Situated along the banks of Damodar River, Asansol, a city located in West Bengal, has a rich history and culture. The city was established as a small trading post by the East India Company, and over time it has grown into an important industrial mining centre, fueled by the abundance of coal in the region.
It has a diverse heritage including communities like Bangali, Bihari, Marwari, Punjabi and South Indian residents. Food is an important part of the life of Asansol. The food contains many mouthwatering dishes like fish curries, rice, dals, fried vegetables, kasundi, bengali sweets like misti doi, rosogalls, and more. Sweet dishes are specially prepared during festivals like Durga Puja and Lakshmi Puja.
In summary, Asansol's food culture is rich, diverse and reflective of both local and global influences. The cuisine retains its strong Bengali roots yet also embraces cuisines from across India and the world.
Uchche Bhaja
Uchche bhaja features thin slices of bittergourd that are coated in a spicy chickpea batter and fried until crispy. This dish can be found at roadside food carts all over the city, where vendors serve up piping hot plates fresh from the fryer. It makes for a mouthwatering snack on the go.
Restaurant Recommendations: Aami Bangali, Mother Teresa Rd, Chelidanga, Asansol
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400, approx
Image credit: Freepik
Kasundi
Kasundi is a beloved mustard sauce in Asansol, India, known for its pungent aroma and tangy, sour flavor. This thin, yellow condiment is made from mustard seeds, spices, and vegetables fermented in mustard oil. Locals consider kasundi an essential accompaniment to Bengali cuisine. Its zesty taste perfectly cuts through rich dishes like fish curry. Food stalls offer it as a flavorful dip for fritters or dosa.
Restaurant Recommendations: Sudhamrit Restaurant, Town Inspector Office, Asansol
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400, approx
Image credit: Freepik
Sosrshe Ilish
Sosrshe Ilish is a famous dish of Asansol. This iconic Bengali preparation starts with fresh Hilsa fish in a mustard gravy. As the fish gently simmers in this velvety sauce, the flesh absorbs the complex flavors while still retaining a soft, flaky texture. From street food carts to upscale restaurants, you'll find cooks preparing this famous fish curry across the city.
Restaurant Recommendations: Royal Bengal family restaurant, Railpar, Asansol
Type: Non Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400, approx
Image credit: Freepik
Chingri Malaikari
Chingri Malaikari is a Bengali dish of prawns cooked in a rich, creamy coconut gravy. The key to Chingri Malaikari is the complex gravy made from freshly grated coconut, poppy seeds, cashews, yogurt, and an array of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, bay leaves, cloves and cardamom. It is a classic Bengali preparation that highlights local ingredients like coconut and prawns.
Restaurant Recommendations: Lemon Grass Asansol, Kanyapur, Asansol
Type: Non Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400, approx
Tyangra Maacher Jhaal
Tyangra maacher Jhaal is a tangy, spicy curry made in Asansol. It starts with crispy fried tyangra fish from local rivers. The fish are simmered in a thin gravy of onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, spices, chili peppers, and mustard oil. This mix of textures and bright flavors has made Tyangra maacher Jhaal an iconic dish of the region.
Restaurant Recommendations: Barrel House, Burnpur Rd, near chitra more, Asansol
Type: Non Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400, approx
Image credit: Freepik
Pitha
Pithas are a traditional snack that are primarily made from a batter of rice flour, which is shaped and optionally filled with sweet or savory ingredients. Pithas are especially famous in the city of Asansol. The outside covering made from the flour batter is thin and can be fried or steamed, while the inside fillings, called pur, include ingredients like coconut, khoya, dates, and lentils. Pithas are loved for their soft, pillowy texture and sweet or savory flavors.
Image credit: Freepik
Restaurant Recommendations: Mido's Family Restaurant, MXPC+W34, Asansol
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400, approx
Coconut Naru
Coconut-naru is a sweet and textured Indian dessert from Asansol that brings together coconut, condensed milk, and crunchy vermicelli noodles. When you take a bite, you get an irresistible combination of flavors and textures - the rich coconut custard, the subtle sweetness of condensed milk, and the satisfying crunch of the noodles. This unique and delicious dessert highlights local ingredients and has become a signature street food snack across Asansol that both locals and visitors seek out and enjoy.
Restaurant Recommendations: Hindustan's Chulha Chowka, Burnpur Rd, Rabindra Nagar, Asansol
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400, approx