Calcutta was the erstwhile capital of British India and the touch of colonialism is replete in many elements of the city. The British had shifted their capital from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911. Calcutta had been the seat of many revolutionary movements in the colonial era. During that time, many eateries had sprung up serving masses in the city. They witnessed the dawn of India’s independence. These eateries had been instrumental in transforming Calcutta into a culinary haven. Over time, modernisation took place and Calcutta became Kolkata. But these restaurants have stood the test of time and at these places, you can soak in the old-world aura. Here is a list of the best pre-independence era restaurants in Kolkata that serve delectable food:
There Are Kolkata’s Renowned Pre-Independence Era Restaurants
1. Indian Coffee House
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Social reformer Keshab Chandra Sen founded Albert Hall in 1876 as a meeting point for the intellectuals in the city. The Coffee Board converted the place into a coffee house in 1942. The Indian Coffee House in Kolkata has been witness to numerous conversations of city peeps on politics, sports, movies and beyond. Personalities like author Rabindranath Tagore and filmmaker Satyajit Ray were regulars at the place. Even today, it serves infusion or black coffee at just ₹18 and milk coffee at ₹22. To learn more about the place, click here.
Where: 15, Bankim Chatterjee St, College Street, Kolkata
When: 12 PM – 8 PM
Price: ₹200 for two people (approx.)
2. Allen Kitchen
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Jiban Krishna Saha was the brainchild of Allen Kitchen which has been serving mouthwatering cutlets and chops for over 140 years. The Prawn Cutlet is the star of the menu here and is a must-try. The grub joint has maintained its historic flavours and imparts impeccability in every bite. The steaks here are equally tantalising. Other dishes to try out from here include Fish Batter Cutlet, Fish Pakora and Chicken Keema Cutlet.
Where: 40/1, Jatindra Mohan Avenue, Shobha Bazar, Kolkata
When: 4 PM – 9 PM
Price: ₹350 for two people (approx.)
3. Nahoum & Sons
Nestled inside the popular New Market in Esplanade, the iconic Jewish bakery Nahoum & Sons has been operating since 1902. It serves soul-satiating cupcakes, pastries, patties, mini pies, pizza puffs and more. The moment you pass by the bakery, you will be gripped by its strong aroma. Nahoum & Sons also make amazing wedding cakes.
Where: F47, Hogg Market, New Market Area, Kolkata
When: 9 AM – 8 PM
Price: ₹200 for two people (approx.)
Also read: From Salim Sulaiman Live To Ilish Utsav, 7 Best Events In Kolkata This August
4. Kolkata’s Pre-Independence Era Restaurants: Paramount
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Paramount, located near Kolkata’s College Street book market, has a fuss-free ambience with old walls and high ceilings. The walls of Paramount are basic, unadorned with a prestigious board of fame. It has been serving invigorating juices and shakes since 1918. The Daab Sherbet and Kesar Malai are must-tries here. To know more about Paramount, click here.
Where: 1/1/1D, Bankim Chatterjee Street, College Square, Kolkata
When: 12 PM – 9 PM
Price: ₹250 for two people (approx.)
5. Mitra Cafe
Sushil Roy started Mitra Cafe in 1920 and it has earned fame with its lip-smacking kabirajis and fish fries. Also, the Mutton Brain Chop is one of the most ordered dishes here. The original outlet of Mitra Cafe is near Sovabazar Metro Station. In the last few years, the eatery has opened several outlets across the city.
Where: Multiple locations in the city
When: 1:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Price: ₹400 for two people (approx.)
6. Kolkata’s Pre-Independence Era Restaurants: Flurys
The list of iconic eateries and restaurants in Kolkata can never be complete without including Flurys. Long back in 1927, Mr. and Mrs. J Flurys opened the doors to this exquisite tearoom in the Park Street area. The renowned establishment holds a special corner in every foodie’s heart for its exemplary menu offering European traditional confections, delectable breakfast spreads, and loads of mouth-watering delights to gorge on. When it comes to places representing old-age charm and legacy in the City of Joy, Flurys surely makes it to this reputed list.
