Who doesn’t love street food? And, when it comes to Indian street food, there is no dearth of options. Every city has its own unique and delicious signature dishes that are loved by people from all over the country. No one can deny that Delhi and Mumbai have long been hailed as the street food capitals of India. But there is one city that is often gets overlooked – Kolkata. Kolkata’s street food scene is vibrant, varied, and arguably the best in the country.
Chaat, a savory snack made with crispy fried dough, potatoes, chickpeas, and a blend of spices and chutneys, is a famous street food in Delhi. Not to forget, the city is also known for its delicious parathas and kebabs. Similarly, Mumbai’s street food scene boasts famous dishes like vada pav, Mumbai sandwich, pav bhaji, sev puri, and bhel puri. However, there is another city that deserves equal recognition for its street food, and that city is Kolkata. Â
One of the most famous street foods in Kolkata is the Kathi roll. These rolls are made with paratha bread that is wrapped around succulent chunks of meat or paneer, onions, chutney, and spices. Kathi rolls can be found in other cities too, but they are said to have originated in Kolkata. The rolls are so popular in Kolkata that they are sold on almost every street corner.
Another popular street food in Kolkata is the phuchka, also known as golgappas or pani puris. These crispy hollow balls are filled with a spicy mixture of mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and tamarind water. In Kolkata, phuchkas are served with a special blend of spices that gives them a unique flavor that is hard to find anywhere else in the country.
Kolkata is also known for its unique blend of Chinese and Indian cuisine, which is evident in its street food as well. Chinese dishes like momos and chowmein have been adapted to suit Indian tastes and are available in every street corner in Kolkata. One of the most popular dishes is the chicken egg roll, which is made with a roti filled with eggs, chicken, and vegetables.
For those with a sweet tooth, Kolkata has a lot to offer as well. One of the most famous desserts is the rasgulla, a soft and spongy ball made with chhena (cottage cheese) and soaked in sugar syrup. While rasgullas are found all over India, the ones from Kolkata are said to be the best. Another popular sweet dish is the mishti doi, a sweet yogurt that is served in earthen pots, giving it a unique flavor.
In conclusion, while Delhi and Mumbai may be more famous for their street food, Kolkata’s street food scene is equally impressive, if not more so. From Kathi Rolls to Phuchkas to Rasgullas, Kolkata offers a unique blend of flavors and spices that are hard to find anywhere else in the country. So the next time you are in Kolkata, make sure to hit the streets and try some of the city’s famous street food. You won’t regret it!