December 27, 2008
The Exotic Foods of Kolkata
Visitors to the city of Kolkata find a variety of experiences to make their stay memorable. The second largest city in India, Kolkata is more commonly known in the West as Calcutta (the city’s name was changed in 2001). The city is a mixture of East and West, of tradition and modern life. Known for its culture, arts, and spirituality, the city has a number of historic sites worth exploring. But whatever attractions draw you to the city, you’ll be sure to find delectable food nearby.
Kolkata has long had a reputation for the best restaurants in India. Many of the restaurants in the Esplanada are are over a hundred years old. While there are a number of world cuisines available in more modern eateries, it is the Indian cuisines that shouldn’t be missed. Bengali, Punjabi, Mughlai and other Indian foods are available in the city. Everything from street vendors selling egg rolls, kati rolls(a Kolkata speciality), and puchkas(Kolkata’s version of pani-puri) to upscale restaurants catering to the elite of Kolkata can be found in this modern metropolis.
Kolkata is a great place to find Bengali sweets, which are famous throughout the country. Cheese balls that are dipped in sugary syrup come in several varieties. Try Rasagolla (regular), Pantua (fried), and Rosomalia (dipped in sweetened creamy milk) to experience a range of flavors. Shondesh is made from fresh, finely ground cheese and comes in several hundred variations. Pitha are made from flour mixed with sugar, grated coconut, and other flavors and also come in a number of variations, usually with sweet syrups. The sweet yoghurt known as mishti doi is enjoyed by itself or as an element in other sweets.
Indian-Chinese food is also popular in the city. Most Chinese restaurants offer Indian variations of dishes such as hot and sour soup, chowmein, and fried rice. It wouldn’t be Indian-Chinese cuisine without chillis used to improve the original Cantonese flavors. Some favorite India-Chinese dishes include chilli chicken and chicken sweet corn soup.
In between sightseeing and dining be sure to squeeze in time for shopping and take time to relax in your hotel, especially if they are luxurious accommodations such as those found at the five star Kolkata hotels. Maybe you’ll find the food so inspiring that you’ll bring home a cookbook or two, or at least a desire to check out the Indian restaurant in your neighborhood.
Filed by Dylan at 1:35 pm under Food & Drink, Travel
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