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Top 25 best dishes of Kolkata
1. Puchkas (Pani Puri) at Vivekananda park
2. Kathi Rolls from Nizams
3. Ghugni Chaat at Dacres Lane
4. Jhalmuri at Maidan
5. Telebhaja from College street or Hatibagan
6. Samosa (Singara)
7. Kachori Sabzi from Maharaja Chaat Centre
8. Fish Fry from Mitracafe
9. Egg Roll at Kusum Rolls
10. Momos from mom I am
11. Patishapta at Bhim Nag
12. Rasgulla at KC das
13. Mishti Doi at Bhim Chandra Nag
14. Churmur at Southern Avenue
15. Shingara from Tiwari Brothers
16. Chhanar Jilipi from Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick Sweets
17. Radha Ballavi from Putiram Sweets in College Street
18. Luchi and Alur Dom from Apanjan
19. Mughlai Paratha from Anadi Cabin
20. Dal bora from Southern Avenue
21. Keemar Doi Bora from Suruchi on Bhawanipore
22. Pav Bhaji from Balwant Singh
23. Chaat from New Market
24. Radha Ballavi with Cholar Dal from putiram
25. Shukto from Bhojohori Manna
Kolkata Street Food Culture
Discover the Top 25 Street food in Kolkata: A food journey to the city of joy
Are you like us who always gets attracted to the local street food corners of any place? You can say food, especially street food, is the symbol of local culture and habits of the citizens . Kolkata is famous for its variety of street foods like no other cities.
Kolkata, the City of Joy, is not only known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance but also for its vibrant street food culture. The city’s streets are a food lover’s paradise and offer a lot of mouthwatering delicacies that can stimulate the taste buds and provide a glimpse into the local way of life. Apart from the famous food restaurants of Kolkata, there are a huge number of street food vendors who have certain capabilities to match the quality of a big restaurant.
Join us on an unforgettable Kolkata street food experience as we explore the top 25 street foods. Here we will be uncovering, “where to find them”, “their unique flavours”, and “the stories behind these iconic dishes”. Here is the list consisting the Best street food in Kolkata,
Top 25 best dishes of Kolkata
1. Puchkas (Pani Puri) at Vivekananda park
If there’s one street food that defines Kolkata, it’s the puchka. Known as pani puri in other parts of India, these crispy, hollow spheres are filled with spicy tamarind water, mashed potatoes, and chickpeas. The explosion of flavors in your mouth as you bite into a puchka is a sensation you’ll never forget.
The secret to a perfect puchka lies in the tamarind water, which varies from vendor to vendor, giving each stall its unique taste. It is definitely the Best street food in Kolkata. Kolkata street food guide is incomplete without mentioning the name of puchkas.
- Where to Find: Vivekananda Park, in front of Jatindas metro station and Southern Avenue are famous for their puchka stalls.
- Approximate Price: ₹20 for 6 pieces and preferably depends on locations
Suggested read: 7 Top Rated Places To Eat In Imphal: Complete Food Guide
2. Kathi Rolls from Nizams
The word ‘kathi’ refers to the bamboo skewers traditionally used to cook the kebabs that fill these delicious rolls. Invented in Kolkata, the kathi roll is a must-try street food. It consists of a paratha (flatbread) wrapped around various fillings like kebabs, chicken, egg, and paneer, along with onions and spicy sauces. It is definitely accounted as one of the iconic street foods in Kolkata
- Where to Find: Nizam’s in New Market is credited with creating the first kathi roll. This is also among the famous shopping joints of Kolkata
- Approximate Price: ₹50-₹150 depending on the filling.
3. Ghugni Chaat at Dacres Lane
Ghugni can be enjoyed both as a snack and a main dish, often paired with bread or rice. It is a delightful mixture of dried yellow peas, boiled and cooked with spices, and topped with chopped onions, tomatoes, and tamarind chutney, ghugni chaat is a staple in Kolkata’s street food scene.
- Where to Find: Dacres Lane is a popular spot for authentic ghugni chaat.
- Approximate Price: ₹30-₹50 per plate.
4. Jhalmuri at Maidan
If you are a food lover who is always in search of quick made street food but has a lot of flavours then this is the right street food for you. Jhalmuri is a quick, spicy snack made from puffed rice, peanuts, sev (fried chickpea noodles), chopped onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, all mixed with a dash of mustard oil.
