Tasty Tidbits from the Streets of Kolkata, India
Kolkata, with its long and colorful history, has combined the best of many different cultures and cuisines. The food here ranges from fish and rice to Biryani and Bakarkhani rotis, from Prawn Temperado and Halim to Challah and Mustard Hilsa. Kolkata sweets are famous all over the world for their sheer variety, quality, and wonderful taste. Besides all this, the people are also passionate about the amazing assortment of food that is sold in the many small shops and stalls amidst the vendors selling spices and reed diffusers, around every street corner.
One of the best examples of Kolkata street food is the Roll. This is a flatbread that has been stuffed with savory meat and vegetables. Rolls are made differently in different localities. They can be filled with fried or skewered meats, fried eggs or grilled cottage cheese; they can be served with sauces or spicy chutneys.
Another good example is the Phuchka, also known as Paani Puri. This is a fried flour ball that is filled with spicy potato mix and tangy tamarind and coriander water. Many kinds of Chaats, like Papdi Chaat, Doi Phuchka, Jhal Muri, or Bhelpuri are also extremely popular. Chaat is a generic name for savory snacks prepared mainly with a mix of fried dough, potatoes, spices, chickpeas, and chutneys among other things. Vivekananda Park, near Gariahat, is a good place to savor these chaats.
Kolkatans also love fried fritters or Telebhajas. These are made by dipping sliced onions, potatoes, or brinjals into a spicy gram flour batter and fried till they are crisp. These are not just ubiquitous but also reasonably priced.
People in the city have developed a liking for South Indian snacks like Masala dosas, Dahi Vadas, and Idlis. They also enjoy Chinese food made in a special Kolkata style. This includes dishes like Egg Chowmein, Chicken Manchurian and Chilly Chicken. All kinds of kebabs are also part of the vibrant street food culture in Kolkata.
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