17 Best Kolkata Street Food That You Must Try

Street food and Kolkata are a match made in heaven. The food culture in Kolkata is as rich and vibrant as the Bengali culture. Whether you are a food connoisseur or not, you will surely love indulging in the best street food in Kolkata. 

As a result, there are some of the best street food places in Kolkata, and people from around the world visit to enjoy the city’s local flavours.

If you are visiting the ‘City of Joy’, the best Kolkata street food you must try.

Famous and the Best Street Food in Kolkata

Spicy, saucy, tangy, rich, creamy, and so much more. If there is an adjective for food, you can experience it in the street food of Kolkata.

We are talking about a range of dishes that can comfort anyone’s food cravings. You will be describing these dishes as if you have just met the love of your life.

So, without further ado, here is the list of the best street food of Kolkata.

• Kathi Roll

  

If you are in Kolkata, eating Kathi Roll at a local street food joint must be at the top of your to-do list. It is a hearty meal made of flatbread stuffed with assorted savoury fillings and rolled like a Frankie. This is one of the best Kolkata street foods, and over the years, it has gained immense popularity all over India. However, you must not miss a chance to have it at its place of origin.

Originally founded at the historic Nizam Restaurant in Kolkata, Kathi Roll, in its most authentic form, included kebab meat rolled into a paratha so that it was convenient to eat on the go. 

• Jhalmuri 

  

Spicy, crunchy, tangy, and sweet, Jhalmuri is one of the most best street food in Kolkata. It is the quintessential Bengali snack that you can find in every nook and corner of the city. The snack is made by tossing an assortment of ingredients like puffed-up rice (locals call it Murmura), peanuts, onions, tomatoes, chillies, condiments, and sweet and tangy sauces together and is served in a newspaper conical wrap. It can be best enjoyed as an evening snack with a cup of tea or coffee. 

• Dimer Devil 

  

Dimer Devil, a popular street food of Kolkata, is a delectable treat for egg lovers. This savoury delight consists of hard-boiled eggs enveloped in a spiced minced meat mixture, coated with breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to perfection. The result is a crispy exterior giving way to a flavourful blend of meat and egg. The delicious snack is perfect to satiate your hunger and get your daily dose of proteins on the go.

• Puchka 

  

Puchka is Kolkata’s answer to Mumbai’s famed snack, Pani Puri or Gol Gappa, as it is called in the northern parts of India. Stuffed with bits of mashed potatoes and spices and then filled to the brim with tamarind chutney, pudina, and pickled water, Puchkas are the best street food in Kolkata that you cannot afford to miss.

With every mouthful of Puchka, you can enjoy the different flavours – sweet, tangy, and spicy, that burst like a flavour bomb. You can taste everything distinctively, yet you feel like they are in perfect harmony.

• Churmur

  

Much like the Puchka, this street food of Kolkata is made with a mix of crushed puchka, onions, tomatoes, spices, mashed potatoes, and tamarind pulp, or tetul gola as the locals call it. Although Churmur has a very similar taste to puchka, it is easier to eat. If you are on a mission to try as much street food in Kolkata, don’t miss out on trying Churmur.

• Doodh Cola 

  

Everyone who is looking for the best local food in Kolkata, should not miss this local drink!

This unique and inherently Kolkata beverage is made by mixing milk with cola or aerated soft drink, and it is served cold with or without ice (as per your preference) in clay cups. If you wonder if milk and cola are a weird combination, you would be surprised that the locals love it.

Having a glass of Doodh Cola is the perfect way to end your street food excursion after relishing a few puchkas and gorging on Kathi Roll and Jhalmuri.

• Channar Jilipi 

  

Imagine the much-loved, sweet and humble Jalebi had a royal makeover. The result would be Channar Jilipi, which is a delicious street food of Kolkata. It is a treat for all sweet lovers; it is chewy, juicy, and soft. Channar Jilipi literally translates to ‘cottage cheese jalebi.’

When you bite into the sweet, you may feel like Gulab Jamun, and Jalebi are rolled into one. After munching on all the spicy, crunchy street food in Kolkata, you ought to have a Channar Jilipi or two to sweeten your tongue.

• Telebhaja

  

When you think of an Indian snack, you may probably be thinking of Pakora, right? Well, Telebhaja is the Kolkata version of the same. It is a deep-fried snack and is a perfect accompaniment for your evening tea or coffee.