Jhalmuri is often served in a paper cone, making it easy to munch on while strolling through the city. This is actually one of the Top Street Foods of Kolkata. Maidan is one of the Popular street food spots in Kolkata for ranges of items, from chaats to jhalmuri.
- Where to Find: Maidan and Park Street are known for their jhalmuri vendors.
- Approximate Price: ₹20-₹30 per serving.
5. Telebhaja from College street or Hatibagan
This is the iconic street food in Kolkata.Telebhaja, or fritters, are deep-fried snacks made from vegetables like potatoes, eggplants, and onions, dipped in a chickpea flour batter. These crispy delights are perfect for an evening snack. Telebhaja is often enjoyed with a cup of hot chai, making it a popular choice during Kolkata’s or West Bengal’s monsoons. Hatibagan is also known as one of the famous Street food markets in Kolkata.
- Where to Find: College Street and Hatibagan are famous for their telebhaja stalls.
- Approximate Price: ₹10-₹20 per piece.
6. Samosa (Singara)
Kolkata’s version of the samosa is known as singara, is filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes even cauliflower. These triangular pastries are deep-fried to perfection. Unlike the North Indian samosa, Kolkata’s singara often contains peanuts, adding a unique crunch to each bite. Kolkata street food tour is incomplete if you do not have Samosa.
- Where to Find: Tiwari Brothers in Burrabazar is a well-known spot for singara.
- Approximate Price: ₹10-₹15 per piece.
7. Kachori Sabzi from Maharaja Chaat Centre
Being one of the Top Street Foods of Kolkata, Kachoris can be stuffed with a variety of fillings, including lentils and spices, each offering a different flavor profile. A popular breakfast dish, kachori sabzi consists of flaky, deep-fried bread (kachori) served with a spicy potato curry (sabzi). It’s a hearty meal that will keep you full for hours.
- Where to Find: Maharaja Chaat Centre in Vardaan Market.
- Approximate Price: ₹30-₹50 per plate.
Suggested read: Best Street Food In Hyderabad | Must-Visit Places For Foodies
8. Fish Fry from Mitracafe
If you love fish and non veg fries, then it is the ultimate street food for you in Kolkata. Kolkata, being close to the sea, has a deep connection with seafood. The fish fry, made with bhetki fish fillets coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried, is a testament to the city’s love for fish. The fish fry is often served with a side of kasundi, a pungent mustard sauce that adds a fiery kick. It is actually a famous Street food in Kolkata. Kolkata street food guide is incomplete without mentioning the name of kolkata versioned fish fry.
- Where to Find: Mitra Café in Shobhabazar is legendary for its fish fry.
- Approximate Price: ₹60-₹100 per piece.
9. Egg Roll at Kusum Rolls
You can say, this is highly preferable for people who actually love food without any mess. It is the ultimate version of street foods among locals. Egg rolls are considered the ultimate grab-and-go food, perfect for busy Kolkatans. Another variation of the kathi roll, the egg roll is a popular street food where a paratha is coated with a layer of egg, filled with onions, chilies, and sauces, and rolled up.
- Where to Find: Kusum Rolls on Park Street is a favorite among locals.
- Approximate Price: ₹30-₹50 per roll.
Suggested Read: 10 Best Places To Enjoy The Finest Mumbai Street Food
10. Momos from mom I am
If you are in search of Iconic street foods in Kolkata, you can have the Kolkata versioned momo once. Originally from Tibet, momos have become a beloved snack in Kolkata. These steamed or fried dumplings are filled with vegetables, chicken, or pork and served with a spicy dipping sauce. The popularity of momos in Kolkata has led to numerous street stalls offering their unique twists on this dish.
- Where to Find: Momo I Am in Lake Gardens.
- Approximate Price: ₹50-₹100 per plate.
11. Patishapta at Bhim Nag
This is their own version of Bengali desserts and this is traditionally made during the time of Poush Sankranti. Patisapta is a traditional Bengali dessert, but it has found its way into the street food culture. It consists of thin crepes filled with a mixture of coconut, jaggery, and khoya (milk solids).
- Where to Find: Bhim Chandra Nag in Bowbazar.
- Approximate Price: ₹20-₹40 per piece.
