No other city does nostalgia as well as Kolkata. The romanticism of its food, broken buildings, iconic eateries, struggle, and festivals is truly a class apart. Everything and everyone is bound by a loop of timelines, you can say. They know where to go for what, what to do where, what to see or how to see. There is no malice in the way of life. More importantly, you’ll never go to sleep hungry. Kolkata is the hub of food; there is no question in that, but it’s also a place of discovery that keeps all of you hooked.
Image Credit: Balwant Singh Dhaba
When it comes to trying a cuisine that you’ve longed for, the city has numerous restaurants and hotel chains for you to pick from. And some are so legendary in it’s taste that you keep coming back. One such restaurant would be Balwant Singh Dhaba. Dhaba dining is a simple and wholesome option to spend your night with friends, family or someone special. And, this dhaba offers a unique drink that you must try alongside its delectable dhaba-style cuisine. Balwant Singh's Eating House is a beloved dhaba in Bhawanipore that is well-liked by both nightbirds and morning strollers.
The Unmatched Legacy
You'll see people seated in plastic chairs and sipping hot, steaming tea at 10/B, Harish Mukherjee Road, Bhawanipore, Kolkata, close to the Gurudwara Singh Sabha, talking and vibing in the winter air or summer warmth.
More than 99 years ago, Balwant Singh Eating House is credited with starting the hot milk tea craze. The hot, steaming milk tea is still served in clay cups, or bhaar. The first floor of the dhaba is air-conditioned for all guests eager to try the dhaba-style cuisine.
Image Credit: Balwant Singh Dhaba
The concept continues and penetrates into the dining furnishings, which take the form of dhaba-style wooden chairs and tables. About the food, begin with a traditional breakfast of aloo paratha, samosa, sabji kachori, and a plate of jalebis. Then, get the iconic beverages that have made Balwant Singh Eating House popular and aired on various travel shows—the kesari chai for INR 60 and, without a doubt, the most unusual mix of items we all love—the doodh cola of 1 litre for INR 180!
What Is Doodh Cola?
Doodh cola is a milk and cola blend that many people adore in the city of Kolkata. It appears that the dhaba created it on the spur of the moment, and it quickly gained enormous popularity. It is known that while touring the village, Balwant Singh and his son Bhagat Singh created this beverage. The milk isn't allowed to curdle because of the method the beverage is made. Over time, doodh cola emerged as Balwant Singh Dhaba's legendary drink.’ People come from all across the country to try this beverage. It is claimed that the flavour of this beverage is difficult to replicate.
Image Credit: Balwant Singh Dhaba
It's delicious if you've never heard of it. Doodh cola is one of the most well-liked modern food fads in the world. It is tasty, quick, and simple to prepare. Drinking this beverage in the summer will gratify you. The drink is the middle ground for when you do not want to drink hot tea, and also don't feel like chugging a glass of lassi down. Creamy with the right amount of fizz and ice cubes! Worthy of TikTok? Yes! So, do you want to drink the hype?
Scoring A Century
In 2026, Balwant Singh Eating House will celebrate its 100th anniversary! Also, if you are a foodie and want to explore more here, we have several alternatives for you to try—soya chaap, chur chur naan, rabri lassi, paneer tikka masala, sarson ka saag, and malai tikka.
Naturally, since it's a dhaba, you must eat Punjabi food! Get a dish of chole bhature, which is fried bread as big as a giant's hand and is made with pure love. And may we simply mention the chole's sharp taste explosion? And if you're all about the straightforward, healthful diet, the tandoori rooti and dal tadka, together with the onions chopped into circles, will make the difference. Your other must-try dishes include a variety of kulchas—especially the Amritsari and Masala kulchas! These kulchas are the embodiment of multiple foodgasms.
Address: 10b, Harish Mukherjee Rd, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700025
Timings: Open 24 hours
Price: INR 500 onwards