Made with vegetables like potatoes and onions, or sometimes even minced meat, it is dipped in a batter and then deep-fried. You can find this delicious snack in almost every food street in Kolkata, as every vendor has their own version of it, and they serve it with an assortment of chutneys that only elevate its taste.

• Keemar Doi Bora 

  

Doi is yoghurt or curd in Bengali, and Bora is vada. Combine them together, and you get one of the best Kolkata street food, Doi Bora. The Bora is dipped in sweet Doi, and just before serving, it is sprinkled with ‘panch phoron,’ a mixture of five ingredients – chilli powder, cumin, cinnamon, black mustard seeds, and fenugreek grounded together.

The dish has all the elements that make it a perfect dessert. The sweetness of the doi is delicately balanced with the sprinkle of chilli powder and other condiments that make it not overly sweet and a delight to eat.

• Luchi Aloor Dum 

  

Luchi Aloor Dum is a famous street food in Kolkata, and the locals love it. You can have it any time, and it can be a snack or a full meal. Luchi is much like the Puris, and Alu Dum is just a Bengali version of Dum Aloo where the potatoes are cooked in Dum style and mixed with various spices.

The dish looks visually appetising and tastes even better. You can find many small stalls throughout Kolkata selling Luchi Aloor Dum, and you must try it once to feel the heartbeat of Kolkata’s street food culture.

• Egg Rolls 

  

A popular street food of Kolkata, egg rolls consist of a wrap of flour with an egg coating, filled with kebab or similar ingredients, and served with tomato sauce and/or tamarind chutney. This popular treat, which can be found in nearly every corner of the city, beautifully embodies the unique blend of Indian and colonial influences in Bengali cuisine.  

• Ghugni Chaat 

  

This is a popular Bengali snack made of dried white peas, spices, and a medley of toppings. It's usually served with a side of puffed rice and garnished with onion, green chillies, and coriander leaves. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of Kolkata or enjoying a quiet evening, Ghugni Chaat is a dish that brings a little bit of joy to any occasion.

• Chowmein 

  

Chinese food has been adopted and adapted by Kolkata, and Chowmein is a beloved result of this fusion. The Kolkata-style Chowmein is a delicious, stir-fried noodle dish packed with vegetables, chicken or egg, and a blend of spices.

Kolkata Chowmein is often served hot off the wok, usually on a paper plate or wrapped in paper for takeaway. The dish is one of the best local foods in Kolkata and a favourite among locals and tourists alike, known for its hearty portions and affordable prices.

• Singara 

  

Singara, known in other parts of India as Samosa, is a popular street food in Kolkata. It's a beloved snack often enjoyed during the evenings with a cup of chai, but it can also be found throughout the day at various street-side stalls and sweet shops.

The Bengali Singara differs from the typical Indian Samosa in a few ways. While the general concept of a fried pastry shell filled with a savoury filling is the same, the Singara often has a thinner, crispier shell, made from a mixture of maida (refined flour) and occasionally a bit of semolina for added crunch. Singaras contain small pieces of potato, cauliflower, and often peanuts, fried together with a blend of Bengali spices. The filling is generally less spicy compared to other Indian samosas. Some variations of Singaras also contain minced meat or chicken.

• Fish Fry

   

Kolkata Fish Fry consists of a fillet of fish, often bhetki (barramundi) or sometimes catfish, that has been marinated in a blend of spices. The spices may vary, but commonly include turmeric, red chilli powder, ginger, garlic, and garam masala.

Kolkata's Fish Fry is typically served hot, often with a side of tangy mustard sauce (kasundi), and sometimes a salad of sliced onions, cucumbers, and beetroots. You'll find Fish Fry served at street-side stalls, in markets, and even in fine dining restaurants throughout Kolkata.

• Mughlai Parathas

These parathas are stuffed with a rich and flavourful filling, typically made with minced meat (like mutton or chicken), eggs, and a medley of aromatic spices. The dough is carefully folded around the filling and then shallow-fried until golden and crispy. Served with a side of tangy chutney or yogurt, Mughlai Parathas are a popular choice among food enthusiasts seeking a savoury and satisfying treat in the bustling streets of Kolkata. 

