Durga Puja in Kolkata is more than just a festival—it’s an emotion that transforms the city into a vibrant celebration of devotion, art, and culture. While pandal hopping and soaking in the grandeur of the festivities are must-do activities, no Puja experience in the “City of Joy” is complete without indulging in its irresistible food culture. Kolkata offers a culinary journey that blends tradition with flavor, and during Durga Puja, the city’s streets, restaurants, and stalls brim with Bengali delicacies that will leave you craving for more.
If you are exploring Kolkata during Durga Puja, here are the Top 10 Bengali Dishes to Try with Bharat Taxi making your travel smooth and convenient.
1. Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa in Mustard Sauce)
Durga Puja is incomplete without a taste of Bengal’s favorite fish—Hilsa. Cooked in mustard paste with a hint of mustard oil and green chilies, Shorshe Ilish is a delicacy that perfectly reflects Bengal’s love for bold and rich flavors. Pair it with steaming hot rice, and you have the perfect festive meal.
2. Kosha Mangsho (Slow-Cooked Mutton Curry)
A staple in Bengali households during festivals, Kosha Mangsho is a spicy, rich, and flavorful mutton curry that pairs beautifully with luchis (deep-fried flatbreads). The slow-cooked dish is all about tender meat infused with traditional spices, making it a festive favorite.
3. Chingri Malai Curry (Prawns in Coconut Milk)
If you’re a seafood lover, this is a dish you cannot miss. Jumbo prawns are cooked in coconut milk and light spices, creating a creamy and flavorful curry. Chingri Malai Curry is often a star dish during Durga Puja feasts, showcasing Bengal’s unique blend of coastal and traditional flavors.
4. Luchi and Alur Dom
Durga Puja mornings often start with the classic combination of luchi (puffed bread) and alur dom (spicy potato curry). This light yet flavorful meal is a festive breakfast staple, available in homes, street stalls, and restaurants across Kolkata during the season.
5. Fish Kobiraji Cutlet
Kolkata is famous for its cutlets and chops, but during Durga Puja, the Fish Kobiraji stands out. Made with a crispy egg-net coating and stuffed with spiced fish, it’s a snack you’ll find at popular food stalls near pandals. Perfect with a hot cup of chai!
6. Ghugni (Spiced Yellow Peas Curry)
Street food is an essential part of Kolkata’s Puja celebrations, and Ghugni is one of the stars. Made from dried yellow peas, topped with chopped onions, green chilies, and tangy tamarind chutney, this dish is both hearty and flavorful.
7. Macher Jhol (Fish Curry with Vegetables)
No Bengali food list is complete without Macher Jhol. A simple, comforting fish curry cooked with seasonal vegetables and light spices, this dish balances the richness of festive meals with homely flavors. It’s the taste of Bengal in its truest form.
8. Mishti Doi (Sweetened Yogurt)
When it comes to desserts, Mishti Doi is synonymous with Bengali cuisine. Creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy, this caramelized yogurt is served chilled and is a must-try treat after a long day of pandal hopping.
9. Sandesh
Bengal’s legendary sweet, Sandesh, comes in countless varieties—from the simple plain ones to those infused with saffron, chocolate, or fruit flavors. During Durga Puja, sweet shops in Kolkata are stocked with special Sandesh collections that will tempt you at every corner.
10. Rasgulla
Perhaps the most iconic sweet of Bengal, Rasgulla needs no introduction. Soft, spongy, and soaked in sugar syrup, this dessert has won hearts far beyond Kolkata. During Durga Puja, gifting boxes of Rasgullas is a tradition that reflects sweetness and joy.
Exploring Food with Bharat Taxi
Durga Puja in Kolkata can get crowded, and traveling between pandals and food joints may seem overwhelming. This is where Bharat Taxi comes in. Offering comfortable and reliable taxi service in Kolkata, Bharat Taxi makes it easier for you to explore the city at your own pace—whether you’re visiting iconic pandals, tasting authentic Bengali dishes, or shopping for festive souvenirs. With professional drivers and 24/7 availability, your Durga Puja trip in Kolkata becomes hassle-free and memorable.
Final Thoughts
Durga Puja is the best time to be in Kolkata, not only for the vibrant celebrations but also for the chance to indulge in the city’s rich food culture. From the spicy Kosha Mangsho to the sweet Rasgulla, every dish tells a story of tradition, family, and festivity. So, this Puja season, while you enjoy the dazzling pandals and cultural events, make sure to treat yourself to these Top 10 Bengali Dishes.
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