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The city of Kolkata comes alive during Durga Puja with festive colours, lights, and vibrant celebrations. Apart from the festivity, the food also plays an important role amidst pandal hopping and cultural festivities. While most parts of India adopt sattvik meals and vegetarian dishes during the nine auspicious days, Bengal takes a different turn for celebrations. Here, food is about joy, celebration, and indulgence, which often means enjoying mouthwatering non-veg delicacies. But not every day, people in Kolkata feast on non-veg food. Generally, on Saptami, they have non-veg, whereas Ashtami is entirely veg and thereafter non-veg. Besides all this, there are certain Bengali households that go for only veg during Puja.
From the spicy richness of kosha mangsho to the comforting flavours of Kolkata biryani, the city serves up the festive spread that food lovers cannot resist. Street food favourites such as fish fry and Mughlai paratha add to the charm, making Pujo a must-visit time of the year for non-veg lovers. These dishes not only reflect Bengal’s culinary identity but also emphasise how deeply food is tied to its festive spirit.
Kosha Mangsho (Spicy Slow-Cooked Mutton)
Kolkata food list is incomplete without kosha mangsho, particularly during the festive season. It is a rich, slow-cooked mutton curry that is prepared with aromatic spices, mustard oil, and onions, giving it a deep, earthy flavour. It is traditionally paired with luchi (a fluffy fried bread) or plain rice. It is a hearty meal that every non-vegetarian loves to indulge in during the festivities. The thick, spicy gravy and melt-in-the-mouth mutton create a perfect festive dish, representing both indulgence and custom.
Kolkata Biryani With Mutton Or Chicken
Kolkata-style signature biryani is an absolute favourite during Durga Puja. Loved for its subtle spices, long-grain rice, and the iconic addition of potatoes as well as boiled eggs, this dish beautifully balances the flavour and aroma. Whether you choose mutton or chicken, the tender meat combines perfectly with fragrant rice, making a meal that is satisfying without overpowering the taste. Served both at home and in restaurants, Kolkata biryani is a must-try for anyone looking for a non-veg dish that defines the food culture of the city.
Chingri Malai Curry (Prawns in Coconut Gravy)
One of the showstoppers during Durga Pujo celebrations in Kolkata is chingri malai curry, a dish loved for its royalty. In this, large prawns are cooked in a rich coconut milk-based gravy flavoured with mustard seeds, turmeric, and some gentle spices. Creamy, fragrant, and a bit sweet, it pairs pleasingly with steamed rice. This dish not only satisfies the palate of seafood lovers but also mirrors Bengal’s love for coastal flavours. It's creamy in taste, and the essence of the festival makes it a favourite choice for celebratory feasts during this auspicious occasion.
Fish Fry & Kabiraji Cutlet
Street food is a major part of the festivity in Kolkata, and fish fry, along with kabiraji cutlet, tops the list. The fish fry is a crumb-coated fillet that is golden-fried till it gets crispy, while the kabiraji cutlet is a minced meat cutlet covered in an airy egg net. Both are crunchy from the outside and juicy from the inside, which makes them ideal evening snacks. It can be best enjoyed while pandal hopping. These street foods bring the joy of pujo nights with every bite.
Mughlai Paratha With Keema Filling
Mughlai paratha is a crisp, flaky, deep-fried bread stuffed with spicy minced meat or keema, onions, and sometimes egg, as per preference. Served with hot and tangy chutney and salad, it’s a filling, savoury dish that has been a favourite Kolkata street food. During Durga Puja, Mughlai paratha stalls are bustling with food lovers looking for a quick yet hearty bite between pandal hopping. It is a rich, meaty filling and crisp outer layer, which makes it an irresistible festive treat and a must-try for non-veg lovers.
