What: Tiger Tales in association with t2
When: Till March 15; 8am-11pm
Where: The Royal Bengal Tiger Cafe, 91 Golf Club Road (leading to Royal Calcutta Golf Club) 
Meal for two: Rs 400-plus
For home delivery, call: 8017955555
On Facebook as: The Royal Bengal Tiger Cafe

Pranab Chatterjee is an architect by profession. While designing cafes and hotels across Calcutta and India, he dreamt of having his own cafe one day. His long-cherished dream came true when the 1,500sq ft The Royal Bengal Tiger Cafe opened doors on January 23 at 91 Golf Club Road. 

Why the name? “Tigers represent something endangered, regal and royal! We want to showcase Calcutta’s food and culture, fast getting lost, in our cafe. So we named it The Royal Bengal Tiger Cafe,” explained Pranab.

From name to #nomnom, standing out meant not offering the usual fare available at cafe this and cafe that.
“I have always wondered why we can’t serve our very own Indian snacks at a cafe. So, at our cafe, people would get popular delicacies that are only available at not-so-plush eateries. So there’s Ghugni, Moghlai Paratha, Egg Devil, Mochar Chop and others, at a pocket-friendly price,” said Pranab.

During the World Cup month, drop in with friends and family for the sumptuous breakfast available between 8am and 11am. Or else, sneak out from work at lunchtime with colleagues to try the Meal of the Day. “From Monday to Friday, we have designed a special Meal of the Day. And on Saturdays, we offer a Bengali thali (veg and non-veg) and Mahabhoj (veg and non-veg) on Sundays,” said Pranab.

The Royal Bengal Tiger Cafe has also started hosting small gatherings and parties. 

Pranab and wife Arpana take care that all that is served is freshly cooked. And they are always there to help people navigate through the cafe menu. “We are here almost through the day. Many non-Bengalis drop in, to whom I explain what is Ghugni and Moghlai Paratha. Then they order it and love it,” smiled Arpana. 

Coming up, plans to invite local bands and singers to perform live. And some special-themed food festivals. The Golf Club Road cafe also has plans to multiply in Calcutta and beyond. 

Bestsellers

Tiger Cafe stars

To begin with, I like the location. It is incredibly close to home, on the main thoroughfare and yet away from the din. Then, the wonderfully innovative and versatile menu. And finally, the very classy decor and ambience. I love the Mangsher Chop and Pnathar Ghugni. Yummm! I have plans to shoot at the cafe as it is exceedingly well done aesthetically with a very exciting theme. The way Pranab Chatterjee has integrated the emblematic Royal Bengal Tiger into the decor by making tigers the theme for the several paintings, the way he has included the fiercely Bengali eats like Ghugni and Mangsher Chop and has given a global twist to Bangaliyana... is very exciting for me. Not the least because the tiger is my favourite animal, I am a huge fan of indigenous Bengali snacks, and am inordinately proud of any form of Bangaliana served on a global platter. —Srijit Mukherji

The thought of tiger conservation behind the concept is brilliant! I like the paintings and the decor, especially the wooden furniture. I love the layout of the food. On the one hand you get Luchi and Moghlai Paratha and on the other hand, you also get momos. I had a chicken salad there. It is a cosy and nice adda hub with a homely feel to it. —Paoli Dam

I went to The Royal Bengal Tiger Cafe to shoot for an upcoming television show. The cafe has introduced Bengali snacks. Today’s kids don’t know beyond burgers and pastas. So if Bengali delicacies are introduced in cafes, kids would get to know about it. The ambience is nice. It can be a nice place for teenagers. — June 

I go there regularly, almost thrice a week. I also do takeaway. My wife (Priyanka) loves the hotdog from there. I love the theme of the cafe. Where would I get such variety for breakfast? You get Gariahat-style Luchi with Chholar Dal and Tiretta Bazar-style dim sums at the same place! Everywhere else we get either burgers or sandwiches at cafes. At The Royal Bengal Tiger Cafe, if I want I can ask for Malpoa and Aam Porar Sherbet! —Rahul

Pictures: B. Halder