• Dragon Chicken 

This is a spicy and flavourful dish that blends Chinese and Indian culinary influences. This popular street food features bite-sized chicken pieces stir-fried with a fiery mix of sauces, garlic, ginger, and green chillies. The dish is often garnished with spring onions and sesame seeds, adding to its vibrant taste and texture. Dragon Chicken showcases the fusion of Chinese cooking techniques with Kolkata's love for bold flavours, putting it on the list of the best Kolkata street food.

If reading about the delicious street food of Kolkata has already made you drool over it, it is time to plan a trip to West Bengal and grab a bite or two of some of the best street food in Kolkata. 

Best street food places in Kolkata

As you must have understood by now, you can get some of the best street food in Kolkata. However, with so many street food joints, it is hard to know where you can get the best local food in Kolkata. 

To ensure you don’t miss out, we have listed some of the best street food places in Kolkata.

• Maharaja Chaat Centre

This is your go-to place for Puchkas. Dilip Da's stall, known as Maharaja Chaat Centre, has gained acclaim for its exceptional Phuchkas, becoming a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. The vibrant atmosphere and the tantalizing burst of flavours make Maharaja Chaat Centre makes it the best place for street food in Kolkata. 

• Zaika  

The tasty 'Kathi Rolls' started in Kolkata, and Zaika is the place that came up with the idea of putting delicious fillings in a thin flatbread. This concept has spread to many cities, with some changes along the way. However, if you want the original and authentic Kathi Rolls, Zaika is the place to go.

• Anadi Cabin

Anadi Cabin stands out for its speciality - Mughlai Parathas. While other eateries in Kolkata offer variations of the same dish, Anadi Cabin is renowned for serving some of the finest and most affordable Mughlai Parathas. The unique flavour these parathas bring adds a distinct touch to the street food of Kolkata. 

• Lord's More 

Located just across from South City Mall, Lord's More boasts a variety of eateries that will captivate your taste buds. From local puchkas and chaat to momos, sweet and savoury shops, bakeries, and Chinese food stalls, this area offers a delightful culinary experience. Every aspect of Lord's More is lovable, and as you explore the smaller establishments, keep an eye out for the tantalizing Dragon Chicken – a must-try dish in this vibrant stretch of gastronomic delights. 

• Kalika Mukhorochok 

Established nearly 58 years ago, Kalika Mukhorochok Telebhaja, situated on College Street, has carved a reputation for offering the finest Telebhaja in the city.
Kalika is now a famous spot for tasty snacks in the city. If you ask people around Boi Para, Shyambazar, College Square, Hedua, or anywhere else in the city about a well-known fried snack shop, they will likely tell you about Kalika. 

• Decker's Lane 

If you're looking for delicious Chowmein in Kolkata, Dacre Street is the place to be. Also known as Decker's Lane, this area is one of the best street food places in Kolkata for Chowmein. 

If you're in the mood for a satisfying meal, make your way to Chittoda's Shuruchi. Indulge in their wholesome chicken stew paired with bread, or opt for the exciting combination of fried rice and chilli chicken. Your taste buds are in for a thrilling treat!

Dacre Street is celebrated as a Decker's, offering iconic and mouth-watering dishes. 

• Balwant Singh's 

This iconic establishment, operating since 1926, is one of the best places for street food in Kolkata. The Doodh Cola at Balwant Singh's is not only a popular choice but is also praised for being utterly refreshing, making it a must-try for visitors seeking a distinctive drink in the city.

Many places that sell street food of Kolkata serve this delicious concoction, but you must try this beverage at Balwant Singh Eating House in Bhawanipur.

The menu at Balwant Singh's Eating House is diverse, featuring other items such as Chai, sandwiches, and more. Known for its inviting ambience and quality service, Balwant Singh's Eating House has become a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable dining experience.

Experiencing the street food of Kolkata is a delicious adventure that offers iconic treats like Kathi Rolls, Jhalmuri, and Puchka. The diverse flavours, from savoury Dimer Devil to sweet Channar Jilipi, capture the city's vibrant culture. Visiting the best places for street food in Kolkata, like Maharaja Chaat Centre and Balwant Singh's, gives food lovers a complete experience of the street food scene. 

Once you are done enjoying the bustling excitement of Kolkata, you can unwind in tranquillity with Club Mahindra Resorts in West Bengal.