Durga Puja celebrations are in full swing but for Bengalis living on the opposite coast, this beloved festival can feel a little empty without the buzz of pandal hopping and Pujo feasts. Luckily, despite the 2,000 odd kilometres between the states, there are a few spots in Mumbai where nostalgic Bengalis can take refuge and get a taste of home.
Here are 7 of Mumbai’s favourite Bengali restaurants to try this Durga Puja.
The Calcutta Club, Jogeshwari
Lauded as the oldest Bengali restaurant in Mumbai, the Calcutta Club is preserving its traditional atmosphere and dishes from a bygone era when Kolkata was still Calcutta and food was made with skill and simplicity. With posters of Tagore, Geeta Dutt and Uttam Kumar in the walls and the smell of kasundi in the air, this establishment transports patrons back to the heart of Kolkata, evoking the spirit of the past through food that’s filled with nostalgia.
Timings: 11 am – 12:30 am
Cost for Two: ₹700
Hangla’s, Powai
Kolkata is known for its street food, in fact it’s become one of the only Indian cities to win international fame for it. At Hangla's they pay tribute to the best of Bengali street food in Mumbai. From delectable Momos, fish fry and biryani to irresistible kathi rolls, chops and dimer devil, Hangla's offers a finger-licking experience that will leave you satisfied.
Timings: 11 am – 11 pm
Cost for Two: ₹500
Oh! Calcutta, Tardeo
For a slightly swankier affair, Oh! Calcutta stands as one of the finest Bengali restaurants in Mumbai, providing an elegant dining experience with an array of finger-licking good Bengali specials, such as Dab Chingri and Smoked Hilsa. The extensive menu might leave you indecisive, but the attentive staff is ready to assist in selecting the perfect meal to suit your mood.
Timings: 11:30 am – 3:30 pm, 7 pm – 11:30 pm
Cost for Two: ₹1,300
Ranjana’s Rannaghor, Sakinaka
Feeling homesick or looking for a truly down-to-earth meal? If you're yearning for authentic Bengali cuisine reminiscent of home, Ranjana’s Rannaghor offers a solution. This cloud kitchen dishes out hot and comforting Bengali dishes to your doorstep, that promise to bring a smile to your face.
Cost for two: ₹500
Jamai Shoshthi, Bandra East, Mumbai
Jamai Shoshthi offers a delightful fusion of Bengali cuisine and seafood. The Shorshey Rohu, a tangy and spicy delight, and the Chingri Malai Curry, featuring succulent prawns in coconut milk gravy, are exceptional menu highlights.
Timings: 11 am – 11 pm
Cost for two: ₹500
Peetuk, Powai
From tasty fresh fish dishes to the coveted vegetarian fare, Peetuk offers the comforting taste of home-style Bengali cuisine. With dishes like Shorshe Ilish and Aloo Posto, it delivers the authentic flavours of Bengal in a cosy ambience. They’re also well known for their stalls set up around Durga Puja pandals around the city to provide revellers with food on the go.
Timings: 11:30 am – 4 pm, 6 pm – 11:30 pm
Cost for Two: ₹400
Oh! Bangla, Azad Nagar
Oh! Bangla takes diners on a culinary journey into the diverse cuisine of Bengal. From the fiery delights of Kosha Mangsho to the sweetness of Mishti Doi, it showcases Bengal's culinary spectrum in a warm and inviting setting.
Timings: 11 am – 3 am
Cost for Two: ₹450