Where: 18A, Park St, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal
When: 8 AM – 10:30 PM
Price: ₹1,000 for two people (approx.)
7. Trincas
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Not many people know that the couple who opened Flurys in Kolkata also launched the iconic Trincas. Along with Quinto Cinzio Trinca, they established one of the city’s most-loved restaurants in 1939. The co-owners sold Trincas to Anand Puri in 1959. Though the journey began with the establishment of a tearoom and a bakery, it slowly transitioned to what it presents today. From Chinese to North Indian to Continental, taste the best delectable cuisines here.
Where: 17, Park St, near Oxford Book Store, Taltala, Kolkata
When: 11:30 AM – 11:15 PM
Price: ₹850 for two people (approx.)
8. Swadhin Bharat Hindu Hotel
Pice hotels have continued to run in Kolkata for decades now. One of the most distinguished pice hotels near College Square is the Swadhin Bharat Hindu Hotel. Gobinda Panda opened the doors to this restaurant in 1913 and its journey began not only as a place serving food at affordable costs but also as a secret place for revolutionaries. The place historically known for the Indian freedom struggle was frequently visited by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose back in the day.
Where: 8/2, Bhawani Dutta Lane, College Street, Kolkata
When: 9 AM – 3:30 PM, 7 PM – 10 PM
Price: ₹350 for two people (approx.)
9. Nizam’s
Kolkata is famous nationwide and worldwide for its authentic spread of local delicacies. When exploring the City of Joy, one of the must-haves is kathi rolls. You will find both street stalls and swanky restaurants serving this scrumptious dish today. However, its journey began at the hands of Raza Hassan Saheb who established the famous Nizam’s in 1932. The legendary dish served here continues to showcase its legacy with foodies lining up to relish the yummiest rolls every day. You may not be surprised to see the interiors and decor of the restaurant like other famous Instagram-worthy restaurants in Kolkata but the rich flavours and aromas of each dish will surely blow your mind.
Where: 23 & 24, Hogg St, near Axis Bank Atm, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata
When: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
Price: ₹400 for two people (approx.)
10. Kolkata’s Pre-Independence Era Restaurants: Dilkhusha Cabin
Kolkata and its history of cabin culture have a very long connection and its legacy traces back to over a century. The concept of separate seating was a major highlight during the pre-independence era. Though cabin restaurants do not rule the vast industry of eateries and restaurants now, they still hold an integral part of the city’s heritage. Established in 1906, Dilkhusha Cabin continues to serve flavoursome dishes and represents its name in the city’s bright culinary landscape for over a century now.
Where: Building 88, Near College Street Crossing, MG Road, College Street, Kolkata
When: 12:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Price: ₹300 for two people (approx.)
11. Bachan’s Dhaba
Bachan’s Dhaba is one of the many pre-independence era restaurants in Kolkata that witnessed the journey of our country’s freedom struggle and becoming independent from British colonialism. Bachan Singh set up Bachan’s Dhaba in 1927 serving only roti and tadka. Over the years, the menu has noticed significant changes. However, the iconic jodi of roti and tadka remains a favourite among visitors.
Where: T39A, Rash Behari Ave, P.O, Anami Sangha, Kalighat, Kolkata
When: 11 AM – 12 AM
Price: ₹700 for two people (approx.)
12. Shiraz Golden Restaurant
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Desi foodies love indulging in a gastronomic feast of Mughlai cuisine, starting from biryani to kebabs. Do you know the first restaurant that introduced Mughlai cuisine in Kolkata? It is none other than Shiraz Golden Restaurant founded by Ali Hussain and Mohammed Arshad Ali. Long back in 1941, the founders came to Kolkata (then Calcutta) from Bihar and set up the popular place.
Where: 135, Ground And Mezanine Floor, Ward 61, Park Street Area, Kolkata
When: 12 PM – 11:30 PM
Price: ₹700 for two people (approx.)
Which of these iconic restaurants in Kolkata have you visited? Do share your culinary experiences.
With inputs from Suchismita Pal and Shreya Ghosh
Cover Image Courtesy: Internal
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