Also Read: 22 Popular Street Food In Visakhapatnam You Can’t Miss
12. Rasgulla at KC das
No list of Kolkata street food is complete without mentioning rasgulla, the iconic sweet made from chenna (Indian cottage cheese) balls soaked in sugar syrup. You might be knowing that Rasgulla has been a subject of debate between the states of West Bengal and Odisha, both claiming to be its place of origin. It is actually a famous Street food in Kolkata.
- Where to Find: K.C. Das in Esplanade.
- Approximate Price: ₹10-₹20 per piece.
13. Mishti Doi at Bhim Chandra Nag
Everybody from every corner of this nation is aware of the famous Misti Doi of kolkata. Mishti doi, or sweetened yogurt, is a creamy dessert that offers a perfect end to a spicy meal. It’s made by fermenting sweetened milk, giving it a rich and tangy flavor. Mishti doi is traditionally set in earthen pots, which help absorb excess moisture and enhance the flavor. Your Kolkata street food experience is incomplete, if you miss to taste locally produced misti doi from sweet shops of Bowbazar.
- Where to Find: Bhim Chandra Nag in Bowbazar.
- Approximate Price: ₹30-₹50 per cup.
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14. Churmur at Southern Avenue
Churmur is often preferred by those who love the flavors of puchka but want a less messy option. Churmur is a close cousin of puchka but offers a different experience. It’s made by crushing puchkas and mixing them with mashed potatoes, tamarind pulp, and spices.It is definitely accounted as one of the iconic street foods in Kolkata
- Where to Find: Vivekananda Park and Southern Avenue.
- Approximate Price: ₹20-₹30 per plate.
15. Shingara from Tiwari Brothers
Unlike the larger North Indian samosas, shingaras are smaller and more delicate, often enjoyed with a cup of tea. Shingara is Kolkata’s version of the samosa, filled with a spicy mixture of potatoes, peas, and sometimes even cauliflower, wrapped in a crispy, deep-fried pastry.
- Where to Find: Tiwari Brothers in Burrabazar.
- Approximate Price: ₹10-₹15 per piece.
16. Chhanar Jilipi from Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick Sweets
Chhanar jilipi, or paneer jalebi, is a unique Bengali sweet made from fresh chenna, shaped into spirals, and soaked in sugar syrup. It’s a delightful twist on the traditional jalebi. Chhanar jilipi is softer and more delicate than regular jalebi, with a melt-in-the-mouth texture.
- Where to Find: Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick Sweets.
- Approximate Price: ₹20-₹30 per piece.
Also Read: Sarafa Bazaar: A Foodie’s Delight And Shopper’s Paradise
17. Radha Ballavi from Putiram Sweets in College Street
Radha ballavi is a stuffed puri, filled with a spiced urad dal mixture and deep-fried until crispy. It’s typically served with a flavorful potato curry. This dish is named after Radha, the beloved consort of Lord Krishna, and is often enjoyed during festivals. College street is one of the Popular street food spots in Kolkata for college students. If you are in search for an Authentic Kolkata street food, you definitely should visit college street once.
- Where to Find: Putiram Sweets in College Street.
- Approximate Price: ₹30-₹50 per plate.
18. Luchi and Alur Dom from Apanjan
A classic Bengali breakfast, luchi is a deep-fried bread made from refined flour, served with alur dom, a spicy potato curry. It’s a comforting and filling meal. It’s a comforting and filling meal that perfectly captures the essence of Kolkata’s home-style cooking. Unlike puris, which are made from whole wheat flour, luchis are made from maida (refined flour), giving them a lighter and flakier texture.
- Where to Find: Apanjan in Kalighat is renowned for its luchi and alur dom.
- Approximate Price: ₹40-₹60 per plate.
19. Mughlai Paratha from Anadi Cabin
Mughlai paratha is a decadent dish that combines the richness of Mughlai cuisine with the simplicity of a paratha. This stuffed flatbread is filled with minced meat, eggs, and spices, then deep-fried to golden perfection.Mughlai paratha was traditionally served to Mughal emperors, and its recipe has been passed down through generations.
- Where to Find: Anadi Cabin on Jawaharlal Nehru Road is famous for its Mughlai paratha.
- Approximate Price: ₹60-₹100 per piece.
