Share
If there’s one thing that ‘Piku - Motion Se Hi Emotion,’ by Shoojit Sircar, got right about Bengalis, it would be almost everything in the film. The sheer relatability of each scene from the start to the end, from Delhi to Kolkata, resonated with a huge group of people from the community. Making its appearance again, food also takes an important character role to narrate the story of the Banerjee family.
Image Credit: @pikuthefulm and Mohan Bhandar
Just like every Calcutta film there is, there are scenes filled with iconic street foods and daily Bengali meals, with Anupam Roy’s lyrics tying the film together with every word and note. The film zooms in on certain iconic spots that every Calcuttan loves and visits often. 100-year-old Mohan Bhandar also reaches it’s fame in this film when Bhaskar Banerjee, aka Amitabh Bachchan, cycles around the city in the early winter mornings and buys packets full of kochuri, cholar daal, aloo torkari and jilipi. Mohan Bhandar is a famous breakfast joint in Dharmatala, and if you do not pay attention, you will miss it. Once you reach, the front window case near the entrance is filled with mishti. One side of the store's walls features pictures of Amitabh Bachchan, who was a proud visitor.
From the father-daughter relationship to the city's thriving culinary industry, Piku encapsulated the spirit of Kolkata. Bengalis are renowned for their love of mishti, jilipis, and kochuri, all of which Mohan Bhandar expertly prepares. There are now lines outside the store. This tiny restaurant offers a hint of tradition and is situated across from the Regal Cinema Hall. A light aloo tarkari and a zesty chutney are the best accompaniments to their jilpis and hing kochuri. The chilli pickle is chef’s kiss. Mohan Bhandar is a must-visit for a lovely morning or evening snack because it is incredibly affordable and full of flavour.
Founded in the early 1920s, this unpretentious shop turned into a gastronomic icon. For people who value traditional and cosy meals, the key term ‘Mohan Bhandar’ strikes a deep chord. Every meal served here, from hearty dal makhani to steaming hot parathas, bears witness to its long history. Both residents and visitors continue to love Mohan Bhandar despite shifting culinary trends. Its steadfast dedication to history and quality is what makes it unique.
Image Credit: Mohan Bhandar
The ingredients are handpicked, the spices ground in-house and the recipes remain unchanged for decades. Whether it’s the irresistible chole bhature or the comforting masala chai, every bite takes you on a nostalgic journey. It is this consistency and authenticity that make Mohan Bhandar an institution in its own right.
Image Credit: Mohan Bhandar
A Kolkata favourite that stood the test of time, fed generations, and even made it to the silver screen, Mohan Bhandar is 100 years strong! If you’re ever in Kolkata and want to try some really good food at a cheap price, visiting this food joint is a must.
Address: 140, SN Banerjee Road, opp. Regal Cinema, Esplanade, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700013
Timings: 8 AM - 10 PM
Price: INR 150 for two
