Kolkata, the city of joy, never fails to amaze us. The bustling lanes, the old architectures, the yellow taxis and the vibrant culture all over the city are enough to uplift anyone’s spirit. Kolkata is also home to some of the most delicious traditional dishes which have roots drawn from ancient India. Here is a list of 6 authentic Bengali preparations that will definitely take your taste buds on a roller-coaster ride!
1. Paribandhan
Paribandhan, also known as Elo Jhelo Goja, Ele Bele Goja or Kamranga Goja, is an extremely delectable fried dough snack prepared in the households of Bengal. Made out of maida, paribandhan comes in two variations, salty and sweet. The salty variation is dry and it tastes much similar to the namak para of North India. When dipped in sugar syrup, it becomes sweet and juicy. The next time you meet your Bengali friends, ask them to bring some paribandhan for you. You’ll keep licking your fingers, we bet! Meanwhile, you must try out these five street foods in Kolkata.
2. Muri Ghonto
Have you ever heard of a dry sabzi made with rice and fish head? Kolkatans have a different emotion for this dish made with rice, aromatic spices, fish head and potato. Muri Ghonto is usually enjoyed at lunch, with hot basmati rice. Vegetarians can also enjoy this unique dish by omitting the fish head. Sometimes dry fruits are also added to this dish to make it more sumptuous.
3. Chandrapuli
Infused with cardamom, edible camphor, khoya and ghee, this crescent-shaped coconut barfi is nothing less than a piece of heaven. It is available in almost all the sweet shops in Bengal. It is one of the popular sweets served on the last day of Durga Puja, during Bijaya Dashami, along with rasgulla, nimki and naru. Don’t forget to have a bite of this delicacy if you happen to visit the city of joy, Kolkata. Also, here are the top four must-try sweets at Kolkata’s Mishti Hub.
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4. Taler Bora
This is yet another drool-worthy home-made sweet, served to Lord Krishna as prasad during Janmashtami. You won’t find a Bengali who is not crazy about Taler Bora or sweet palm ball . To make this delicacy, the pulp of palm fruit, semolina, wheat flour, coconut, salt and sugar are mixed together. Then small pakoras are made with this mixture that are fried until golden brown on medium flame.
5. Radhaballabhi
A breakfast on the streets of Kolkata is incomplete without a plate of Radhaballabhi. Radhaballabhi is a sweeter version of poori, made with urad dal and aromatic spices. Alternatively called Bengali staffed pooris, they are a bit larger and fluffier than the usual pooris. Radhaballabhis are usually served with aloo dam or choley curry. On that note, here are some famous biryani joints in Kolkata.
6. Chingri Malaikari
This is one dish that even the Britishers used to love during their rule in Bengal. It is an iconic dish of the Bengalis that has gained popularity all over the world, thanks to its tempting aroma and rich taste. The star ingredient of the dish is prawn or lobster, that is cooked with coconut milk, dollops of ghee, vegetables and spices. Chingri Malaikari is often served in Bengali receptions and weddings.
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So, the next time you visit Bengal, be it for trip or work, tuck into these mouth-watering grubs with all gusto. For now, how about enjoying this stunning virtual tour to Kolkata?
