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Kolkata’s College Street is the ultimate destination for foodies; not only does the area’s eateries have scrumptious Bengali snacks at astonishingly modest prices but the neighbourhood also houses several iconic and historic eateries that are decades-old.
Known as Boi Para, College Street is a preferred haunt for students and academics not just for the host of bookstores and sellers but also due to the availability of cafes and cabins that serve iconic food items at pocket-friendly prices. From traditional Bengali sweets like mihidana and rajbhog to quintessential Calcutta-style snacks like kabiraji, cutlets and kathi rolls at under Rs 120, you can find it all! Here are some of the most famous culinary landmarks in College Street
Indian Coffee House
A time-tested favourite, this 300-year-old coffee haunt has served generations of Kolkatans and is a go-to destination for students, academics and adda-seekers. Established in 1942, the two-storeyed joint retained its old-world charm; its red and black set-up, opera-style balcony, and high ceilings will transform you back in time. The menu, though concise has some cult options, from their much-loved Infusion (black coffee extracted by percolation brewing) or regular black coffee and fish fry still some of the most econical snacking options around Central Kolkata.
Address: 15, Bankim Chatterjee St, College Square West, College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073
Timing: 12 noon to 8 pm
Price for two: Rs 170
USP Dishes: Infusion, Fish fry
Paramount Sherbets and Syrups
As you explore further, you can't miss Paramount Sherbets and Syrups, a joint that has been refreshing Kolkatans since 1918. Famous for its sharbat and faloodas, Paramount is a delightful stop for those seeking respite from the bustling street. Their wide array of sherbets, from kala khatta to khus, offers a burst of flavours that perfectly complement the vibrant atmosphere of College Street.
Address: 1, 1, Bankim Chatterjee St, B. C. Street, College Square, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073
Timing: 12 noon to 9 pm
Price for two: Rs 250
USP Dishes: Mango Mania, Strawberry Malai
Putiram
No exploration of College Street's food joints is complete without mentioning Putiram. Established in 1902, this sweet shop has been serving delectable Bengali sweets to generations of Kolkatans. It opens its doors in the wee hours so it’s the perfect stopover for a College Street breakfast trail. From their melt-in-the-mouth sandesh to the syrupy goodness of rosogolla, Putiram's sweets are a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Bengal.
Address: 46, Amherst St, Lalbajar, College Row, Machuabazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700009
Timing: 6:30 to 10 pm
Price for two: Rs 100
USP Dishes: Radhaballavi and chholar dal, jalebi, Rajbhog
Dilkhusha Cabin
One of the last surviving cabin-style eateries in Kolkata, Dilkhusa is just the right spot for you if you want to stop over for a spot of tea and fish fry or even some delicious, Calcutta-style chicken chowmein. The no-frills decor and an extensive menu make the cabin a go-to place for budget-friendly and satisfying meals. From kathi rolls to mutton stew, their offerings cater to a diverse palate.
Address: 86/4,86, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, College Square West, College Square, Kolkata, West Bengal 700009
Timing: 11 am to 9 pm
USP Dishes: Chicken chowmein, fish kabiraji
Price for two: Rs 250
Kalika
Known for its crispy telebhaja and vegetarian chops Surya Sen Street’s Kalika is a street food lover’s paradise. You’ll find a number of fried options perfect for tea time munching, be it Aloo Chop, Beguni and Mochar chop or egg meat and vegetable chops. Kalika is also considered one of the first eateries in the city that started serving mocha r chop which wasn’t always a street food delicacy. Don’t miss out on the prawn fry and chicken cutlet!
Address: 29, Surya Sen St, Sealdah, College Square, Kolkata, West Bengal 700009
Timing: 3 pm to 7:30 pm
USP dishes: Beguni, Mochar chop
Price for two: Rs 80
Basanta Cabin
A great place to sample College Street’s cult snack, fish kabiraji, this cabin has something for everyone. The menu has something for everyone, from chicken cutlet to fish fry and chicken chowmein. Though it’s not as spacious as other cabins in the area, the joint gets steady footfall during breakfast rush and during teatime. You can even score a Mughlai paratha at under Rs 100!
Address: 53, College St, near medical college, Lalbajar, College Square, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073
Timing: 9 am to 9 pm
USP dishes: Fish kabiraji, fish fry, momos
Price for two: Rs 200
