Asmorgasbord of biryani, kebabs, shawarmas, noodles, lyanchas and mihidana was awaiting those who cared to drop by at Mandirtala’s Bijoy Krishna Smriti Sangha ground. Not one or two but five restaurants from Howrah and Calcutta had come with huge pots of steaming special biryani. Each one boasted of its own special recipe and taste. Along with biryani were an array of side dishes like kebabs, rezalas, kasas to keep the taste buds tingling. 

Arcenciel Social Welfare Group’s first ever food festival held from February 20 to 22 was a hit for the food-loving Bengalis around Shibpur and other areas. While some sampled the fare at the festival grounds, others packed it home for an elaborate Saturday dinner to celebrate India’s win against South Africa in the World Cup match. Although it looked like a biryani and kebab festival, but those who browsed through the menu card found a plethora of choices as well. Those serving kebabs had installed their tandoors behind the stalls. Chairs and tables were laid out in the open for people to sit and enjoy their meal. 

A person at the counter for Square Club restaurant from Santragachhi dished out Lucknowi biryani from a huge pot. “Our Lucknowi biryani has mutton kofta balls in it along with chicken or mutton, egg and potato,” said Subhodip Pal, the owner of Square Club. A plate was being sold for Rs 130. A cook at the counter was vigorously frying a paratha on the huge tawa, trying to complete the order for a roll. Fish finger with mayo and crunchy chicken with mayo were also available at the Square Club counter.

Afza restaurant from Park Circus was offering Lucknowi biryani along with some kebabs like Chicken Reshmi Kebab, Chicken Hariyali Kebab, and Tengri Kebab. Hayat Restaurant from Salap had a special Murgh Punjabi as a gravy item to go with their biryani. This counter, however, had Hakka Noodles and Chilli Chicken as well. 

But it was Aleya The Food Park, from Danesh Sheikh Lane, that pulled huge crowds. “Our Afghani Kebab, Amritsari Kebab, Kasturi Kebab and Irani Kebab are hits, both at the restaurant and at this food festival,” said the salesperson at the counter. Many customers wanted to pack the kebabs for dinner. A half plate of these  came for Rs 120 to 130. Lazeez’s Shawarma Roll, Shawarma Salad, or Shawarma Sandwich were also special. Mutton Kasa or Mutton Rezala could be had from this counter with chicken or mutton biryani or Lachcha Paratha and firni completed the meal.

Hotel Shivam from Dobson Road had a different fare. Fish fingers made good starters. A plate of six fingers was being sold for Rs 120. Varieties of soups were also available. Other Chinese items like Hakka Noodles, Chowmein and Fried Rice could be had with Fish Manchurian and Chilli Chicken. 

For the sweet-toothed, there were two stalls selling lyangcha from Shaktigarh and sitabhog and mihidana from Burdwan. Those who liked the sweets decided to take some back home as well. 

“This was our first attempt at organising such a food festival, in Howrah. It was a success as people came from all over Howrah. Many people, who had come to Howrah Utsav in Dumurjala Stadium, stopped by our festival too. The money collected here will go towards an eye camp at a slum in Shalimar,” said Aditi Bose of Arcenciel Social Welfare Group.