BEST Vegetarian food I had in Kolkata

Jan 20

Kolkata is the city I have lived in most of my life, for over 25 years before I moved to the USA. I have always said that Kolkata has AMAZING food and is SO underrated but here is my love letter to it. In fact, even Eater Magazine named Kolkata as ONE OF THE TOP 10 PLACES to eat in 2023!! This is exactly what I’ve been preaching about for years, the food in Kolkata is fabulous and doesn’t get the love it deserves, and now it’s finally starting to get it! I visited Kolkata after 3 years in November 2022 and let me tell you I ate a lot, no seriously I ate ALOT! So here is my list of best places to eat (obviously vegetarian) including places that surprised me and places that let me down.

North Indian Food in Kolkata

Kolkata has some great North Indian Food all over the city, so many so that I haven’t been able to try many! From restaurants in 5-star hotels to roadside dhabas, the Indian food scene in Kolkata is chef’s kiss. Here is my list of my tried and tested restaurants with my thoughts:

Bar B Q: Mostly known for its Indo-Chinese food but the Indian food here is the BEST in the city (according to me). You CANNOT miss their food. When it comes to what to order here is everything- Paneer Tikka with a side of pickled onions, Dal Makhani, Paneer butter Masala, Pindi chana, and their Begum Bahar. Their masala kulcha and pudina paratha are also good.
Peshawari: If you’re looking for great kebabs and dal with soft Roomali roti then this is the restaurant you want to go to. The mixed vegetable kebab platter has all the options and they even swap some out for others if you like. When we go we order the kebab platter (extra paneer-no tomato), dal makhani, mixed raita, and roomali roti. It’s so tasty and the ambiance and service are great as well.
Jalsa: This is a new restaurant I visited this trip- some of their dishes were yummy, and some were not good at all. So here is what I recommend- their dal, paneer butter masala, malai mushroom, and chur chur paratha & for appetizers their cheese kulchas. We tried a couple of their other signature dishes like the avocado cone but it wasn’t good!
Zaranj: So this was a restaurant that would have been tied for first place but the quality has gotten so bad that I need to put it as a place that has let me down. I used to love their paneer tikka, dahi kebab, paneer butter masala, aloo dum, dal makhani, and Laccha paratha. Last time I visited the restaurant in Feb 2020 it was bad and I told them so they sent me a fabulous meal at home. This time I reminded them of this incident and they said the food would be fab but it was bad.
Jai Hind Dhaba: Dhaba-style food at its best is right here. It’s an absolute must-visit. Things to order- paneer tikka butter masala, dal tarka, aloo do pyaza, and laccha paratha or tandoori roti (crispy) or roomali roti.
Azad Hind: Another dhaba that had to make the delicious list! This dhaba really upped its quality in the last 5-6 years. The must-haves here are the paneer butter masala and dal makhani with laccha paratha. Their aloo do pyaza is good, but not amazing.
Ballu da Dhaba: This was a new restaurant for me and I was so impressed. It is a dhaba-style restaurant but with a restaurant-style ambiance. The food is less oily than most dhaba food and it’s so flavorful. Their paneer butter masala, aloo do pyaza were really good, the dal was okay,
Bombay Brassiere: I couldn’t visit this restaurant this trip but every time else the food was fantastic. Their chur chur parataha with bombay aloo is a combination i feel so bad i missed.
Amber: This is nostalgic soul food for me! Their must-tries- paneer butter masala, chili paneer (yes it’s indo chinese but it’s SO good), pindi chana and masala kulch are YUM!
Peter Cat: Known for its Chelo kebab but when it comes to vegetarian food their mixed veg sizzler and rajma galouti kebab are INSANELY GOOD! I almost cried happy tears after going there on this trip.
Punjabi Rasoi: This is also a dhaba-style food restaurant that has delicious food. Their dal makhani is TOO good. Overall everything was good so this would be a great addition to your list.

