Kolkata and it's food

                                          Kolkata and it's food

Kolkata a city of contradictions and confusion. It looks like everybody is out on the streets, going somewhere, and in tremedous hurry still. Although, all the food stalls are surrounded by people gulping down some delicacy or the other. If you're a foodie, you'll be constantly salivating in Kolkata, no matter where you are.

If you ever come across a gathering of people who have moved out of Kolkata, you will notice that their discussions will soon veer towards food. One constant refrain would be about how the street food of their adopted city doesn't match up to what they have left back home. Even if that was 50 years back!

If you ever tell a Bengali you love panipurii, they will certainly convert their discussion telling you how "Phuchka" is delicious. Phuchkas are tiny water-bombs filled with spice and masala, these are probably the cheapest, yet filling item one can find. You might think you'll stop after 4 but end-up eating a truckload! it might fill your stomach but your heart will still be panting for it.

As, Bengali’s are known as the sweetest people and the secret behind it is their love for sweet. A true Bengali will never say no for a sweet. You might have eaten rasgullas all your life but if you haven't had roshogollas in Kolkata, then what's the point? 

Did you tried sondesh? These are sweets decorated with pistachios, almonds and saffron strands and prepared with milk, sugar and paneer, this mishti would simply melt in your mouth. And if you're into flavours, you've got Ice-cream, chocolate and strawberry sondesh too! 

Also, you will find relishing misti doi, this doi beats any sort of frozen yogurt you might have eaten. It's a perfect blend of sugar and milk, cupped together for a tempting treat.

If you really want to taste heaven of sweet you must visit Kolkata during winter, to get Pitha and nolen gurer(kind of jaggery filled in a sweet) sondesh and pitha being made from rice flour, this exquisite item can be both sweet and salty. Depending on the type, they are either fried or steamed. In any case, your taste-buds are in for a treat.

You still doubt why Bengali’s are sweetest people on Earth. 

Also, Bengali’s have a culture of gifting sweets whenever they visit someone's home (let it be frequent) on any occasion if you are confused what to gift "Sweets" is the only solution.

Let me introduce to chanachur is one of a kind. A very spicy-mix of dried ingredients that you would want to munch on, non-stop! and  it is in particular found in every Bengali home and munching chanachur being Bengali’s favourite pass time .

If you are a meat lover we got "Golbarir Kosha Mangsho"(A shop famous for its mutton curry) and it being served with  steamed rice, luchi (puri) and parothas, this mouth-watering, velvety gravy with juicy pieces of meat, is every meat lover's paradise. A must-have!

Another popular food in Kolkata being Mughlai Parotha, these deep fried parothas stuffed with egg and minced meat add the kind of twist that can keep you finger-licking throughout.

Chelo Kebab is another popular platter which every true blue Kolkattan will recommend s and for a reason. It's a composition of mutton seekhs along with chicken kebabs and is served with steamed rice and veggies. Don't forget to surprise yourself with it!

Chicken Kabiraji another popular dish, savour the sublime taste of this unique chicken preparation. Made with minced pieces of chicken, bread crumbs, ginger-garlic and egg, this snack will fill you up for a while.

Did you ever realise what did the bengali have every morning that keep their smile intact for whole day? It's the Kochuri and Jilipi(Jalebi). This popular combo offers the perfect combination of sweet, salt and spice. One lip smacking step away from a happy belly and a big smile! Talking about breakfast Kolkata got a famous place named Tirietti Bazar opens at 5am in the morning.From fresh steaming dumplings and fish sui mais to fishball soups, breaded pork chops, coconut balls, rice and sesame seed sweet balls, sticky rice and even chicken pies, the place serves authentic Chinese fare that are not only lovingly made by home-cooks but are also amazingly sumptuous.

 If you have not visited Tangra till now it's high time you should visit. Chinese food in the city. People often like to visit restaurants like Beijing, Kim Ling Kolkata, Tung Fong, Hakka Village Chinese Restaurant, Big Boss and more.

If anyone line chanas and chickpeas, then we got a dish for you named  Ghugni...this food is just not food prepared at home but also a famous street food which will make you crave for it again.(People like me and my friend who used to  walk 1-2 kms just to have this food).

