This Durga Puja, As you hop from one pandal to another, experiencing the festive energy in the air, Kolkata's telebhaja provides the perfect pick-me-up! Its crispy, flavorful goodness keeps you going as you navigate through the city’s buzzing streets, ensuring that you don’t miss out on the magic of Durga Puja.
From the age-old stalls of North Kolkata to the newer but equally beloved spots in the south, telebhaja continues to hold a special place in the hearts of every Kolkatan. Whether you prefer the classic beguni or want to try something different like ilish-er chop, Kolkata’s telebhaja stalls offer something for everyone. So, during your pandal-hopping adventure this year, make sure to indulge in some crispy, golden telebhaja from these un-missable spots.
Lakshmi Narayan Shaw & Sons, Hatibagan
One of Kolkata’s most iconic telebhaja spots, Lakshmi Narayan Shaw & Sons in Hatibagan has been serving crispy fritters since 1918. Located in North Kolkata, near the famed Hatibagan market, this place is perfect for a quick snack break during your pandal hopping route.
Their menu includes a wide range of telebhaja classics like beguni (fried eggplant fritters), alur chop (potato fritters), mochar chop (banana blossom cutlets), and even fish fry. However, their most popular item is the phuluri—small, crispy fritters made with besan (gram flour) and a hint of spices.
If you’re in North Kolkata and exploring pandals like Bagbazar Sarbojonin or Kumartuli Park, make sure to stop by this legendary shop for some authentic telebhaja.
Kalika Mukhorochok Telebhaja, College Street
A trip to College Street, home to the famous book market and Coffee House, is incomplete without a stop at Kalika Mukhorochok Telebhaja. Established in 1965, Kalika is one of the most beloved telebhaja stalls in Kolkata. Located at a stone’s throw from the College Street Crossing, this place is always buzzing with people eager to munch on its crispy delights.
Their specialty is the dim-er devil (egg chop), a deep-fried boiled egg wrapped in a spiced potato mixture and coated with breadcrumbs. Other must-tries include mangshor chop (minced meat cutlet) and paneer pakoras. The fritters here are light and crispy, with just the right amount of spices, making them perfect for a quick snack.
While hopping between South Kolkata’s famous pandals like Mohammad Ali Park or Santosh Mitra Square, Kalika is the ideal spot to grab a bite.
Mitra Cafe, Shobhabazar
Mitra Cafe in Shobhabazar is another Kolkata institution known for its telebhaja and other fried snacks. Dating back to 1920, this eatery has stood the test of time, serving up some of the most delectable fritters in the city. While they are famous for their fish fry, Mitra Cafe’s telebhaja offerings are equally loved.
Their vegetable chop and mochar chop are perfect for vegetarians, while their mangsho chop and fish kobiraji are an absolute delight for meat lovers. The kobiraji, a unique Bengali fritter made by dipping the meat in a beaten egg and breadcrumbs, is a must-try if you’re in the area.
Mitra Cafe’s proximity to some of the oldest and most traditional Durga puja pandals, such as Ahiritola Sarbojonin and Shobhabazar Rajbari, makes it a perfect stop for some quick refuelling during your pandal-hopping adventure.
Telebhaja Corner, Vivekananda Road
If you’re near Vivekananda Road, one of the busiest hubs during Durga Puja, Telebhaja Corner is the place to go for some piping hot fritters. This small yet popular stall offers an array of delicious fried goodies to satisfy your hunger while you’re hopping between pandals.
They serve classic telebhajas like aloo chop, beguni, and fuluri, along with seasonal specialties such as ilish-er chop during the puja season. The ilish chop, made with Bengal’s beloved hilsa fish, is a unique offering that you won’t find in many places, making it a perfect festive treat.
With famous pandals like Kumartuli Sarbojonin and Simla Byam Samity nearby, Telebhaja Corner is a great place to grab a bite before continuing your pandal-hopping journey.
Dilipda's Phuluri Hut, Southern Avenue
For those exploring the vibrant pandals of South Kolkata, Dilipda's Phuluri Hut near Southern Avenue is a must-visit spot for telebhaja lovers. Though it is not as old as some of the other establishments on this list, Dilipda’s Phuluri Hut has gained immense popularity in the last few years for its perfectly crispy phuluris and other fried snacks.
Their phuluris, served with a side of tangy mustard sauce, are an absolute treat. They also offer pyaz-er chop (onion fritters), kashundi beguni (eggplant fritters with mustard sauce), and aloo chop that are well-seasoned and fried to perfection. It’s a fantastic place to stop by after visiting the Southern Avenue or Ballygunge Cultural pandals.
Bhawanipore Telebhaja, Bhawanipore
Located in the bustling neighbourhood of Bhawanipore, Bhawanipore Telebhaja has become a favourite among South Kolkata residents. This humble shop is known for its wide variety of fried snacks that include mochar chop, alu chop, and dhoka fry. The shop is especially packed during Durga Puja, as locals and pandal hoppers alike flock here for their telebhaja fix.
Their mochar chop, made with banana blossom and spiced potatoes, is a standout dish, offering a unique flavour that sets it apart from other telebhaja stalls in the city. Pair it with some luchi or have it on its own—it’s a filling and delicious snack that perfectly complements the festive spirit.