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Unsurprisingly, a recent survey on Kolkata revealed that Chinese is the most ordered cuisine in the country. The survey conducted by the National Restaurants Association Of India has claimed that 52% of Kolkatans prefer Chinese when they’re eating out, while 45% said their preferred cuisine is Italian. The city's love affair with Chinese cuisine dates back to the early 20th century, when a significant number of Chinese immigrants settled in Kolkata, mainly in the Tangra area.
Over the years, this neighbourhood, known as "China Town," became the hub of Chinese culture and cuisine; today Tangra cuisine is a category in itself where Hakka dishes and ‘Calcutta’ style Chinese cooking are served across the many restaurants in the area.
The city’s love for Chinese food has only grown with the arrival of pan-Asian Chinese diners, fusion Chinese eateries and a few other approachable formats. ‘Calcutta’ Chinese which is also quite popular as a cuisine makes the Hakka cuisine more appealing to Indian tastebuds with the use of of Indian spices, soy sauce, and a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours.
The affordability and availability of Chinese food in street stalls, restaurants, and takeaways have made it accessible and beloved by the masses. The newer crop of consumers has also taken this appreciation forward especially as they now have a large number of contemporary eateries which cater to their tastes. But this is not to say, that Kolkatans are averse to experimenting with cuisines since North Indian food, Mughali food and European cuisine fare well in the city.
North Indian dishes ranked third among the most preferred options (44%) followed by Mughali (43%); however, the city’s growing love for Italian food, as suggested by this survey comes as a surprise but it’s also syncs with the global trends. The global appeal of Italian dishes like pizza and pasta has made them household names worldwide.
In Kolkata, the younger generation, influenced by pop culture, social media and travel, has developed a taste for these dishes. Pizzerias, both international chains and local establishments, have mushroomed across the city, offering a wide range of options from traditional Neapolitan pizzas to more localised versions with a Kolkata twist.
Secondly, the city's diverse and adventurous food culture has embraced Italian cuisine; Italian dishes, known for their simplicity and emphasis on fresh ingredients, resonate well with the Bengali palate, which appreciates flavorful and well-prepared food. Dishes like pasta alfredo, spaghetti aglio e olio, and various risottos are now commonly found on restaurant menus.
Moreover, the rise of Italian cuisine in Kolkata can be linked to the increasing number of speciality restaurants and cafes that focus on authentic Italian dining experiences. These establishments often import key ingredients like olive oil, cheeses, and meats. Many diners have adapted Italian dishes to suit local tastes, such as incorporating spicier flavours or using local ingredients, which has broadened the appeal of Italian cuisine; unusual fusion combinations like malaichingri risotto and panna cotta with sandesh etc have been appreciated widely.
Cooking classes and culinary events focusing on Italian cuisine have also contributed to its popularity since they have allowed new-age consumers to explore and appreciate the nuances of Italian cooking, further ingraining it into the city's food culture. It also helps that there are enough Italian diners across price brackets; there are casual eateries, fine diners, global chains, dedicated gourmet outlets and even brunch spots and delivery-friendly cloud kitchens which serve authentic Italian food.
The growing trend of late-night ordering could also be a driving force behind the popularity of Italian and European cuisine in the city. The city's nightlife, including late-night cafes, bars, and clubs, also contributes to the demand for food deliveries late into the night. Besides that, Kolkata has a thriving youth culture, with many students, young professionals, and late-night workers who often want hearty, approachable food options during unconventional hours. Certain Italian dishes like pizzas, Italian-style garlic bread, one-pot pastas, etc have emerged as popular picks in late-night deliveries.
