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Book fairs don't seem very logical from the outside. People miss half the day, push through crowds, wait in long lines, and depart with empty water bottles and weary feet. Nevertheless, thousands of people go each year. That's because as soon as they enter, something changes. Real literature, not screens, may be found everywhere. Spread across tables and overflowing from shelves are stacks of printed paper bound together with glue and ink. Now, when it comes to art and literature, Kolkata will always come up and with it, the International Kolkata Book Fair as well. Happening from 22 January to 3 February, the bookfair is set to take place at Central Park in Salt Lake. While you browse through the numerous book stalls, food, which is, in all honesty, half the reason you will be going there, also finds its spotlight. Eating while reading, eating in between browsing, and eating because you happened to pass by something that smelled too good to ignore are all common activities at book fairs. People can be seen using one hand to turn pages while using the other to grasp a paper plate. So, if you're in Kolkata and even marginally in the mood to do all of this, you should visit the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair. Here is a list of places and things you need to eat and visit during your book shopping! But before we get into the details, let’s take a look at the theme for this year:
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What’s The Theme Of The 49th International Kolkata Book Fair 2026?
The International Kolkata Book Fair, which is undoubtedly the largest event in the city after Durga Puja, will take place from 22 January to 3 February, 2026. Argentina will be the "theme country" this year. In the presence of Argentine academic Gustavo Canzobre and that nation's ambassador to India, Mariano Agustin Caucino, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will open the fair, which is celebrating its 49th anniversary this year, on the afternoon of 22 January. The Kolkata Literature Festival 2026, which is a part of the event is said to take place from 24 January to 25 January. In 2022, Bangladesh was the theme nation. Throughout the event, publishers from all nations across the globe have their booths packed. Similar to 2025, there will be more than 1,000 attendees this year, representing up to 20 nations worldwide. There will be a total of nine entry-exit gates, two of which will be designed in the style of Argentina.
Must-Eat Street Food Spots
There are numerous street food stalls and restaurants that surround the area of Salt Lake in Kolkata. From phuchka to rolls, here is a list of the must-visit spots:
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Swimming Pool Chaat Centre
Delicious Dahi Phuchka and the house dish, Bhel Puri, are served at Chaat Hut, the kiosk. Don't forget to try the samosas, Vada Pav, Dhokla, and Masala Muri. Next, try the Special Pav Bhaji at Ganesh Pav Bhaji to experience the essence of Mumbai. Additionally, well-liked are their pav bhaji platters with butter or masala pav, as well as Cheese Vada Pav and Vada Pav. Go to Snacks Hut for something different. There, you may enjoy specialities like Garam Chaat, Butter Masala Dosa, and Victoria Vada & Chilla. Don't forget the rolls, chowmein, and bhutta at other kiosks, as well as the vegetable momo at Momo's Corner.
Address: HCV8+QQX, opposite Gupta Brother, CF Block, Sector 1, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700064
Timing: 4 PM - 10 PM
Price: INR 10 onwards
Yummies
Big and beautiful, that’s how everyone describes their Special Kebab Rolls! Choose a kebab from the many displayed in their humble garage-kitchen. They’ll tuck in the tender pieces of meat in a paratha with green chutney, lime and red onions. It is recommended that you try the Kali Mirch Kebab Roll or go with something off their usual menu, a Chicken Dahi Roll, yes, it’s topped off with dahi. Give the cuisine a perfect score if you’re planning to eat there during your book fair visit. Instead of focusing on deceptive advertising, they prioritise quality and word-of-mouth advertising. They make really tasty Egg Chicken Rolls. They serve excellent Chicken Kathi Kebabs in a roll. The fact that they don't cover the combination in sauces is the greatest part. It is a swinging roll that is crispy and dry.
Address: CF-128, 4th Cross Rd, CF Block, Sector 1, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700064
Timings: 4 PM - 10 PM
Price: INR 25O for two
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Kali Maa Hotel
One of the biggest eateries on the block, Kali Maa Hotel, serves wholesome, well-balanced meals. The basic lunch choice includes sabji-bhaat with fish fry, beguni, papad, dhokar dalna, and mutton tarkari. They begin prepping at 6 AM in the morning since they offer so much diversity. The lunch footfall starts at 12 PM and continues till 3 PM.
Address: Shop No 375, AN Block, Main Road, Nayapatty, AP Block, Sector V, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700102
Timing: 8:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Price: INR 200 for two
Shivam Sandwich
Shivam Sandwich offers all the typical sandwich alternatives. However, the vada pav with mayonnaise, butter, and cheese is what has made this place well-liked by office workers. Students are also among the regulars. The majority of the customers have always been from TCS, but the reopening of workplaces and colleges has helped more.
