Kolkata is known for its mishit doi, rasgulla, songs and culture. But did you know, it is also famous for its 5am breakfast market? If no, then you must visit Terreti Bazar - Kolkata's own mini Chinatown. As its name suggests, this place not only serves some good Chinese food, but also safeguards the heritage of local Chinese immigrant community. Having settled in Kolkata as early as the 1780s, the Chinese-Indian population has historically played a major role in defining the city's cuisine. And proof to the same is the Chinese-Indian breakfast they serve. The most popular item served in this breakfast market is steamed momo (chicken momo, pork momo, seafood momo and vegetable momo). It is traditionally served with clear soup. Then they have the fried one, which is served with sauce. Other than the famous momos, this breakfast lane also offers delicious handmade sausages, stuffed buns, pork rolls, wantons and more.
Visit Terreti Bazar, you will find people with different taste and likings coming together to savour the delicious foods. The entrance to the market is dominated by fresh vegetables and fishes, but once you enter the lane, the magic begins.
Now, Let's Find Out Some Of The Famous Foods You Must Try In Terreti Bazar:
Momo (Steamed/Fried):
Momos and dumplings need no introduction. It is available with pork, chicken or fish stuffing. Both the steamed and crispy fried momos taste best with the soup and sauce they served alongside.
Wonton:
Wontons are somewhat same as fried momos, but differ in shape and size. It is served only with sauce.
Pork Sausage:
These sausages are fresh and tasty. In fact, one can actually get the taste of pork fat in it. Even though it is fatty, these sausages are must haves at Terreti bazar.
Pau:
It is a bun, stuffed with pork or fish. Although the bun tastes a little bland, the filling inside will surely surprise you. We suggest, just add some sauce and eat the bun.
(Also Read: What Makes Kolkata's Street Food So Unique?)
Noodle Soup:
As the name suggests, it is a soupy noodle with lots of green veggies and flavourful veg or chicken stock.
Pork Rolls/Pork Chops:
Sometime the simplest of the recipes have the best taste and the perfect example is pork roll and pork chop. This deep fried crispy dish is the ultimate delight for every pork lover. It is also available in fish variety.
Khwai Choi Pan:
To simply put it, khwai choi pan is pancake with vegetable filling inside. However basic it sounds, the dish spells indulgence.
Zung (Sweet Rice/Meat):
Sweet rice or meat zung are basically cooked in steam with sticky rice cover in bamboo leaves.
(Also Read: Eat Your Way Through Old Delhi With This Perfect Culinary Itinerary)
How To Reach Terreti Bazar?
This market opens early in the morning and gets closed by 8-8:30 am. The market starts a bit late on the Sundays. Terreti bazar is in the Chhatawala Gully, just beside Poddar Court, near Lal Bazaar police headquarters; the closest metro station is Central Metro Station. The exact location of Terreti Bazar is in between Central and Lal Bazar. Take a metro, get down at Central metro station; take the Poddar Court exit and it is just a five-minute walk from there.
So, this time, if you are visiting Kolkata, try not to miss this experience of early morning Chinese breakfast at Terreti bazar.