, you’re set. Otherwise, park on Bertram St/Lindsay St. Nizam’s is inside an alley of New Market – you’ll spot the old sign.
Dinner (8:30 PM) – Mocambo, Park Street (25B Park St). End the day with a touch of retro fine-dining at this 1956-established restaurant. Mocambo is famous for its Continental and Anglo-Indian specialties – order the Devilled Crab (baked crab meat in cheese sauce), Fish À La Diana (bhetki in creamy wine sauce), or the classic Chicken Salisbury Steak. They also do excellent North-Indian fare, but the old-school Continental dishes (served sizzling) truly stand out. The dimly-lit red leather booths and vintage jazz music give it a nostalgic supper-club vibe. Parking: Park Street in the evening is busy – use the parking area near Park Street post office or behind Park Hotel if available. Mocambo has a valet service at dinner time – avail it if you find a queue of cars. Dress is smart casual (shorts not preferred at night), and reservations aren’t taken, so you might wait briefly at peak hours.
Day 3: South Kolkata – Bengali Delicacies & Street Eats
Breakfast (8:30 AM) – Balwant Singh’s Eating House, Bhawanipur (10/B Harish Mukherjee Rd, near Gurudwara). Begin with a hearty Punjabi-Bengali breakfast at this nearly 100-year-old dhaba[8] that’s a local favorite for both early mornings and late nights. Grab a plate of hot Radhaballabhi (dal-stuffed puris) with aloo sabzi, or alu parathas with a dollop of butter. Don’t miss their famed beverages: a glass of kesar chai (saffron tea) or the unique Doodh Cola – a quirky but tasty mix of milk and fizzy cola invented here decades ago. The milky-sweet, bubbly concoction put this dhaba on the foodie map! Enjoy your breakfast on simple benches amid the buzz of locals catching up on gossip. Parking: You can usually find street parking on Harish Mukherjee or near the Gurudwara Singh Sabha in the morning. The dhaba spans two floors (AC upstairs) – no frills, just great food.
Lunch (1:00 PM) – 6 Ballygunge Place, Ballygunge (6 Ballygunge Place, near Gurusaday Rd). Time for an elaborate Bengali lunch at this popular restaurant set in a converted vintage home. 6BP (as locals call it) offers a classic Bengali thali experience[9]. Try their Daab Chingri – succulent prawns cooked inside a tender green coconut, infused with creamy coconut milk and mustard. Other must-haves are Kosha Mangsho (their spiced tender mutton curry), Shorshe Ilish (hilsa fish in mustard gravy) if in season, and Bhetki Paturi (fish fillet steamed in banana leaf with mustard). Don’t skip the bhaja (fried veggies) and chutney course to get the full Bengali meal experience. They offer an all-you-can-eat buffet as well, but à la carte lets you target specialties. Parking: Valet parking is available. Otherwise, street parking on Ballygunge Place or nearby Hindustan Road is usually manageable (it’s a quieter residential area)[10]. The restaurant’s ambiance is elegant yet cozy – walls adorned with Bengali nostalgia. Pro tip: Save room for dessert; you can get sweets here or plan a stop at a sweet shop next.
Afternoon Sweets (3:30 PM, optional) – If you crave sweets post-lunch, swing by Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick (2 Paddapukur Rd, Bhowanipur or their Ballygunge outlet). This renowned confectioner (since 1885) is famed for inventive takes on traditional sweets. Try the Baked Rosogolla (yes, a baked cheese sponge in syrup!), Nolen Gur Sandesh (made with date palm jaggery), or Mishti Doi (served chilled in a clay pot)[11]. It’s a quick stop to pack some treats for later. Parking: Their Bhawanipur shop has no dedicated parking – stop briefly with hazard lights or park near Jadubabur Bazaar.
Evening Snack (5:00 PM) – Vivekananda Park Phuchka Stall, Southern Avenue (near Vivekananda Park, at the corner of Southern Ave & Purshottam Roy St). Time for Kolkata’s favorite street snack: phuchka! These are the local cousin of panipuri/golgappa – crisp semolina shells filled with a spiced mix of mashed potato, tamarind water, and spices[12]. The vendors around Vivekananda Park are legendary – especially Shree Thakur Pandit’s Phuchka cart, run by the Pandit family for generations. Ask for the “aloo dum phuchka” (filled with a dollop of spiced potato curry) or dahi phuchka (with yogurt) for a twist. They’ll hand each piece to you one by one – pop it in whole for that burst of tangy, spicy goodness! Finish with a sweet “mishti” phuchka if available (with sweetened yogurt). Parking: You can usually park along Southern Avenue by the park (look for other cars pulled over for phuchka). Stand around the stall with fellow phuchka lovers – it’s an informal street affair (no seating, obviously). Keep small cash handy; one plate (6 pieces) is around ₹30-50.
Dinner (8:00 PM) – Oudh 1590, Deshapriya Park (23/B Deshapriya Park Rd). Travel back to the era of nawabs at this Awadhi-themed restaurant (named after the year Awadh’s capital was established). It’s a modern popular spot that recreates Lucknow’s royal cuisine – velvet upholstery, vintage chandeliers, and Sufi music set the mood. Start with Galawati Kebabs – ultra-tender lamb patties that melt on your tongue – served with ulte-taawa parathas. For mains, the aromatic Raan Biryani (whole leg of mutton in biryani) or Dum Pukht Biryani (slow-cooked in a sealed pot) are stars. Their Mutton Kakori Kebab and rich Nalli Nehari (slow-cooked lamb shanks) are also excellent. Round off with Warqi paratha and the signature Mutton Awadhi Handi (a creamy cashew-based curry) for a royal feast. Though a newer restaurant (launched in 2013), Oudh 1590 has won hearts by reviving heritage recipes in grand style. Parking: Valet parking is available at this Deshapriya Park outlet. If self-parking, try the spot in front of Carmel School or along Rashbehari Ave after the evening rush. Enjoy a leisurely dinner – Kolkata’s nightlife is low-key, so ending with a decadent Awadhi meal is the perfect finale for the day.
