Wondering Where To Eat Authentic Bengali Delicacies In Kolkata This Durga Puja?

Durga Puja is around the corner and Kolkata is all decked up. Lights and pandals, food stalls and crowds—the City of Joy celebrates the festivity, holding nothing back. Food is an integral part of the celebrations and for first-timers in the city or locals who are craving some good ol’ Bengali food; we have curated a list of authentic platters that will satiate your taste buds.  

JW Marriott Kolkata

Try the Pujo Mahabhoj at the Grand Ballroom that will be available throughout the celebrations (lunch and dinner). Delicacies such as gondhoraj fish tikka, echorer dalna, posto murgi and dhokar dalna will flank the buffet. In keeping with the authenticity of the celebrations, there will be dhaaks, baul sangeet and abriti for a holistic experience.

Timings: 12pm to 3pm; Monday to Sunday; Where: JW Marriott, EM Bypass, Science City area; Pocket pinch: Rs 1,350 +taxes

Kenilworth Hotel

The massive buffet spread on offer here is endless. Available for lunch and dinner, try the parshe macher jhol and sorshe ilish, Golbarir kosha mangsho and chanar paturi among other delicacies on offer.

Timings: 12.30-4pm; 7pm-11pm; Monday to Sunday; Where: 1&2, Little Russell Street; Pocket pinch: Rs 2,998 for two

ITC Sonar

Eat to your heart’s content at the Eden Pavilion. Try the potoler dolma, chennar Paturi, chingri maacher malai curry and bekti paturi among others.

Timings: 7am-11.45pm; Monday to Sunday; Where: ITC Royal Bengal, EM Bypass, Science City Area; Pocket pinch: Rs 2,150+ taxes

Tel: +91 8171935960, +91 9804186173

The Oberoi Grand

The Grand Pujor Mahabhoj showcases some of the rare and lesser-known recipes from the heartlands of Bengal. Have you tried chennar devil or chapor ghonto before? Homemade sweets like bhapa sandesh, and channar jilipi round the meal off perfectly. A new menu will be offered every day.

Timings: 6.30am-12midnight; Monday to Sunday; Where: The Oberoi Grand, 15, Jawaharlal Nehru Road; Pocket pinch: Rs 2,500+taxes

Sonar Tori

This restaurant tucked away in Salt Lake is famed for its zamindari style eating and is reminiscent of the Bengali culture. The lavish platter curated includes loytta macher bora, rajsahi mangsher seekh, palak chingri bora and regular favourites like bhuna mangsho and luchi-aloor dom.

Timings: 12.30pm-11pm; Monday to Sunday; Where: City Centre 1, 4th Floor, Salt Lake; Pocket pinch: Rs 1,575

East India Room

Rajkutir is a sought after property in the Swabhumi area and East India Room is their gorgeous dining space. Dig into the chanar kebab, moshla bhaja chicken and biryani among others to kick off the festivities.

Timings: 7am-11pm; Monday to Sunday; Where: 89C, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Sarani, Kankurgachi; Pocket pinch: Rs 1,200 (Saptami, Ashtami, Nobomi and Dashami)

Chilekotha

Located in Gariahat, the interiors take you back to the retro days of the city. Their special Pujo menu comprises of lip smacking Bengali delicacies. Chingri malai curry, begun basanti, doi pona, mutton dakbungalow are just a few of the many items on offer. Oh, and there’s an Ashtami Bhog too.

Timings: 12noon-11pm; Monday to Sunday; Where: 7/2B, Dover Lane, Gariahat; Pocket pinch: Rs 1,290+

See in pictures | Durga Puja rituals

ibis Kolkata

Durga Puja and adda go hand in hand and ibis Kolkata’s curated meal is worthy of both. Try the jhuri aloo bhaja and dhoka, kanchkolar kofta and kancha lonka murgi with friends for some adda and bhojon!

Timings: 6.30am-11pm; Monday to Sunday; Where: ibis Kolkata Rajarhat, New Town: Pocket pinch: Rs 899

The Westin Kolkata

The grand buffet at Seasonal Tastes at the Westin Kolkata Rajarhat is a blend of flavours. Kebabs to grills, cutlets to smoked dishes, and of course a wide spread of meats and fish with luchi, it’s a buffet of dreams.

Timings; Open 24hours; Monday to Sunday; Where: The Westin, New Town: Pocket pinch: From Rs 1,599+taxes

Hyatt Regency

Waterside Café’s Pujo spread comprises of 101 offerings. From elaborate salads to an array of sweet treats, street food must-haves like rolls to traditional lunch foods like sorshe pabda, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Timings: Open 24hours; Monday to Sunday; Where: Hyatt Regency, Salt Lake; Pocket pinch: Rs 1,999+taxes

The writer is based in Kolkata and writes on lifestyle