Kolkata street food is an emotion for Bengalis. Every Bengali individual is truly connected with the roots of their food and food habits. Every corner of this city is a testament to its rich culinary heritage, from the enticing aroma of spices to the sweet symphony of desserts. The street food here is about reliving experiences and cherishing moments. It’s the bite of nostalgia that every Bengali enjoys with love and joy.
Kolkata's street food has gained fame across India and beyond. Its simple but robust flavours make it a favourite among food enthusiasts everywhere. The best part? Many of these delectable dishes can be recreated in your kitchen. With a few ingredients and a bit of love, you can bring the magic of Kolkata streets to your home. Let's explore some iconic Kolkata street foods you can easily prepare at home.
1. Ghugni
Ghugni is a flavourful snack made with soaked chickpeas cooked in a rustic pool of spices. Topped with onions, coriander, and chillies, this dish can be paired with a cup of hot chai or enjoyed on its own. You can even enhance it with mutton chunks for added richness. It is similar to the North Indian matra chaat but carries its own unique charm.
2. Kolkata Egg Roll
The Kolkata Egg Roll is a classic favourite. Start with a thin, golden-brown paratha, cooked with a layer of beaten egg. Fill it with a mix of sliced onions, green chillies, cucumber, lemon juice, and chaat masala. Roll it up and enjoy. The versatility of this dish allows for variations like aloo egg roll and chicken egg roll, catering to different tastes.
3. Jhalmuri
Jhalmuri is a spicy treat made with puffed rice, chillies, mustard oil, freshly cut onions, and a mix of spices. Chaat masala and lemon juice add an irresistible zing. This popular Bengali snack is perfect for evening tea sessions, sparking endless conversations and satisfying munching.
4. Urad Dal Vada
Known as Biuli Dal Er Boda in Bengali, Urad Dal Vada are tiny, crispy fritters made from ground urad dal, sooji, chillies, and onions. These fritters are perfect with a cup of tea or filter coffee. Their crunchy texture and spicy flavour make them a beloved snack.
5. Mughlai Paratha
Mughlai Paratha is a deep-fried egg paratha, stuffed with mutton or chicken. Originating from Mughal kitchens, it is a thin layer of whole wheat flour fried to perfection with egg and meat chunks. This paratha is a regal delight, loaded with spices, offering a hearty and satisfying meal.
6. Puchka
Puchkas are tiny, deep-fried semolina balls filled with a mix of mashed potatoes, masalas, chillies, and chickpeas. They are served with spicy, zesty water made from chillies, jeera, pudina, and tamarind. This tangy treat is an explosion of flavours that tantalise the taste buds.
7. Vegetable Chop
Vegetable Chop is a popular snack made from beetroot, carrot, mashed potatoes, and roasted peanuts. This mixture is shaped into small cylindrical rolls, coated with a mixture of maida, cornflour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs, and then deep-fried. The result is a crunchy, flavourful snack perfect for evening tea or coffee.
8. Kathi Rolls
Kathi Rolls are another street favourite, made with skewer-roasted kebabs wrapped in parathas. The filling can be chicken, mutton, or paneer, mixed with onions, chillies, and spices. Easy to make, these rolls are perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
9. Telebhaja
Telebhaja includes various deep-fried fritters made from vegetables like potato, eggplant, and onions. Coated in a gram flour batter and fried until golden brown, these fritters are crispy and delicious, ideal for monsoon evenings with tea.
10. Aloo Kabli
Aloo Kabli is a spicy potato snack made with boiled potatoes, tamarind pulp, chickpeas, and a mix of spices. Topped with chopped onions and coriander, this dish is tangy and flavourful, a perfect street food to prepare at home.
11. Shingara
Shingara, the Bengali version of samosa, is stuffed with a mixture of potatoes, peas, and spices. The dough is rolled into small circles, filled with the potato mixture, and then deep-fried until golden brown. Shingara is crispy and perfect with tea.
Kolkata's street food brings the vibrant flavours of the city to your home. From spicy snacks to sweet delights, these dishes offer a taste of Kolkata's rich culinary heritage. Preparing these street foods at home is not only easy but also a delightful way to experience the charm of Kolkata's streets.