South Indian Food in Kolkata

Kolkata has great South Indian restaurants and these are the ones that make my list:

Bhupendra Mansion: This a staple restaurant in Kolkata for South Indian food and probably has the best idlis in Kolkata. Get here in the morning to have some idlis and start your morning right. Don’t forget a side of special chutney!
Jyoti Vihar: This was the best-known spot for dosas in Kolkata but since Covid, the quality is definitely fluctuating. So as of right now, I would say it’s a 50/50 chance of getting great or okay food.
Kurry Patta: This restaurant has really come up for great South Indian food in Kolkata and is a must-visit.

Asian & Indo-Chinese Food in Kolkata

Indo-Chinese food originated in Kolkata so you know we have got some great restaurants on the list. There are so many delicious restaurants to choose from. There are also so many great options for Asian food in the city.

Bar B Q: Bar B Q is a staple for Indo-Chinese food in Kolkata. It is something that everyone will always recommend. On this trip, I had the food twice- one visit was bad and one was awesome! So clearly you see my dilemma. What we usually get here is- crispy chili baby corn/mushrooms, wontons, sweet corn soup, chili garlic noodles, chili potato, and chili paneer.
Jai Hind: Jai Hind has delicious street-style Indo-Chinese food that is delicious. Their chili garlic noodles, crispy chili baby corn, and chili paneer.
Burma Burma: This is an only vegetarian Burmese food restaurant that I visited for the first time this trip and I was wowed by how good the food was. The salads, street-style noodles, and dessert were AMAZING. The khowsuey was okay, not as good as the rest.
Yauatcha: One of my favorite restaurants in Kolkata Yauatcha has amazing food! The must-tries there are crystal dumplings, poached dumplings, mushroom dumplings, turnip cakes, braised tofu, and udon noodles. ALL of them are yummy!
Chinoiserie: Chinoiserie is a childhood favorite restaurant that I still love. My favorites are cheese balls, vegetable sui mais, crackling spinach, chili garlic noodles, and chili potato & corn.
Pings: Come here for appetizers and dessert. My favorite dishes here are the cream cheese dumplings & cheese lumpia rolls and chocolate Marquise.
Peter Hu: This is a new restaurant that I tried and loved! All the appetizers and mains were great, especially their chili garlic noodles and brie cheese dumplings. A must must visit!
Momo I am: If you are looking for the best momos you need to visit this place. Their pan-fried vegetable momos were the BEST I have had. I repeat do not skip this place. I wish I went there again before leaving it was THAT good!
Blue Poppy: A nostalgic place well known for the momos and rightfully so. They have great momos and even their crispy chili potatoes are good!
Papaya: A great place for sushi. I didn’t visit this restaurant on this trip but I have been there before and it was great. The sushi really stood out!
Wafira: The dumplings and Asian food at Wafira were amazing. I tried the Indian food as well, which was average but the Asian food is definitely amazing!

Bengali/Local Food/Chaat in Kolkata

Kolkata is famous for its local food like rolls and chaat and rightfully so! Obviously, Bengali food is a must-try when you’re in Kolkata. Here is my list of places to visit to get the fill for those:

6 Ballygunge Park: If you want good Vegetarian Bengali food in Kolkata then look no further, this is a MUST visit! You’ve got your luchi, aloo dum, chanar dalna, and cholar dal for sure but you also have delicious appetizers. Their radha ballavi and matar kachori are also so good.
Halder: The BEST Bengali samosas you need in your life!
Sharma Dhaba: They have delicious kachori sabzi, chai, and jalebis!
Balwant Singh Dhaba: They also have delicious kachori sabzi, chai, and jalebis! They also have the famous doodh cola!
Kali bari chaat: The chaat stalls here are amazing and the best bhel !!
Russell street chaat: Famous for Kolkata style jhaal muri and puchka.
Vivekananda chaat: Famous for its puchka this place has great dahi puchka and aloo dum!
Bengal Rowing Club: Everything here is a must-have. The Indian food, south Indian food, Mexican, continental everything is so good. My favorites are the Baked hot pot and spaghetti gratin, matar kachori, and aloo dum. Their Jaleblis are the best IN Kolkata.
Kusum rolls: Must try Kathi rolls here!
Sher e Punjab: Must try Kathi rolls here!
Nizam Rolls: Must try Kathi rolls here!

