Allen's kitchen (Sovabazar)

Prawn Cutlet

Stated just opposite Mitra cafe in Sovabazar, a few steps walk from sovabazar metro station, Allen's kitchen is one of the famous food joints famous for its fried finger foods. Allen Kitchen was founded by Jibonkrishna Saha, a Bengali chef, in the late nineteenth century. It used to be a desired destination for many well-known Bengali citizens including Uttam Kumar. Specializing in cutlets and fries, it has a legacy of more than 75 years. Regular customers swear by its Prawn cutlet fried in pure ghee and fish cutlet. The aroma of burnt ghee adds to the cozy environment, churning up the hunger even more. The fish fry is a real delight prepared with original and fresh Bhetki fish cooked to the perfection.

Mitra Cafe (Sovabazar Crossing)

Mitra Cafe entrance

Carrying on the legacy for more than 100 years, this quintessential bengali food joint is a place you should not miss. Located near Sovabazar metro station, Mitra Cafe is always crowded and one have to wait for at least 10 to 15 minutes before getting a table. The takeaway counter also gets a long queue, thanks to the consistent assembly of regular customers who does not fail to grab their daily share of fried delicacies like fish fry, fish cutlet, chicken kabiraji, egg devil, veg chop and many more. Right from the afternoon the crowd starts pouring in.

Naba Malancha Restaurant (Hatibagan, Sovabajar)

Menu of Malancha restaurant

Fish kabiraji @ Malancha

If you ever happen to walk by the busy streets of north kolkata, you will unfailingly notice the numerous snacks counter lining the road side shops selling all kind of fried delicacies. Almost 80 years old, Malancha restaurant in Hatibagan is one of the oldest and well known establishment, catering to the needs of the Bengali palate. The interiors are not swank and clean like the eateries we see in other part of kolkata, but the old kolkata charm gives a different kind of feeling and when the food is good, one barely notices the old tables and worn down paints.  Though they serve a wide variety of items from biriyani to noodles. 

Chicken Cutlet @ Malancha

The more known and sought after items are on the starter list. Which features cutlets, fries, fingers and more. The spicy chicken cutlet is a must have along with a fish item. It may be the huge fish kabiraji or the crispy fish fry. All of these fried beauties are served with mustard sauce and green salad of cucumber, onion, carrot and beetroot. For those who look to fill their stomach in a limited budget, mutton afghani with butter toast is a good option. The afghani is a big chunk of minced mutton fried in batter and dipped in a spicy gravy.

Foods @ Malancha

Malancha has got both take away and sit n eat option. The prices are cheap compared to other eateries and since the quality of food is great, it seems more reasonable. These restaurants believe in customer retaining and thus concentrates more on quality food and prompt service than a glitzy outlook. Rather than having a full course meal it is better to go for evening snacks, since they are more famous for that, and come out with a smile on your face.

Location:   102A, Aurobindo Sarani, Hati Bagan, Below State Bank of India, Kolkata – 700006, West Bengal

Contact No.: (+91)(33) 25333250

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Bohemian (Ballygunge)

The entrance

Chef Joy Banerjee has opened the doors to experimentation! The moment you see the menu of Bohemian, you notice words that have been regularly used in our staple Bengali diet, but unlike what we have ever tried before. We normally shy away from “shei Bangali khabar” when we dine out, but Bohemian is all set to change that habit in us. Chef Banerjee has used known spices and recipes from our Mother and Grandmother’s kitchen and has transformed them into a global dining experience. The palate is so subtle in its newness that even Bengalis who have grown up with these flavours, discover something new with every spoonful.

Wall graffiti in the loo

Unlike other restaurants where the waiters politely take down whatever you order, suggesting only when asked, here the people are encouraged to assist the diners to choose the best from the menu, for a great culinary experience.

The menu is detailed and thorough, with ample choices among appetizers, salads, mains and desert. The restaurant doesn’t serve liquor, but there are some interesting sorbets and mocktails to choose from.

Palate cleansers and appetizers

Keema wraps

The top pick in appetizers are the Vodka Soaked Prawns with Grilled Garlic Aioli, Joyous Mutton Chops, Lemon Chicken on Lemon Skewers and Chilli Pickle and Cheese Baked Crab with Kolmi Greens. This last item is a treat. Served in an earthen bowl, like the one on which ‘firni’ is served; it is delicious and you are left wanting more. There are some healthy options for salads, with lots of greens and it is served with garlic bread on the side. To wash down your food, try the refreshing Orange and Aaam Adaa Sorbet, or drink up a Sex on the Beach.

Bacon wrapped prwans

Lemon chicken skewer

Vodka soaked prwans

Bohemian serves all their mains with rice and Kolmi greens. They also decorate the sides of the dish with sprinkled spices. For main course, Bohemian has some good options and you are almost at a loss as to what to choose.

Joyous mutton chops

Chicken supreme s

            
Dig into their Bhekti in Bengal Berry Sauce, teamed Breast of Chicken with Radhuni enriched curry sauce, Prawns stewed with Spicy Alphonso Sauce and Adaa Mouri Mangsho. There are numerous vegetarian options as well. You can dig into a dish of Mushroom and Pineapple Skewers with Spicy Coriander and Kalojeera, Cauliflower and Peas in Lemon, Chilli and Coconut Cream.

Aada mouri mangsho

The service is fast, with food reaching the table in 15 minutes top!! Once you taste the food, you will be left exclaiming in delight. The sauces are well seasoned and the poultry, meat and fish well cooked and tender. You will never realise that your traditional Bengali spices could create such delicious fusion food.

Spicy Grilled Bhetki with Radhuni-Enriched Curry

Everybody loves a round of dessert to wrap up and Bohemian excels here as well. They have a Malpoa Cheese Cake that is the talk of the town. If you are someone who is a die-hard chocolate fan, then the ‘Death by Chocolate’ will surely leave you stunned. The smooth luscious chocolate served in a Cognac glass, tempts you to try some more. You can also try Yoghurt and Kalojeera Brulee, and Gondhoraj Soufflé.

Mutton in green mango & cheese sauce

The only problem when it comes to dessert is that the portions are not the same for everyone, so you might be stuck with a diner who gets a bigger looking portion than you.

Bohemian adds to its culinary experience with its hippy decor. There is a display of rock and roll posters in the front while the walls have framed photos of tarot cards. The eccentric nature of the decor is extended even to the loo; it has bright colourful walls with lyrics from famous Bengali songs scribbled all over.

Malpua Cheese Cake

death by chocolate and gondhoraj souffle

Bohemian is a little over priced, with most of the food items priced between Rs. 150 – 350. A meal for two would cost you around Rs. 1300 (without taxes). A small restaurant with a maximum capacity of 30-40 people, it is always recommended that you book in advance.

If you want to experiment with food, then you should surely visit Bohemian. Tuck into the delicious fusion food and get in touch with your Bonghippy side!

Review done by- Suchismita Dattagupta

Location: Building No. 32/4, Old Ballygunge, 1st Lane, Near Sitala Mandir, Ballygunge, Kolkata- 700019

Contact No.: (+91)(33) 66064206 (+91)(33) 64601002, (+91)(33) 64604001, (+91)(33) 64609005

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