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Monsoon in Kolkata is beyond the hilsa love, and this is where Asian flavours are setting their foot in. The drizzles have their own beauty amidst gloomy skies, steady rain, and always the craving for food that warms the heart. And as a Bengali, born and brought up in Kolkata, one thing can be assured that people over here never shy away from trying something new. Tess at Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata has captured that spirit with Tess in a Bowl, a week-long celebration of Asian bowls. Until August 17, 2025, the restaurant will serve a wide choice of healthy, one-bowl meals inspired by tastes from all throughout Asia. The Asian bowl idea is becoming more popular in Kolkata for its perfect combination of protein, vegetables, carbs, and strong sauces all in one meal.
Tess has been so on-point with their picks for the season, including steaming broths, fragrant curries, and wok-tossed noodles that taste great on rainy afternoons. There are both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes for guests to enjoy, all of which have the balanced, soulful, and rich tastes that Asian food is known for.
The Bowl That Warms The Soul
Over a hundred years ago, Chinese immigrants, especially in Tangra, brought Asian food to Kolkata. The city loved Indo-Chinese foods like chilli chicken and hakka noodles, which led to a new style of cooking. This fondness grew over time to include Thai curries, Japanese ramen, Vietnamese pho, and more. Asian bowls are the newest part of this story. They are easy to use, can be changed to fit your needs, and are full of healthy foods. Tess is doing a great job while keeping Kolkata's taste buds in mind and giving variety in one meal, while still feeling familiar.
The vegetarian selection at Tess in a Bowl is a celebration of both comfort and nourishment, each dish crafted to be as satisfying as it is wholesome. Guests can relish the classic American Chop Suey, where stir-fried exotic vegetables, pineapple, and bean sprouts meet the irresistible crunch of crispy noodles, or indulge in the Edamame Fried Rice with Buddha’s Delight with bamboo shoots and vibrant vegetables. 
For those seeking bolder flavours, the Mapo Tofu with Golden Garlic Fried Rice pairs spice-laden tofu with fragrant garlic-infused rice, while the Wok Tossed Noodles with Dumpling Manchurian brings together soya-flavoured noodles and tangy dumplings in a sauce brimming with Indo-Chinese flair. The Veg Ramen rounds out the vegetarian offerings with its blend of tofu, fresh vegetables, and noodles in a steaming, spicy broth.
For non-vegetarian diners, the menu spans the culinary map of Asia, delivering rich, layered flavours in every bowl. The Vietnamese Chicken Curry with Jasmine Rice offers tender chicken and potatoes simmered in a light, coconut-based curry that is both fragrant and soothing. For a spicier option, the Chicken Kra Pao with Burnt Garlic Fried Rice serves up bold Thai basil and chilli, crowned with a sunny-side-up egg.
Slurrp-approved Best Dishes One Must Try at Tess In A Bowl
Tess in a Bowl truly brings in an experience like no other during the monsoon season, whether you want something light and healthy or something rich and decadent. Slurrp tried them all, and here’s how we liked them.
1. Edamame Fried Rice with Buddha's Delight
The meal started with this amazingly beautiful bowl, following its aroma and vibrant presentation. A wholesome and vibrant dish, Edamame Fried Rice with Buddha’s Delight combines fluffy wok-tossed rice, tender edamame beans, corns, and a colourful medley of fresh vegetables. Lightly seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil, it offers a balanced umami flavour. Buddha’s Delight, a traditional Chinese vegetarian stir-fry, adds mushrooms and baby corn for texture and protein. While talking about the Kolkata monsoon, this dish matches perfectly with the weather. It’s both nourishing and satisfying, ideal for a health-conscious yet flavourful meal.
2. Non-Veg Ramen Bowl
For all the spice lovers, this is your dish. This Japanese classic features a rich, aromatic broth—often pork or chicken-based—simmered for hours to develop deep, savoury notes. Springy ramen noodles soak up the flavourful soup, complemented by tender slices of meat. Toppings like soft-boiled eggs, nori, bamboo shoots, and scallions add complexity in taste and texture.
3. Wok Tossed Noodles With Dumpling Manchurian
An Indo-Chinese fusion delight, this dish pairs smoky wok-tossed noodles with the bold flavours of Dumpling Manchurian. The noodles are stir-fried with crisp vegetables, soy sauce, garlic, and chilli for a tangy-spicy kick. The dumplings—crispy outside and tender inside—are coated in a glossy Manchurian sauce that’s savoury, slightly sweet, and mildly hot. Together, it brings in a street-style comfort food that’s perfect for those who love Asian cuisine with an Indian twist.
4. Japanese Katsu Bowl
There’s hardly anything warmer for a monsoon meal than this. The Japanese Katsu Bowl features crispy, golden-breaded cutlets—traditionally chicken or pork—served over a bed of steaming rice. The cutlet is coated in panko breadcrumbs for an airy crunch, then drizzled with tangy-sweet tonkatsu sauce. Often accompanied by shredded cabbage, pickles, and a soft-cooked egg, the bowl balances crisp textures with the tenderness of the meat. The combination of savoury sauce, crunchy coating, and warm rice creates a fulfilling, layered eating experience that’s both satisfying and indulgent.