Mexican/Italian/Continental Food in Kolkata

Kolkata has some delicious Mexican and Italian food. In India, a lot of European food is called continental food as it’s evolved over time. So this is my list for those:

Jalapenos: A classic Kolkata restaurant that has bought so many new foods to Kolkata. My favorites here are garlic bread, nachos, stuffed mushrooms, and the sizzler.
Fire and Ice: One of the best Pizzas in Kolkata! Their minestrone soup and cannelloni are also really good.
Chai Break: Chai break has great pizzas and pasta! Their chai and milkshakes are also really good.
Sorano: It has some delicious pizzas. The pasta was okay!
Spice Kraft: They have a great vegetable au gratin.
Mocambo: A must-try classic spot with great gratins!
One step up: Their cannelloni is a Kolkata classic.
Craft coffee: A new coffee shop with great options from different cuisines which had a delicious breakfast.
Sienna Cafe: Sienna cafe has a great ambiance and they have some delicious salads and pasta. The chocolate toast was okay, nothing great!
My big fat Belly: In my opinion, this place has the best vegetarian burger in Kolkata. Everything else was not good but the burgers were FAB!
Kolkata Coffee house: The oldest coffee house in Kolkata this place is a vibe. The coffee and buttered toast are a combination that can make anyone happy. It literally takes you back in time.
Kulfi/masala soda: Go to Shibhuji for the best masala soda and right opposite is the best kulfi you’ll find!
Vardaan chilla: Chillas outside Vardaan market are sooo good you don’t want to miss it.
Victoria Vada: the Vada outside Victoria memorial are famous since the British times! You need to try those.
Mayaram Pav bhaji: The most famous pav bhaji in kolkata Mayaram pav bhaji is so good. I haven’t tried it this trip but if you love pav bhaji you need to try it.
Mission cafe: the BEST chola bhatura you can have in Calcutta is here!
Nu Variety: This place has great burger (basically a hotdog). Get the cheese one and you’ll be happy!

Desserts/Mithai Food in Kolkata

You know a food list would not be complete without desserts. Kolkata mithai is famous and rightfully so! So here is my top list!

Kookie Jar: My FAVORITE place for desserts in Kolkata, hands down. Their mocha biscuits, boat pastry, praline rolls, lemon tart, black forest, chocolate evasion, mango cake, and strawberry cake are mindblowing! I have very rarely had anything in Kookie Jar that I have not liked. SO just make sure you try that!
Flurys: I used to love Flurys, especially their breakfast and boat pastry. Their boat pastry is good but breakfast was horrible. The food and service were beyond bad. They even had mosquitos all over the place and even the manager wasn’t of any help. I was hearing bad reviews of the place but oi didn’t believe it till I went. I know it’s classic but NOT worth it.
Yauatacha: All their desserts are fabulous!! The macarons are very okay but all the plated desserts are VERY good!
Burma Burma: We tried the malt chocolate dessert and it was so good it had to make the list!
Balram Mullick: Famous for all their mithais especially their Nolen gur sandesh this is a mithai you need in your life.
Tiwari sweets: Famous for all kinds of mithai, their kaju katli is the best!
Vien: If you can have their gur rasgullas, it’s yummy!
Gupta Brothers: Famous for all kinds of mithai, their abarkhabo is the best!

Other Foods in Kolkata

This is a list of places that didn’t fit under one category as such. Or these are places where you order or cater and there is no brick-and-mortar store.

Dosa Express: We had two parties catered by him and both times the food was really good!
Pepperberries by Sujata: She sent over some food and her star kachoris were yummy! The baked dish was also tasty!
Eat out at home: My cousin made me try a baked dish that was really good.