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There are two kinds of people who reside in Kolkata. When the skies turn grey, the former rush back home before the rain starts, internally aware of the cozy sizzling of monsoon snacks being prepared at home. While the latter kind happily enjoy getting drenched, because they know a plate of telebhaja or a steaming cup of cha is waiting for them at the end of their water-boarded adventure. Thus, food, and more importantly, snacks suiting the mood and weather are a must for Kolkata residents. As it is one of their favourite forms of emotional expression and satiation, be it of joy or sadness.
However, the monsoon in Kolkata is not just another season—it changes the city's food mood completely. The aroma of snacks sizzling in oil from the roadside stalls becomes irresistible, tea stalls get busier than ever, and every neighbourhood seems to have someone frying various Bengali snacks at home. The best part? You will never have to spend a fortune in the City of Joy to sample its culinary offerings.
Most adults rush about in the monsoon towards their intended destinations, too preoccupied to savour life on work days. But the season is ideal for youngsters, children and those struck by the notions of existentialism or love. For them, money may be tight, but enjoying the moment is ultimate. Their joy still lies in the little things, a paper boat merrily floating in a puddle, a single rose stunningly drenched by the rain, or a shared plate of samosa chaat.
For those kids, dreamers, couples in love, or simply the one who finds the divine and the intangible in the mundane, a budget-friendly bucket list of Kolkata’s best monsoon comfort eats.
Best Places For Monsoon Comfort Food On A Budget
1. Kebab Mai Haddi
Located in an up-and-coming social hub of the city, Kebab Mai Haddi is a food truck located near New Town Clock Tower. It is not the only one there. More than 20 food trucks operate in that area, and each offers a variety of cuisines, from Korean fried chicken to spicy ramen bowls to pita pockets to kebabs to boba tea and more. The entire area has a lot of seating arrangements, both open air as well as enclosed areas for picnicking. There is also a large toilet complex nearby that is very well-maintained and handy.
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However, Kebab Mai Haddi stands out among the rest for its delicious menu and pocket friendly prices. They are a food truck specialising in juicy kebabs, fusion foods, and wraps of every size and variety. Their Cheesy Chicken kebabs, Chicken Seekh Kebab wrap, The King’s wrap, and tandoori chicken momos are not to be missed. The juicy kebabs are always properly cooked, and the wraps are always encased in roomali rotis, making every bite light, balanced, and delectable.
Address: New Town Clock Tower Plaza, Street Number 106, BG Block, Action Area I, Newtown, Kolkata, West Bengal 700163.
Timings: 6 pm to 11 pm, closed on Mondays.
Cost for two: ₹ 250 - ₹450
2. Buro Dar Chop Shilpo
This iconic Bengali fritters shop, or ‘chop er dokan ’, went viral across social media for its catchy branding that playfully highlights the Bengali tradition of snack-making in a semi-political fashion. However, Buro Dar Chop Shilpo is highly regarded by customers for maintaining food quality and authenticity while serving crispy telebhaja and other Bengali fried snacks to Kolkata residents, making it the ultimate budget-friendly monsoon comfort food destination. The shop’s signatures include mochar chop (banana flower fritter), narker chop (coconut malai fritter), Bhetki fish kabiraji, Rajshahi mutton cutlet, and chicken fowl cutlet.
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Address: D 1, Ananda Pally, Regent Park, Ramkrishna Upanibesh, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700032. Located on the main road between Sulekha More and Baghajatin More in South Kolkata.
Timings: 1 pm to 11 pm (open all days)
Cost for two: ₹100 to ₹200
3. Maharaj Snacks
Iconic and decades-old, the Maharaj Snacks (and its close-neighbour, partner store, Maharani) have been widely celebrated by Kolkata residents of all walks of life for its elite kachoris and malai toast. You can order small, fluffy hing kachoris for a mouthwatering combination with spicy potato curry and green chillies for a memorable monsoon budget meal. For dessert, go for thin, crispy jalebis, if piping hot and fresh. Else opt for the rich malai toast, and you will not be sorry.
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Address: 195A, Sarat Bose Road, Lake Market, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029 (Right near Deshapriya Park).
Timings: 6 am to 10.30 pm (kachoris sell out very fast, so be there early morning or evening to find some).
Cost for two: ₹100 to ₹250
Also read: 4 mithais to enjoy this monsoon season
4. Ramkrishna Mistanna Bhandar
Located in Beliaghata, this iconic sweet shop is over 70 years old and has no other branches. It is highly regarded among locals for its high-quality, authentic Bengali sweets and snacks. Not only do they specialise in traditional Bengali desserts, but they also come up with unique fusions of their own for various mishtis. During monsoon, their traditional singaras (samosas) are not to be missed.
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Crisp, piping hot, and filled generously with a delectable spicy potato filling. When dipped in chutney, the match is made in heaven. These singaras usually sell out like hot cakes during morning and early evening, making latecomers repent their delay each time. While all their sweets are delicious, their mishti doi and rabdi are among the best in Kolkata and remain criminally underrated.
Address: No. 61, 127, Hem Chandra Naskar Road, Subhas Sarobar Park, Phoolbagan, Beleghata, Kolkata, West Bengal 700010.
Timings: 7 am to 10:45 pm (open all days)
Cost for two: ₹100 to ₹250
5. Gupta Tea
While there are many shops of the same name, the Gupta Tea located in Salt Lake, Sector 1, shall forever be at the top of that list. This iconic, street-side gem is legendary for serving some of the richest and most premium-grade milk tea in all of Kolkata. They are renowned for their incredibly thick, creamy Malai Tea brewed with a dash of saffron. Plus, their tea is served traditional-style in clay cups (bhar) of various prices and sizes. Most customers who visit the store once cease frequenting elsewhere whenever in Salt Lake. Gupta Tea also serves standard breakfast items such as kachoris alongside other quick snacks.
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Address: DC 22, Salt Lake Road, DC Block, Sector 1, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700064. Directly opposite the Indian Oil Petrol Pump near City Centre 1.
Timings: 6 am to 11 pm (open all days).
Cost for two: ₹100 to ₹200