Day 4: East Kolkata – Chinatown to Modern Bites
Breakfast (7:00 AM) – Tiretta Bazaar (Chinese Breakfast Market), Central Avenue (Sun Yat Sen Street near Poddar Court). Start early for a unique Kolkata experience: a street breakfast in old Chinatown[13]. By 6:30 AM, this lane comes alive with stalls run by the city’s Chinese community, serving freshly steamed pork momos, fish ball soup, pork bao (dumplings), and even hot sausage stew. You’ll also find local crossover items like potato-filled kachoris frying in giant woks alongside Chinese delicacies. It’s truly a multicultural breakfast – grab a plate of momos and a bowl of hearty thukpa noodle soup to enjoy curbside. Go early, as stalls sell out by 8:30 AM and the food is best hot and fresh. Parking: Very limited; ideally park near Poddar Court or Tea Board on Brabourne Road and walk to Sun Yat Sen St. It’s a street market, so be prepared to eat standing or perched on a stool next to office-goers and old-timers sipping soup. Note: It’s safe and friendly, but do watch your belongings in the crowd.
Early Lunch (11:30 AM) – Anadi Cabin, Esplanade (1/1A, SN Banerjee Road, decked under a nondescript signboard). This old-school cabin (dating back to 1920s) is famous for one thing: Mughlai Paratha – a decadent deep-fried flatbread stuffed with spiced minced meat and egg. It’s sliced and served with potato curry and onion cucumber salad. Anadi’s mutton mughlai paratha, with its crispy outer and rich filling, is a slice of Kolkata culinary history (people have been devouring these since the Raj era). The ambience is minimal – wooden booths, shared tables, and quick service. Also on offer are Chicken Kabiraji cutlets and Fish Roll, but Mughlai Paratha is the star that often sells out by late lunch. Given your early start, this “lunch” can double as a heavy brunch. Parking: Being on a busy junction near Esplanade, parking is tricky. Use the Metropolitan Building parking or the Lenin Sarani pay-and-park and walk 5 minutes. Look for the narrow stairway leading into the cabin. Dining is upstairs, often shared tables – a true local experience!
Afternoon Break (3:00 PM) – After the oily indulgence, you might return to Newtown for some rest. Later, treat yourself to a modern twist on dessert at Pabrai’s Fresh & Naturelle Ice Cream, Salt Lake City Centre 1 (DC 27/26, Sector 1, Salt Lake). Pabrai’s is a Kolkata-based gourmet ice cream brand known for all-natural flavors. Try their famous Nolen Gur Ice Cream, made with Bengal’s date-palm jaggery – it’s like the winter sweet “nolen gur” in creamy frozen form, with a caramel-like richness. Other interesting flavors include Gondhoraj Lime (aromatic lime) and Tender Coconut. A couple of scoops will refresh you after days of rich food. Parking: City Centre mall has ample parking. The ice cream parlour is near the Inox cinema entrance. Enjoy your ice cream in the mall’s open courtyard – a modern mall setting is a nice contrast after trawling through traditional markets.
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| Piping hot kachoris being fried at a Tiretta Bazaar stall – an early-morning mix of Bengali and Chinese flavors |
Dinner (7:30 PM) – Beijing Restaurant, Tangra Chinatown (Topsia North Road, Tangra). Cap off your food journey with a dinner in Kolkata’s own Chinatown, Tangra – home to India’s original Chinese community. Beijing is one of the top family-run Chinese eateries here[14]. The menu is extensive, covering Cantonese, Hakka, and Indo-Chinese favorites. Start with Tangra Chilli Prawns or Crispy Chilli Babycorn for that quintessential Indian-Chinese kick. Their mixed Hakka noodles and sweet-and-sour pork are crowd-pleasers. Seafood is a highlight too – try the Kung Pao Fish or Hot Garlic Prawns. Beijing’s chef excels at stir-fries and gravies in Sichuan and Shanghai styles[15], so you can sample a range – perhaps a mild Chicken Manchow Soup to start and a spicy Sichuan Chicken to test your spice tolerance! Don’t miss Kolkata staples like Chicken Manchurian and American Chopsuey to see how Chinese techniques were adapted here generations ago. Parking: Tangra has more space than downtown – you can usually park along Tangra Road or in front of the restaurant. (Many Tangra eateries also offer valet or have adjacent lots.) The area might look industrial, but inside, Beijing is lively and air-conditioned, with large round family tables. Note: Tangra dinners are often accompanied by beer – feel free to order a chilled one; these restaurants are typically BYOB or have nominal corkage, keeping with tradition.
After-Dinner – If you still have room (or want takeaways for later!), you could pick up a last few Kolkata specialties: perhaps some Nahoum’s fruit cake to carry home, or a tin of K.C. Das rosogollas for friends. But by now, you’ve sampled an incredible cross-section of Kolkata’s food – from British-era bakes to Chinatown momos, from spicy street phuchkas to regal Awadhi biryani.
From the bylanes of North Kolkata to the dim-lit booths of Park Street, from street-side phuchka stalls to Chinatown’s steaming dumpling carts, Kolkata serves food with a story. This 4-day food trail is a journey through culture, time, and incredible flavor.
So next time you're in town, bring your appetite and drive hungry – Kolkata will never disappoint.
Share your favorite Kolkata food spot in the comments and join the flavor trail!
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