Chicken Tetrazzini @ Mocambo

This signature dish at the legendary Park Street restaurant needs no introduction. Spaghetti, strips of chicken and sliced mushrooms baked with cheese to a perfect golden. “On a particularly busy day, almost 90 per cent of the tables will definitely have at least one Tetrazzini for sure,” said Sean Sams, assistant manager, Mocambo. They also serve a vegetarian version of the Tetrazzini. 
Pocket pinch: Rs 421 including taxes
Pair it with: Bloody Mary 
Other cheesy picks: Fish Florentine, Devilled Crab

Cheese Chicken Tadka Maggi @ The Auto Junc

At The Auto Junc off Southern Avenue, good ol’ cheese Maggi gets a twist with Indian tadka masala. “Almost every table orders our signature Cheese Chicken Tadka Maggi because who doesn’t love Maggi? Plus, extra cheese is always welcome,” laughed Arzoo Ebrahim, co-founder.
Pair it with: Their exclusive Smoky Mojito hookah
Pocket pinch: Rs 149 plus taxes
Other cheesy picks: Strawberry Cheese Shake, Deep Fried Mushrooms with Cheese

Chef’s Special Chicken @ One Step Up!

If you love your bacon as much as cheese, then this one’s for you. The Chef’s Special Chicken, which was introduced around three years ago, has chicken breasts stuffed with asparagus and cheese and then wrapped in bacon. As the chicken cooks, the cheese melts inside, and each bite is a bacon + cheese wonder. “The sauce that accompanies it is made with gherkins and we have a particular customer who comes in thrice a week, and asks for this sauce with all his orders. We are happy to oblige,” said Brendon Taylor, manager of the Park Street restaurant. 
Pair it with: Signature mocktail Mango Dream, or red wine
Pocket pinch: Rs 315 plus taxes
Other cheesy picks: Chicken Facon Du Chef, Fish Pikata

Goat Cheese Salad @ Serafina

Most of us know goat cheese for its intense flavour but this Goat Cheese Salad is balanced with the smoothness of fresh apples, the smokiness of roasted beetroot and the sweet crunchiness of caramelised honey walnuts. “The salad is a hit and not just amongst fitness freaks. On a busy weekend, more than 50 plates are ordered,” said Avijit Bhowmick, chef de partie at Serafina, Quest mall. 
Pair it with: Mandarin Mojito 
or Kaffir Lime Mojito
Pocket pinch: Rs 585 plus taxes
Other cheesy picks: Four Cheese Pizza, Truffle Pizza

Chicken Arsalan Kebabs @ Arsalan Restaurant and Caterer

The dish, which is now a standout classic, was not a part of the initial menu and was in fact introduced as an experiment six years ago! Grated processed cheese is mixed in egg wash and coated on top of the chicken kebab pieces marinated in reshmi masala, and then put into the tandoor. The result? Chicken kebabs swathed in a thick coating of cheese with a smoky flavour lent by the tandoor. 
Pair it with: It’s so loaded that you might thirst for a glass of soda right after!
Pocket pinch: Rs 320 plus taxes
Other cheesy picks: This is the only dish made with cheese in Arsalan

Bhetki Florentine @ La Maison Des Delices

The fresh bekti fillet is poached in wine, Italian seasoning and thyme and is then laid on top of a bed of spinach, which is already seasoned with cheese and garlic. The entire thing is then topped with more cheddar and baked. “It’s the amalgamation of different flavours that turns this classic into our signature,” said Partha Bose, managing partner of the Hindustan Park restaurant.
Pair it with: White wine of your choice
Pocket pinch: Rs 490 plus taxes
Other cheesy picks: Mushroom Involtini, Risotto Con Funghi

Kya Cheez? Blue Cheese @ Gabbar’s Bar & Kitchen

If there’s one item this winter you must try from the menu, it’s these blue cheese-filled kulchas, served with the signature Gabbar Ki Maa Ki Dal. Why blue cheese? “Our Truffle Mushroom Kulcha was already a rage and it was time to experiment. Blue cheese is an acquired taste,” said Harsh Sonthalia, owner of Gabbar’s Bar & Kitchen on Ho Chi Minh Sarani. 
Pair it with: Murg Tikka Lababdar, Lychee & Kaffir Lime Mojito
Pocket pinch: Rs 345 plus taxes 
Other cheesy picks: Truffle Cheese Kulcha, Tu Cheese Badi Hai Mast Mast (cheese balls)

Baked Brie in Phyllo with Apricot Sauce @ Edesia

A whole chunk of Brie is wrapped in phyllo pastry and baked. The salty cheese is balanced with the sweetness of the apricot sauce and the pastry adds crunch. “People in Calcutta want to try dishes with cheese but many do not understand cheese well. But the word about the baked Brie has spread and it’s become a hit in no time,” said Sanjana Casyab, co-owner of the restaurant on Hungerford Street.
Pocket pinch: Rs 650 plus taxes
Other cheesy picks: The Cheese Platter, Baked Aubergine 

Cheese Paratha @ Bon Appetit (Hazra and Salt Lake)

Mellow and gooey cheese, the whiff of Punjabi spices and a steaming hot crust make this a delight for any cheese lover.  “If you give a Punjabi anything, he will make a paratha out of it,” laughed owner and chef Rahul Arora. “It initially started off as Chilli Cheese Sandwich but the urge to create a paratha won me over,” added the boy who also opened Paranthe Wali Galli. The Cheese Paratha is paired with Bon Appetit’s in-house achar and yogurt. 
Pocket pinch: Rs 95
Other cheesy picks: Chilli Cheese Sandwich, Mushroom and Cheese Pancakes

Parmesan Garlic Chicken Wings @ TGI Fridays at Forum 

Think Chicken Wings. Now think chicken wings coated in Parmesan cheese sauce with a hint of garlic and Italian spices along with country ranch dressing. What started as part of a promotional festive menu has now become an all-time favourite along with the pub’s signature Jack Daniel’s Tabasco Chicken Wings. On a busy day, more than 20 platters are ordered, says the management. 
Pocket pinch: A platter of six wings costs Rs 320 plus taxes, and a platter of 12 wings Rs 599 plus taxes
Pair it with: Classic margarita... and great company! 
Other cheesy picks: Truffle Cheese Potato Cakes, Fried Mozzarella Sticks

Cheese Fondue @ The Corner Courtyard

The good ol’ cheese fondue comes with a tangy twist at this Sarat Bose Road restaurant. What gives the melted cheese an extra edge is the sun-dried tomato and jalapeno paste. Served with freshly baked herbed bread and potato wedges! 
Pair it with: Signature mocktail Mint To Be
Pocket pinch: Rs 340 plus taxes
Other cheesy picks: Sea Salt Salad with Gouda and Figs

Text: Zeba Akhtar
Pictures: B. Halder, Pabitra Das and Arnab Mondal
Which cheese dish should feature on this list? Tell t2@abp.in