Durga Puja in Kolkata is more than just a spiritual or cultural event it’s a five-day explosion of art, emotion, and unmistakably, food. As pandals glow and dhakis beat their drums in sync with the heartbeat of the city, Kolkata transforms into a living, breathing food carnival. From the smoky aroma of street-side kathi rolls to the melt-in-the-mouth mishti that marks every celebration, the city’s festive flavours are as iconic as its traditions. Whether you’re a tourist, a returning Bengali, or a first-time pandal-hopper, there’s one question you must answer honestly:
Have you truly done Durga Puja right if you haven’t eaten your way through it?
Kathi Rolls from Nizam’s (New Market Area)
Sink your teeth into the OG Kolkata roll layered paratha, juicy kebab, onions, and tangy sauces, all wrapped into one perfect street bite. Nizam’s has been rolling since 1932 and still leads the pack.
Where: Hogg Street, New Market
Puchkas at Vivekananda Park
Crispy shells filled with spicy, tangy tamarind water, mashed potatoes and secret spices. Try the mitha puchka version if you want a surprise twist!
Where: Southern Avenue (near Vivekananda Park) 
Chowmein & Chilli Chicken at Dacre Lane (Office Park)
One of the most iconic lunchtime zones, Dacre Lane is the go-to for greasy, spicy, nostalgic Indo-Chinese. Eat standing next to an old wall while the pandal beats play in the background.
Where: Near Esplanade Metro
Mutton Kabiraji at Mitra Café
A unique Bengali cutlet wrapped in crispy egg netting. Mitra Café has been serving Pujo-perfect snacks since the early 1900s. Add a glass of cola for peak nostalgia.
Where: Shobhabazar, North Kolkata
Kosha Mangsho & Luchi at Golbari
Slow-cooked mutton in a thick, dark, spicy gravy paired with fluffy luchis. Golbari is a no-frills joint that’s big on flavor and local legend.
Where: Shyambazar 5-point crossing
Bhetki Paturi at 6 Ballygunge Place
This is one of the city’s finest Bengali restaurants, perfect if you want a Pujo-special thali. Don’t miss their Bhetki Paturi – mustard-marinated fish steamed in banana leaves.
Where: Ballygunge & Salt Lake
Chingri Malai Curry at Bhojohori Mann
Named after the iconic Bengali song, this eatery serves up homestyle Bengali food with a heart. The Chingri Malai Curry prawns in coconut milk is a festival in itself.
Multiple Locations: Esplanade, Gariahat, Salt Lake
Mishti Doi & Rasgulla at Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick
Durga Puja isn’t complete without mishti. Try their Nolen Gur Sandesh, Rasgullas, and their legendary Mishti Doi creamy, rich, and soul-satisfying.
Where: Bhawanipur, Salt Lake, more
Langcha and Pantua at Putiram Sweets
This old-school sweet shop is beloved by students and sweet lovers alike. Langcha is like gulab jamun’s more intense cousin perfect after pandal hopping.
Where: College Street
Kulfi & Rabri at Paramount Sherbet
Serving up legendary sherbets and frozen desserts since 1918. Their Daab Sherbet (green coconut-based) and Rabri Kulfi are refreshing and indulgent.
Where: College Square
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