Address: Ji 1/14, Near Kredent Tower, Webel More, Salt Lake City Sector 5, Kolkata-700091, West Bengal
Timing: 9:30 AM - 7 PM
Price: INR 180 for two
Must-Visit Restaurants To Dine In
“Bengalis live to eat” is a common proverb that the Bengalis accept and appreciate as praise. Even if you keep getting lost at the intersections in Salt Lake, these restaurants can help you figure out what to eat while you visit the International Kolkata Book Fair 2026!
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The Orient
Your visit to this establishment will create an indelible impression. You will be enthralled with the sophisticated atmosphere as soon as you walk in, which skilfully blends current elegance with touches of classic charm. You can try the buffet, which is reasonably priced, and you are going to start a gourmet adventure that will exceed your expectations. With each bite, the assortment of appetisers enticed our palate with flavours that were both robust and delicate. The prawn tempuras are delish! Top it off with the sauce, and you've got a powerful combo! Grilled Sausage Salad and Chicken, Korean-style BBQ Chicken with a variety of grilled vegetables, Steamed Vegetarian Dimsums, and Fried Baby Corn with a golden hue for appetisers can make you full before you start the main course.
Address: City Center 1 Mall, 407, 4th Floor, Sector 1, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700064
Timing: 12:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Price: INR 2,000 for two
Baati Chohka
It's the best spot in Salt Lake to get Litti Chokha in Kolkata, and the cuisine tastes amazing. The striking atmosphere and delicious cuisine make this restaurant a must-visit with family. Don't miss their unique Baati Chokha thali. It offers food on real green leaf plates and water in clay kulhads. Give Sattu Bato a try along with the tomato onion chutney/salad and the brinjal bharta. One of the top restaurants in Salt Lake, Kolkata, where you can try Bihar delicacies, is entirely vegetarian.
Address: FD-14, Sec. III, 1A Cross Rd, near ATI More, Bidhan Nagar, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700106
Timing: 11 AM - 10:30 PM
Price: INR 700 for two
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Refinery091
Refinery 091 offers a global-desi menu and the town's tallest bar. Guests are greeted by an amazing hookah, a 'woah'-hopping bar, and a bustling kitchen. The upper floor offers a VIP area with plush leather couches, located behind the bar. At the very end, illuminated by neon lights, lies the brewery. Vintage posters, rustic filament lamps, antique trinkets, and other lovely items adorn the entire space. The Soya Bhuna Chaap is a great way to start. Garlic Naan, Kadhai Paneer, and Refinery Dal are the main courses to go for. For non-vegetarian preferences, order the Kolhapuri Chicken Tikka and Prawn Tikka for the table. Their 'Because Why Not' is a dessert that has everything delicious in one glass! Oreos, Kit-Kat bars, chocolate wafers, marshmallows, and canned strawberries that relax on top of chocolate-covered ice cream should be your other dessert picks.
Address: Globsyn Crystals, Street Number 17, EP Block, Sector V, Saltlake, Kolkata, West Bengal 700091
Timing: 12 PM - 12 AM
Price: INR 3,500 for two
Bizarre Asia
Love Asian food? You should check out Bizarre Asia. Everything is impressive, from their friendly greeting to their varied non-vegetarian buffet. One of their highlights is the live counter, which serves Bao, Sushi, Dim Sum, and Cheung Fun. The tempura sushi and prawn dim sum are particularly noteworthy. Strong flavours are packed into appetisers such as chicken wings and burnt chilli prawns, while the main course features a fantastic blend of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The dessert department, while tiny, is filled with cheesecake, macarons, and ice cream.
Address: 3RD FLOOR, Primarc Square, PLOT NO-1, SALTLAKE, LA Block, Sector 3, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700106
Timing: 12:30 - 3 PM & 7 PM - 10 PM
Price: INR 3,000 for two
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
How To Reach The 49th International Kolkata Book Fair 2026?
Regardless of your location, getting to the Kolkata International Book Fair is actually rather easy. The metro is your best option if you're in the city; get off close to Salt Lake or Karunamoyee and simply follow the crowd since everyone is going in the same direction. On fair days, buses are constantly heading towards the location, and for the final short distance, cars and autos are everywhere. Are you from anywhere other than Kolkata? Then, after you’ve reached Howrah or Sealdah, hop on the metro or grab a cab straight to the venue. Cabs and app taxis work too, though traffic gets real in the evenings. Either way, once you’re close, the book bags, food smells, and sheer chaos will tell you you’ve arrived.