5. Vietnamese Chicken Curry With Jasmine Rice
This fragrant Vietnamese curry is a harmonious blend of tender chicken simmered in coconut milk, tender coconut paste with lemongrass, turmeric, and spices. Unlike heavier curries, it’s light yet aromatic, with a slightly sweet and savoury profile. Chunks of potatoes, carrots, and onions absorb the rich broth. Served with jasmine rice, the subtle floral aroma complements the curry’s creaminess. You can literally feel the rich, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
6. Torta Mimosa with Blueberry, Graham Cracker Base And Custard Topping
This variation of Torta Mimosa begins with a buttery graham cracker base, following a crisp, slightly caramelised crunch. Above it sits a soft, airy sponge cake layered with fresh blueberries, their juicy sweetness adding a vibrant burst of flavour. Just before you take a bite of it, the dessert is crowned with silky custard, serving as a luscious “dressing” that seeps into each bite. Finished with the traditional sponge crumbs for the signature mimosa flower look, it delivers a delightful balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures in every slice.
Slurrp got some time to have a word with Chef Sougata Halder about how Asian bowls are making their way to Kolkata.
Slurrp: How do you think the concept of Asian bowls is gaining traction in Kolkata? What do you think makes this style of food appealing to the local audience?
Chef Sougata Halder: Kolkata has always had a deep love for flavours and a curiosity for global cuisine. The Asian bowl concept is catching on because it offers a wholesome, complete meal in one dish—protein, carbs, vegetables, and bold flavours layered together. It’s versatile, visually appealing, and easy to customize, which resonates with a city that enjoys both the comfort of home-style food and the excitement of new experiences.
Slurrp: In your opinion, what has been the response to authentic Asian food bowls in Kolkata, particularly when compared to traditional Indian food items? Are people more open to trying these new flavours?
Chef Sougata Halder: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. While Indian cuisine remains a comfort zone, many Kolkatans are now actively seeking authentic global flavours. Dishes like ramen, bibimbap, and laksa have moved from being “exotic” to “everyday indulgences” for a growing number of diners. People are open to trying these flavours because they see them as an extension of their culinary repertoire, not a replacement for Indian food.
Slurrp: What do you think are the key factors driving the popularity of Asian food bowls in Kolkata? Is it the convenience, the unique flavours, or something else?
Chef Sougata Halder: It’s a combination of factors—convenience plays a role, but it’s also about the health-conscious shift towards balanced meals, the fresh ingredients, and the depth of flavour that Asian cuisine brings. The interactive nature of a bowl—where each bite can offer something slightly different—also appeals to those who want variety without ordering multiple dishes.
Slurrp: How do you balance authenticity with local tastes when preparing Asian food bowls for a Kolkata audience? Are there any adjustments you make to cater to local preferences?
Chef Sougata Halder: We believe in staying true to the soul of the dish, but we are also mindful of Kolkata’s palate. This could mean fine-tuning spice levels, ensuring the broth has a depth that appeals to local taste, or incorporating seasonal produce that people here are familiar with. The idea is to retain the authenticity of the cooking techniques and core flavours, while making it feel approachable to someone trying it for the first time.
Slurrp: Do you see a growing trend of Kolkata residents opting for fusion or international dishes like Asian food bowls alongside traditional Bengali cuisine? How do you think both can coexist?
Chef Sougata Halder: Absolutely. Food culture in Kolkata is all about addition, not substitution. People will happily enjoy a bowl of pho one day and a plate of kosha mangsho the next. Both can coexist beautifully because they fulfill different moods—traditional cuisine ties to nostalgia and family traditions, while international dishes add excitement and variety to everyday dining.
Slurrp: What is your approach to introducing less familiar Asian dishes to the people of Kolkata, especially when they are used to more traditional Indian food?
Chef Sougata Halder: We start with storytelling—explaining the origins, ingredients, and cultural significance of the dish, often through our menu design or our staff’s interaction with guests. We also make the first experience easy by pairing new dishes with familiar textures or flavours, so the transition feels natural. Once people understand the “why” behind a dish, they are much more open to embracing its unique taste.
Asian bowls are perfect for the monsoon since they are snug and cosy. Every bowl at Tess seems like a warm hug against the rain-soaked metropolis, from sizzling ramen to fragrant curries. Kolkata loves robust flavours with lip-smacking taste. Thus, these bowls are a seasonal favourite because of the different broths, sauces, and spices.
- Venue: Tess, Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata
- Date: Till 17th August
- Time: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
- Price: Vegetarian INR 550 ++ onwards
Non-Vegetarian INR 750++ onwards - Address: 17 Garcha 1st Lane, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019
- For Reservations: +91 6292 307 592 & +91 6292 307 619
