8 Must-Try Spicy Street Foods in Kolkata
If you find yourself around Kolkata and immediately do not dive headfirst into its legendary street food scene (or a plate of puchkas), then you’re simply not doing it right! This vibrant city, home to glorious temples, architectural beauty, and mesmerising culture, also boasts a colourful tapestry of street food extravaganza. If that piques your interest, then this can be a sign to pack your bags and get ready for a food adventure like no other. The blog will help you navigate the spicy and savoury flavours of Kolkata street food that have become synonymous with the city’s rich culture.
Kolkata's Street Food Scene: A Mouthwatering Overview
Kolkata, also known as Calcutta until 2001, is a vibrant city, bustling with rich culture and diversity, much like its cuisine. While the conversation is predominantly focused on main courses such as Machar Jhol and Posto, the city is home to some of the most lip-smacking street food scenes that are nothing short of extraordinary. Be it sweet and savoury treats gracing the makeshift stalls, hole-in-the-wall local restaurants or mobile food carts, all unique and equally flavourful. And how can it not be? The state is a melting pot of cultures and culinary influences, wherein one may always find something as simple as a samosa, kathi rolls to full-fledged meals, all in the same bustling street shops.
8 Must-Try Spicy Street Foods in Kolkata
Here’s a list that you can refer to when on the lookout for some of the most lip-smacking dishes while navigating Kolkata's street food scene:
1. Puchkas
Often compared to the pani puri in Mumbai or golgappas in Delhi, are the flavourful puchkas. The dish is called the pride and joy of Kolkata’s street food scene, and rightly so. Puchkas are crispy, hollowed-out puris filled with a mixture of boiled potatoes, black chickpeas and ground spices dunked in spiced water made from tamarind chutney and authentic Bengali bhaja or muri masala. The dish is a blend of tangy and spicy, perfect for getting your street food journey started.
2. Kathi Rolls
Imagine your basic rolls, but well, better! Traditionally, these are flaky parathas covering wholesome pieces of skewered meat with sliced onions and a slather of tangy sauce. These chicken or paneer kathi rolls are a sought-after street snack offering a delicious yet substantial solution for individuals on the go.
3. Jhal Muri
Need something to munch on as you surf through the streets? Then Jhal Muri is the snack you seek. It's a mix of puffed rice, peanuts, yellow peas, diced veggies, sev and a drizzle of mustard oil dressing. It is a smart amalgamation of spicy, tart, and fresh, all tossed into a paper plate to be nibbled on as you navigate through.
4. Churmur
If you are running late and still want to get yourself indulgent puchkas, then in such a case, go for a plate of churmur! The dish is the deconstructed version of puchka. It is served tossed with crushed puris, potato filling, tamarind sauce and a sprinkle of spices, making for an addictive treat.
5. Telebhaja
Bhaja, or deep-fried fritters, are integral to Bengali cuisine. These can be made with a variety of vegetables such as potatoes, eggplants, onions, bitter gourd and more. The crispy treats are made with local spice blends and pair beautifully with a cup of cha (tea).
6. Ghugni Chaat
Ghugni Chaat is a hearty dish made with dried yellow peas. This is cooked into a spiced gravy and served topped with chopped onions, tomatoes, green chutney, sev and local spices. The dish has its roots in Odia cuisine and is a revered street food in Kolkata.
7. Luchi and Alu Dom
If you're pining for a warm meal, then a Luchi and Alu Dom stall should be your next stop. While Luchi is essentially deep-fried puri (or bhatoora), Alu dom is a spicy potato curry (dry). The dish is filling and can be enjoyed throughout the day.
8. Keemar Doi Bora
For the non-vegetarian fanatics, keemar doi bora is a must-try street food. The dish fashions a soft minced meat kofta, deep-fried and then immersed in a sweet and savoury yoghurt and mint seasoning. It can be compared to the dahi wade, a popular street food in Maharashtra.
Iconic Spice Blends of Kolkata Street Food
The common link between these flavour-packed fast food in Kolkata is the wholesome local spice blends. These humble ingredients are the key to creating unique and unforgettable dishes. Some of the common spice blends found in Kolkata's street food scene are:
a. Paanch Phoron
Paanch Phoron is an integral spice blend in Bengali cuisine consisting of five main whole spices. These are fenugreek, nigella, cumin, radhuni, and fennel seeds. It is used to impart an aromatic depth to the dish.
b. Bhaaja Moshla
While the above is a whole spices mix, Bhaja masala is a mixture of key spices blended to form a fine powder. Its ingredients can include cumin, coriander, chilli, fennel, cardamom, black pepper, dried red chilli pepper and more. This spice adds warmth and smoky flavour to meals and snacks.
c. Gorom Moshla
Just as with any other spice mix, even the standard garam masala differs from region to region. The Bengali Gorom Moshla is rather easy to whip up and the perfect blend to be introduced into both sweet and savoury dishes. This warm spice includes cinnamon, cardamom, cloves (and bay leaves or fennel, optional).
Food isn’t simply a means of sustenance in Kolkata. It is an emotion that is strikingly visible in its gastronomic landscape. The diversity in the selection of street food ensures that there is something tantalising for every palate. Now, be that tangy puchkas, savoury kathi rolls or sweet-spicy keemar doi bora. Kolkata's street food scene is sure to leave your taste buds enticed and craving for more.
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FAQs
1. What is the difference between Puchka and Pani Puri?
While both puchkas and pani puris are often used interchangeably, both dishes have subtle differences that make them unique variations of each other. While the pani puri uses a mint-based spiced water, puchkas are served with spiced tamarind water. The other distinction is the filling. Pani puri are made with yellow peas and potato filling; puchkas are stuffed with spiced potatoes and black chickpea mash.
2. Which is the favourite street food of Kolkata?
Picking a favourite among the variety of delicious street food truly boils down to a personal choice. That said, some of the famous fast foods in Kolkata are kathi rolls, puchkas, momos, desi Chinese, aloo kabli and many more.