20. Dal bora from Southern Avenue
The undisputed king of Kolkata’s street food, dal bora from Kolkata street food is more than just a snack—it’s an experience. These fried dumplings are filled with a spicy, tangy tamarind water, mashed potatoes, and chickpeas, delivering an explosion of flavours with every bite. vendors, known as often compete to create the most flavorful tamarind water, making each stall a unique adventure. During the food hopping, this area consists of a lot of iconic Street food stalls in Kolkata.
- Where to Find: Vivekananda Park and Southern Avenue are legendary for their phuchka stalls.
- Approximate Price: ₹20-₹30 for 6 pieces.
Also Read: Exploring The Best Local Food In Silvassa
21. Keemar Doi Bora from Suruchi on Bhawanipore
A lesser-known but equally delicious street food, keemar doi bora is a savory dish made from lentil dumplings soaked in a spicy yogurt sauce and topped with minced meat. Doi bora is traditionally a vegetarian dish, but the addition of keema (minced meat) gives it a rich and hearty twist.
- Where to Find: Suruchi on Bhawanipore is a hidden gem for this delicacy.
- Approximate Price: ₹50-₹70 per plate.
22. Pav Bhaji from Balwant Singh
A popular import from Mumbai, pav bhaji has found a special place in the hearts of Kolkatans. This spicy mashed vegetable curry is served with buttered bread rolls (pav) and garnished with onions, coriander, and a squeeze of lemon. Despite its origins in Mumbai, pav bhaji has been adapted to suit Kolkata’s taste buds, often with a bit more spice and flavor.
- Where to Find: Balwant Singh’s Eating House in Bhawanipore.
- Approximate Price: ₹50-₹80 per plate.
Also Read: 9 Best Local Food In Mathura: A Guide To Must-Try Delicacies
23. Chaat from New Market
Chaat is derived from the Hindi word “chaatna,” meaning to lick, emphasizing the finger-licking deliciousness of these snacks. Kolkata’s chaat scene is vibrant and varied, with countless variations like alu chaat, papri chaat, and dahi puri. Each type of chaat offers a different combination of flavors and textures, from crispy to tangy to sweet. New Market is also known as one of the famous Street food markets in Kolkata.
- Where to Find: New Market and Esplanade are hotspots for diverse chaat options.
- Approximate Price: ₹30-₹50 per plate.
24. Radha Ballavi with Cholar Dal from putiram
Another beloved breakfast item, Radha ballavi is paired with cholar dal, a mildly sweet and spicy Bengal gram lentil curry. The combination is both flavorful and comforting. The cholar dal is often cooked with coconut pieces and raisins, giving it a unique sweetness that complements the spicy radha ballavi. During the food hopping, college street area consists of a lot of iconic Street food stalls in Kolkata and you have a quality taste of a lot of street foods here.
- Where to Find: Putiram Sweets in College Street.
- Approximate Price: ₹40-₹60 per plate.
25. Shukto from Bhojohori Manna
Shukto is a traditional Bengali mixed vegetable dish that balances bitterness with a medley of flavours. It’s a healthy and hearty option, typically served with rice. Shukto is often made with bitter gourd (karela), potatoes, and other vegetables, and it’s flavoured with mustard paste, making it a distinctive Bengali delicacy.
- Where to Find: Bhojohori Manna in various locations across Kolkata.
- Approximate Price: ₹60-₹100 per plate.
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Kolkata Street Food Culture
Kolkata’s street food culture is a reflection of its history, diversity, and love for flavours. The city’s food stalls are not just places to eat but social hubs where people gather, share stories, and bond over their favourite snacks. Street food in Kolkata symbolises culture; as it’s an integral part of the city’s identity.
The vibrancy of Kolkata’s street food culture can be attributed to its unique blend of influences—from Mughal and British to Chinese and Marwari. This culinary melting pot has given rise to a variety of dishes that cater to every palate, whether you crave something sweet, spicy, tangy, or savoury.
In conclusion, Kolkata’s street food is more than just a tasty delight—it’s a journey through the city’s rich cultural tapestry. From the spicy kick of puchkas to the sweet indulgence of rasgullas, every bite tells a story. So, whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, don’t miss the chance to savor the best street foods Kolkata has to offer. Happy eating!
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