Telebhaja(oil cooked) is again the most favourite dish(also it is assumed to be an art and people buying houses just  selling this)

It is also a perfect snack with cha/chai, ranging from beguni, phuluri, peyaji, alu’r chop to a variety of sinfully-crunchy, besan (corn-flour) covered street food! One bhaja is just not enough, you have to try them all!(Yes all!).

Indian's love Kathi rolls but guess where its started ? Nizam's are the one who discovered Kathi Roll and also rolls being one of the most scupltious dish you will find in every corner of the street and the price starts from Rs 15 to Rs 200. 

Kolkata Biryani and Chicken Chap is something you will never forget once you have it in Kolkata. Yes, our Kolkata biryani got an aloo in it and an egg too and you cannot match it with other city.

Macher Jhol (Fish Curry) I can assure you, you cannot take a fish out of bengali..wherever we 1st thing we search is fish..yes bengal's can't survive without fish.

Let me tell you intresting stuffs that will never bore you in Kolkata.

Okay, let’s admit it! Commuting in public transport in Kolkata can never bore a person (at times, it can be irritating though). No, the buses aren’t empty and airy (you may perhaps invent a new word to describe the ‘humidity’ and breathlessness experienced in the buses on a hot summer morning) nor do they play lovely music to entertain the travelers on a daily basis. So, what is it that makes it so much fun? Of course, the job is done brilliantly by the conductors and your fellow travelers (perhaps, you too!), with occasional jigs by the traffic sergeants.

If you are a NFS player or you love car racing you must see buses in Kolkata. 

Famous phrases that can't stop you laughing once you are inside bus in Kolkata.

1. Dicchi…eto tara kisher? Last’e nambo! (What’s the hurry? I shall get down at the last stop.)

We Bengalis are a laid back group. The fact gets established again and again every day when the conductor asks for ticket, and 70% of the commuters reply, “Dicchi…eto tara kisher? Last’e nambo!”

Or, better still, “Paliye jacchi naki!?” (Am I running off?!) We—and our antics! Phew

2. An award for anyone who spots a conductor pronouncing “Behala” as it is.

They would casually scream BYALA-BYALA, in their typical way, and provide us with a much needed dose of humor to start off, or end, a typically mundane weekday. (‘Behala’ is a neighborhood in Kolkata).

3. Chala, Chala… Ai sala driver icche kore signal khacche! (Drive, Drive, this bloody driver is deliberately delaying!)

This is the anthem of every other agitated passenger struck in traffic for longer time than usual during the rush hours.

4. Khali gari… khali gari (empty bus)

You may often hear the conductor screaming, “Khali gari, khali gari” even when there aren’t any seats available inside. And, sometimes, you may not even find a proper place to rest your feet…and, yet it is ‘khali’ to the conductors.

5. Pechone egiye jaan… pechone egiye jaan! (Move back)

Ah well! The conductors of the single exit buses always find the bus empty at the back.

So, no matter how claustrophobic it is inside, you may still hear them screaming, “Pechone egiye jaan… pechone egiye jaan!”

6. Aisala case kheyeche! (Bloody, has eaten up a case )(though the translation is itsef funny)

Picking up cars and buses regularly for rash driving or not following the traffic rules is common in Kolkata. The buses may be on different routes, but the exclamation by the passengers’ would be the same everywhere: “Aisala case kheyeche!”

And, in case they feel the traffic sergeant has picked the bus for wrong reasons, they’d say: “Aii, mash’re sheshe haath khali!”(End of the month, don't have money)

7. Aaste ladies kole baccha!

Every single person who has travelled in buses in Kolkata, this phrase is just epic!

8. 100 o’ 500 takar khuchra chahiya lojja diben na (Don’t embarrass us by asking for Rs. 100 or 500 change) and this is inscribed in every bus

Kolkata's trams – A ride through history. The Oldest Running Trams in Asia – Kolkata Tramways. Kolkata is the only Indian City, having an operationaltram network.

Did you ever saw a chess club below a flyover were 100s of people seating and playing chess.

Clusters of men huddle over chess boards under the busy Gariahat flyover, oblivious to the traffic and noise around them. This is the Gariahat Chess Club where for a fee if INR 10 you can become a member and play some pretty intense rounds of chess. Playing games like carrom, ludo and chess on pavements is something very Kolkata — the Left governments had installed carom boards in every nook and gully for one thing. This chess club was just an informal gathering of chess lovers in the area in the late 1980s, before the flyover was built. It took shape of a chess club in 2006 and is now called the Gariahat Chess Club. It has over 100 members — there are people who never miss a day’s play. You can also play caroms here. It’s open to all.

