Thoughtfully discussing and deciding the next trip of the year was the most crucial part, it took me more time to decide on the place as it was not just a random trip, but a special, birthday trip. After shortlisting a lot of places I finally zeroed in on Kolkata, which, when my friends found out, elicited weird responses:

Why Kolkata? It’s dirty.
What is there? It’s just another city.

You can also read: 5 Must Visit Places in Kolkata

But let me tell you, it was my best decision. It’s totally a paradise for the foodie, a one-stop destination for various cuisines, at such reasonable rates.

Here are the 6 Places to Eat in Kolkata that will make you take any diet you were on, and toss it right out the window.

This will be a series of posts covering my 6.5 day-long trips to the city of Joy: Kolkata. What you can expect is some insight into the city, a guide for when you’re planning to visit, places to see and explore, and most importantly, hog and savor.

Kolkata is such a place where you will be short on days, but not short of places to eat and chill.

1. The first destination we headed to just after landing was Arsalan

The place is packed most of the time, and during meal hours, there is always a long queue. It’s spread across two floors, with non-AC on the ground and AC (family seating) on the 1^st floor. We tried the Chicken Arsalan Kebab. This is the best starter I have ever tasted. Chicken pieces filled with cheese. The first few bites were total heavenly. But do try this only if you’re a group of at least 3 people. Because the portions are huge.

Next, we tried the Mutton Biryani, as there was so much sho-sha about it. The Biryani was nice, not oily, with small, thick grains of rice, unlike the biryani I know. So for me, it was just ok, but my friends just loved it. For dessert, we tried the Firni. This tasted more like a Rabdi, but nevertheless it was tasty and gave value for money. This was one of the 6 Places to Eat in Kolkata.

2. Places to Eat in Kolkata is incomplete without Street Food Exploration

After lunch, we planned to meet our local friends who took us to some street food hogging. We tried Puchka’s (Kolkata’s version of Pani Puri). BhelPuri ( The kind we get here, but more spicy and tasty and in better quantity). Aloo chat (Aloo with the perfect combination of masala and spice). Shikanji ( traditional limeade or lemonade from North India). Sugar Cane juice. Let me tell you each of these was better than anything. You just need 30-40 bucks to have your stomach filled, kid you not!

3. The Peter Cat:

Lunchtime, and confused about where to eat. We finally zeroed in on my personal favorite (if you have met me after the trip you definitely know this ;)) The Peter Cat. Once you enter. The ambiance takes you to some different era altogether. Here the waiters’ uniforms are unique enough to grab your attention. To begin with we ordered Strawberry Blossom, which was very ok, which I will not recommend.

Next, we ordered the Chelo Kebab, and it’s totally a must-try. A dish which is a combination of starter and main course. It consists of a bed of rice, with a half fry on top; some rare herbs on one side, and mutton kebabs on the other. Well-cooked, tender chicken pieces in a third corner. It’s enough to fill one person’s stomach.

Next, we ordered the Dum-ki-Raan, an entire leg of mutton, slow-cooked. I usually don’t eat mutton outside but I must say they cooked it to perfection. The bread was accompanied by a generous serving of butter – it’s the little things that make all the difference. Overall it’s totally a must-visit, to experience a different and unique set-up and tasty food. My personal favorite and one of the 6 Places to Eat in Kolkata.

4. Authentic Chinese Restaurant – Beijing

We had planned for Grid, but unfortunately, it had 1-1.5 hours waiting time. Being a weekend, so we left disappointed, and headed to Beijing.

We started our dinner with some Chicken Manchow soup. The quantity was just too much, one soup can fill 3.5 bowls, imagine! After that, we ordered Pepper Chicken Chilly Garlic. It was just ok – a bit tough and less in quantity. I read a lot of recommendations on Zomato but was disappointing.

For the main course, we ordered the Beijing Special Rice Noodles. It’s the noodles made of rice and not the combination type we are used to. It was quite bland for my taste. We try a few spoons and left as this was not the kind of food we enjoy.

5. What’s In D Name restaurant in the Camac Street area

After stuffing our faces with so much food, we decided to go somewhere and chill. It was Saturday evening and we heard that a lot of restaurants were quite happening. So we headed to What’s In D Name in the Camac Street area

At this recently-opened restaurant on Camac Street. Getting a table easily on a Saturday night is near-impossible. The locals love eating, so while you have way too many food options. They’re all almost always full. It was a dream come true when we got in. Found a table. but then were asked to shift before finally settling in. (We were told that the first table, which was a bit big, had a mandated minimum billing. Weird? Or a blatant money-making tactic?).

We ordered a Sheesha, to begin with. The Sheesha was good. There were a few handy slates and chalk on the table. So we played charades and ordered a Veg Corn Cheese Pasta. It was good – tasty with the right amount of spice. A big minus – The staff isn’t well trained and is a new place you’ll be disappointed by the service. Oddly, the staff desperately wants to know when you’ll leave!

You can also read: 5 Must Place in Anegundi, Karnataka

6. Our last destination from Best Places to Eat in Kolkata was the 8th Day Cafe & Bakery.

How can a day end without tucking into desserts 😉 This is a place where you can spend hours, play different games? (They have quite a good collection), and just relax. We ordered Chocolate Cupcake, Red Velvet Cupcake, and the Breakup Brownie: they were all fresh and just heavenly. Friendly staff, nice ambiance and cool interiors make it totally a must-visit place.

Places to Eat in Kolkata. Overall, is a perfect blend of food, food, and more food.

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