If you thought people in Kolkata start their mornings with the quintessential luchi-torkari, then dear reader, you are going wrong somewhere. Kolkata is more than just Bengali food. If you look into the history of the city, you will find influences of various communities and cultures that contributed to shaping the food habits of the locals. This means breakfast options in Kolkata are equally elaborate and varied. In this article, we will take you through a few such breakfast places that you must try to get an essence of the food culture of the city. Read on.
10 Breakfast Hotspots In Kolkata:
1. Balwant Singh Dhaba:
This iconic eatery, situated in South Kolkata, has its doors open 24*7, serving iconic Punjabi delicacies to thousands of patrons daily. Visit the dhaba early in the morning to enjoy some freshly made kesar doodh with hot jalebi or a tall glass of doodh cola. You can also try some hot masala tea and club kachori to give a delicious start to the day.
Where: 10/B, Harish Mukherjee Rd, Bhowanipore
2. Ramanee:
For the ones who want to keep it light, we suggest visiting Ramanee in Golpark, Gariahat for a soulful South Indian meal. Try their idli, dosa, paniyaram or ghee pongal with a delicious mix of chutneys and hearty sambhar. What adds to the complete experience is the earthy setup and soothing aroma that you get as soon as you step in.
Where: P 569, Golpark, Hemanta Mukherjee Sarani, lake Terrace, Ballygunge
3. Putiram Sweets:
This 190-year-old establishment has been catering with some of the most authentic Bengali breakfasts. While most people resemble this place with delectable mishti doi and sandesh, what we suggest is trying out their exceptional breakfast offerings. From dalpuri, chholar dal to kochuri and torkari, options are many.
Where: 12A, Surya Sen Road, College Street
4. Territi Bazar:
If you have explored the history of Kolkata, then you surely know about the strong influence of Chinese community on the city. To experience the same, we suggest, heading for an authentic Chinese breakfast at Territi Bazar - Kolkata's 5am breakfast place that offers different Chinese delicacies including fish balls, soup, sausage et al.
Where: H9F3+JJR, Terita Bazar, Tangra
5. Flurys:
Established in 1927, this place is the most iconic tea-room in the city. Flurys has an old English charm with high ceiling, vintage furniture, white backdrop and English crockeries. And speaking about the menu, from pastries to puffs and brownies - you get it all here, along with the quintessential English breakfast.
Where: 18A, Park St, Park Street area
6. Maharani:
A classic Kolkata meal is kochuri and aloo'r dum. And we found the best place for you to try. Maharani is located at Lake Market at Sarat Bose Road and opens at 6 am to serve thousands of patrons. The place also offers malpua, hot gulab jamun, masala chai et al.
Where: 174, Sarat Bose Rd, Lake Market, Kalighat
7. Shankar Tea Stall:
This tea stall was first established by Shiv Shankar Jana in 1995 outside Writer's Building. Later in 2019, it moved to the Calcutta Stock Exchange. Wonder what makes it so famous? While it might look like an ordinary chai tapri, what grabs attention of the locals are malai toast, chai and their unique thanda dosa - dosa that is served cold with some unique fillings. You must also try the different types of toasts available at the joint, including butter toast, cheeni toast, namak toast and more.
Where: 16, India Exchange Pl Rd, Murgighata, B.B.D. Bagh
8. Adi Haridas Modak:
Established in 1780, this place has been serving guests some of the most delicious kochuri-torkari (sabzi) and freshly made sweets in town. With humble, yet well-maintained interior and classic sitting arrangements, here guests share tables with strangers, and get service by the staff.
Where: 220, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Shyambazar 5 Point Crossing
9. Rao's Udipi Home:
Another humble South Indian food joint option, Rao's Udipi Home has been winning hearts since eons with its wide variety of dosas, uttapams, idlis, sambar vadas and more. We suggest, grab a cup of filter coffee and some South Indian delicacy for yourself and give a soulful start to your day.
Where: 25, Jatindas Rd, opposite Carfill Petrol Pump, Lake Market, Kalighat
10. Sufia:
Nestled in the busy lanes of Zakaria Street, opposite, Nakhoda Masjid, this place opens at 4 in the morning. It comes with a very humble setup, but an extra ordinary Mughlai menu including stew, nihari, dalpuris and more for sinful breakfast. For the vegetarians, you can also try their dal fry - a vegetarian item that is served just during the morning.
Where: Shop No.2, Zakaria St, Kolutolla, Ward Number 43