Also, Kolkata is one of the most egalitarian cities in the country — its public space are truly open to all. This chess club reflects that trait with people from all backgrounds coming together to play here — street dwellers, MPhil students, small traders, shopowners, retired professionals, school kids, middle class babus, in fact, many of the players are sons of hawkers who man the popular street stalls in the area.

This spot is also popular as a general hangout joint — friends catching up on their way back from work, sipping tea, people singing or strumming a guitar, beggars and the homeless contemplating life, street kids playing. All this in one of the noisiest, most polluted junctions in the city!

Bengalis and Kolkatans are by nature romantic. They love to recite Tagore whenever got chance. The Princep Ghat is one of the most romantic places in Kolkata. It is a perfect place for meet up with friends, a great hangout place where you can gossip and chat over phuchkas and bhelpuris. It is a perfect place for catching up with your old friends. Boat rides leave from Babu Ghat for 20 minute rides for anything ranging between Rs. 250- 400 with a maximum of 4 people on a boat rowed in an old fashion way by the driver. Ferry rides also leave for as less as Rs 5 per person but that is used more by daily commuters to cross the river Hooghly.

Victoria Memorial 

A testament to the colonial history of Kolkata, this beautiful marble hall is dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria. Its design echoes that of the Taj Mahal as does its beauty. Perched atop the central dome of the Memorial is an angel figure - The Angel of Victory as well as other allegorical sculptures. Outside the Memorial gates, you can indulge in some street food or take a romantic horse carriage ride around the area. 

Park Street Cemetry  being another popular place in the mid of the city where it has turned out to be an lovers point or a good hangout poiny. The oldest tomb in the cemetery, is that of Mrs Sarah Pearson, who died on September 8, 1768.(I guess you can understand how old it is).

Kolkata diary can never end without telling about Durga Puja..

If you want to experience Kolkata Durga Puja, ideally you should be in the city at least a week before the festival starts so you can see the finishing touches being put on the idols of the goddess. If that's not possible, there are still plenty of other ways to enjoy it -- all night long! Here's the best of them.

The beautifully handcrafted idols of Goddess Durga sure are stunning. The majority of them are crafted in one area -- Kumartuli in north Kolkata, around 30 minutes drive from the city center. The name literally means "potter's locality" and as it suggests, the area was settled by a group of potters.

Durga Puja commences with the invocation of the holy presence of Goddess Durga into the idols. The ritual begins early in the morning, before dawn, with the bathing of a banana tree in the Hooghly River. The banana tree is dressed like a newlywed bride (known as "Kola Bou", the banana bride) in a sari, and used to transport the goddess's energy. The highlight of Durga Puja is no doubt visiting the many different displays (pandals) of Goddess Durga, each with a unique theme or decorative style. This activity is commonly referred to a "pandal hopping". Trust me, the budget and theme is decided on last day of durga puja. As, it takes a lot of time to design those pandals and get artists from different parts of India.

While Kolkata's public Durga pujas tend to get all the attention, the traditional "Bonedi Bari" pujas in the city's palatial old private mansions are also really worth experiencing. The mansions belong to affluent aristocratic zamindar(landowner) families who have been carrying on the pujas for centuries. 

The Kumari Puja is another significant ritual that's performed during the Durga Puja festival. During the festival, Goddess Durga is worshiped in various forms. In this ritual, she's worshiped the form of an innocent young unmarried virgin girl. This serves as reminder that the goddess and her energy are omnipresent in all beings.

After the evening rituals on Ashami, it's traditional for the devotioOn the last day of Durga Puja, known as Dashami, the festivities commence with married women placing red sindoor(powder) on the idols of Goddess Durga. They then smear it on each other. In the evening, the idols are immersed in the water.Final Dhunuchi folk dance to be performed in front of Goddess Durga to please her. This is done holding an earthen pot filled with burning coconut husk and camphor. Drummers lead the dancers with their beats, which vary in speed.

 Kolkata's Bengali restaurants have exclusive Durga Puja menus packed full of authentic delicacies -- both buffet and a la carte. Bengali sweets are also consumed in huge quantities during the festival!

 

"Kolkata is city that has great food and great people. We can stop a stranger and start a quick conversation."