By Have you ever been to a place that leaves you utterly spellbound? Like being in the presence of true magic! If not, then we’re here to tell you which way to go! A wholesome experience of culture, traditions, history, art, colours and mouth-watering food. We’re talking about Kolkata during the ethereal festival of Durga Puja! A 9-day fiesta that begins on the same day as Navratri. Durga Puja is most ardently celebrated in Kolkata. The entire city is adorned with lights and colours.
You will find the most exquisite and artistic pandals sprawled across every nook and corner. The unanimous chants of “Dugga Mai ki Joy” linger in the air. The populace dress in their fineries. Dance, music and drama form the crux of all celebrations. Most importantly, the magical fragrance of scrumptious delicacies and sweets envelopes the entire city! Kolkata is not only the cultural capital of India but also a city with the best food one can ask for. So, it’s no surprise that delectable dishes are an integral part of the festive season. Let’s have a quick look at some of the delicacies you shouldn’t miss out on during Durga Puja!
Doi Ilish
Doi Ilish is a classic Bengali dish, known for its rich flavours and texture. In this dish Hilsa fish is cooked in mustard and yoghurt-based gravy. This gives the dish a mild tangy flavour. The fish is topped with green chillies and raw mustard oil are added to the dish for the right zing. This lovely dish is paired with plain steamed rice and an extra green chilli on the side.
Radha Ballavi & Aloo Dum
This is one dish that can be had for breakfast, lunch, an evening snack and even dinner! This splendid combination includes two elements that will have you salivating. Crispy puris stuffed with a filling of flavoured dal ( Bengal gram) that go with spiced potato curry. Oh to break into these steaming hot puris and dip them in the rich potato gravy! My tummy isn’t cooperating with me anymore!
Chanar Dalna
This iconic vegetarian dish is a favourite in every Bengali household. Cottage Cheese nuggets ( Paneer) are fried and cooked in a mildly spicy and tangy tomato gravy. Moreover, the speciality of this dish is that it is made without onion and garlic. Despite that, it oozes excellent flavour. Chanar Dalna can be had with plain steamed rice, pulao or even Indian bread (roti / naan).
Shingara (Bengali Samosa)
Durga Puja or not, you will find a little stall selling hot Shingaras down every second lane in Kolkata. This is another food item cooked without onion and garlic. A mixture of boiled potatoes, peas and peanuts is first cooked in special spices. Further, the mixture is filled into cases made of flour dough and then deep-fried. These golden brown Shingaras are served with sauces and chutneys. They make for the perfect evening snack in between your Pandal hopping spree!
Kosha Mangsho (Mutton)
Bengalis are usually stereotyped as fish lovers. However, do you know how fond they are of eating mutton? Kosha Mangsho is an all time favourite Bengali preparation. Consequently, Kosha Mangsho is enjoyed during the festive season too! Marinated meat is slow cooked in mustard oil, onions and aromatic spices to prepare this rich and spicy dish. You will undoubtedly find yourself licking your fingertips and craving for more with every bite.
Khichuri (Bengali Khichri)
Khichuri is one of the most important dishes prepared during Durga Puja. It forms an integral part of the ‘Bhog’ that is offered to the Goddess as a ritual. The speciality of Bengali Khichri is that the lentils are dry roasted before they are cooked with the rice. Moreover, this dish is not only tasty but also very healthy. A number of vegetables are incorporated in the Khichuri and it is finally garnished with coriander leaves and a dash of ‘Jharna Ghee’.
Chops & Cutlets
Chops and cutlets are essentially flavourful, crumbed and deep-fried snacks. These snacks are popular among Bengalis as their ‘Jol Khabar’ or evening snack. However, one can easily find food stalls selling chops and cutlets at every Puja ground. These may include, Vegetable chop, Mochar (Banana flower) Chop, Fish chop, Chicken cutlet, Mutton cutlet, Prawn Cutlet and Fish fry.
Chingri (Prawn) Malaikari & Daab Chingri
Seafood fanatics shouldn’t miss out on these piquant dishes. Both these dishes are coconut-based and seasoned with earthy spices. In preparing Daab Chingri, succulent prawns are steamed with spices in the hollow of tender coconut. In addition, the prawns get cook within the coconut, absorbing in all its fresh flavours. Whereas, in Malakari the prawns are cooked in coconut milk with a handful of grated coconut and flavoursome spices. Both these dishes are enjoyed with various types of pulaos or just steamed rice.
Kolkata Rolls
Although nothing compares to fat juicy rolls in Kolkata. Along with a Crispy flaky paratha is layered with eggs on one side. Further, an onion salad with green chillies and lime is layered over the paratha. Scrumptious fillings of either chicken, mutton or potatoes for vegetarians are topped on the salad. Finally, the paratha is rolled up, sealed and served! These tangy and spicy rolls are filling and oh so delicious!
Puchka & Jhaal Muri
Puchka ( Bengali pani puri) and Jhal Muri (spiced puffed rice) are two more additions to the list of unanimously loved street food in Kolkata. Consequently, people out on the streets enjoying the festivities are always hungry for these snacks. Puchka is basically small dried puris that are filled with sweet, spicy and sour flavoured water. However, unlike Pani puri, puchka is also stuffed with a tangy potato filling for added flavour. On the other hand, Jhal Muri is a spicy mix of puffed rice and minced onion salad, flavoured with oodles of mustard oil and spices. Take my word for this, once you indulge in them there’s no returning!
Special Mention : Dont Miss out on all the “Mishti”!!!
Here’s a list of some of the sweets you should devour during Durga Puja celebrations :
- Mishti Doi
- Roshogulla
- Nolen Gurer Sandesh
- Langcha
- Pantua
- Patishapta
- Seeta bhog
- Malpua
- Kheer Kadam (Tops my list of Indian Sweets)
- Kacha Golla
- Mihidana
- Darbesh
- Raj bhog
- Channar Jilipi
- Nolen Gurer Payesh
- Nolen Gurer Ice Cream (Another personal Favourite!)
The list of palatable dishes and sweets one can enjoy during Durga Puja in Kolkata can honestly just go on. These were just a select few for you to begin with. Whether you’re in Kolkata or celebrating Durga Puja in any other part of the country, make sure to look out for these delicacies! Happy festivities to you and your loved ones!
1 Comment