You can take a Bengali out of Bengal, but you can't take Bengal out of a Bengali. My Kolkata takes a stroll down Chittaranjan Park in Delhi, a mini Bengal in the capital city, to check out the street food offerings that are famous among the Bengali conglomeration outside of Bengal
Photos: Shayeree Ghosh
Phuchka is the perfect way to check (and build) a spice tolerance. As you enter Market 2 of Chittaranjan Park, you will come across the famous ‘Kolkata Phuchka’ stall. Here, you will find phuchka water that tastes just like it does back home. There’s also mishti chutney and sooji options (the latter, for those seeking a healthy option). When you overhear,“Dada, arektu jhaal din”, you’ll know you’re at the right place!
Agnisikha Sen, a CR Park resident for two decades, was spotted chomping down phuchkas. “I am a regular here. The sights and sounds of the market, the people who come here and the adda that goes on…it almost feels like home. I miss Kolkata food and I am so happy to get a taste of home in these markets in Delhi,” she said
The Kathi Rolls have perfectly cooked meat inside a porota, or paratha, however you may want to call it. Chittaranjan Park boasts of a few stalls that sell these sumptuous rolls that are to die for. Gopal Kathi Roll and Kolkata Kathi Rolls stalls are among a few that have been guarding the honour and pride of this Kolkata favourite. The stalls offer a range of choices, from plain tikka rolls and kebab rolls to paneer, egg, and more
No evening adda, scratch that, no adda is complete without a good thhonga (cone/packet) of jhal muri. Puffed rice, with a fistful of sliced onions, boiled aloo, coconut and peanuts is made right in front of you, and can be customised as well. Feel free to ask for a handful of coconut chips on top for that extra crunch!
