s a city Kolkata, never fails to tantalize the taste buds of its residents. From spicy street snacks to sumptuous sweets, Kolkata’s foodscape is the embodiment of the city’s cultural heritage. Dhabas are roadside eateries known for their delectable and often indulgent dishes and are an integral part of the city’s foodscape. The list below comprises the Top 20 dhabas, which you must visit when you are in Kolkata.
1.Sharma Dhaba
This Dhaba is quite popular in the city, especially for its North Indian cuisine which includes buttery gravies, succulent kebabs, giant rumali rotis and more. The place fills up quickly during the evening but that should not stop you from enjoying a delicious meal inside your car. The Dhaba is also open 24 hours and therefore can be visited at any time of the day.
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2.Bachan’s Dhaba
This open-air eatery is known for its North Indian fare and relaxed vibe. It is essential that you also try it out. Due to the dhaba’s convenient location, it fills up fast and has become a popular hangout spot for many. Their signature naan bread hot off the tandoor and served with aromatic curries of your choice is a must-try. Palak paneer (spinach and cheese in a creamy sauce) and butter chicken are also some of the classics you can try.
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3.Rang De Basanti Dhaba
It is a renowned Punjabi-style Dhaba in Kolkata with several outlets in the city. The Dhaba also serves delicious North Indian food at a reasonable rate. Some of the items on their menu include Tawa Biryani, chilli garlic rumali, Masala kulcha and many other fusion dishes.
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4.Sher- E- Punjab
If you’re looking for authentic Punjabi cuisine in an open-air setting, Sher-e-Punjab’s Kolaghat outlet is the place to go. You can start your meal with a plate of masala papad or chilli paneer, then fill up on butter chicken, dal makhani, tadka served with hot naan bread and wash it all down with a glass of lassi or chai. The homemade style cooking along with the dhaba’s location will transport you to the Punjabi countryside.
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5.Sanjha Chula
This place is more of a restaurant than a Dhaba but that doesn’t mean that it comprises of the food. Situated on EM bypass this restaurant is famous for hosting major events like weddings and receptions as well as its diverse menu that caters to both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian palates. The hallmark of this restaurant is its puddings, falooda and gulab jamun.
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6.Azad Hind Dhaba
This iconic food joint remains open as late as 4 a.m. It’s Hindustan Park and Ballygunge outlet is the most well-known and generally crowded at night. Some of their must-try dishes include Butter chicken, Chicken bharta, Naan, Tandoor chicken etc. Many customers also dine inside or on the Hood of their respective cars, when they stop at the Dhaba for a quick bite.
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7.Jai Hind Dhaba
The Bhowanipore outlet of this popular eatery is known for its North Indian cuisine which features items such as chicken biryani, paneer tikka, chicken tikka and their famous soft and freshly prepared Tandoori Roti.
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8.Honey Da Dhaba
Honey Da Dhaba has been serving authentic Punjabi food for more than 30 years. The recipe for the Punjabi delicacies on their menu has been passed down within the owner’s family through generations and is one of the reasons that makes this Dhaba what it is. The Tandoori Kukkad, Chicken bharta, Dal Makhani, and Mutton Saagwala are a few of the delicacies on their menu.
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9.Balwant Singh’s Eating House
Balwant Singh Eating House or Balwant Singh Dhaba as popularly known by the people of this city is the go-to spot if you want to have some tasty vegetarian food. It is located beside Gurudwara Sant Kutiya and is known for its Kesar Chai, Chilled Dhoodh-cola and Kulhads which they serve until 4 a.m. Their Chole Bhatures are also equally tasty.
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10.Balle Balle Dhaba
Located in Salt Lake, Balle Dhaba is an authentic Punjabi restaurant serving Punjabi delicacies like Dal Makhani, Naan, Tandoori chicken and Paneer Pulao. The interior of this restaurant follows a fun theme and adds to the overall dining experience.
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11.Russel Punjabi Dhaba
Another famous Punjabi joint is known for its efficient drive-in services and delicious food which they serve at pocket-friendly prices. The Dhaba remains crowded most of the time, so it might take some time to take orders but the food served here is definitely worth the wait.
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12.Dhaba Junction
Dhaba Junction, in Ballygunge, has been successful in capturing the essence of ‘Dhabas’ in its way. The menu of the restaurant sticks to the classics and has become a popular spot for hot freshly prepared naans, especially their garlic and butter naans. The palak paneer and chicken butter masala are as always, crowd pleasers.
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13.Ballygunge Dhaba
This is one of the oldest street-side eateries serving traditional Indian as well as Chinese fare in a simple space. The taste of each dish on the menu does not disappoint compared to the prices, which remain the same even today. Some of their must-try items are Butter garlic naan, Mixed fried rice, Chicken Tandoori, Mutton roganjosh and Sugar-free lassi.
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14.Pind Punjabi Dhaba
The Dhaba serves and is open for delivery till 2 a.m. It gets the North Indian palate to the point along with the ambience and interiors which will enhance your overall experience. Some of the items you can order are their Malai Kofta, Amritsari Kulcha, Chole masala and Veg kebab platter.
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15.Ballu Da Dhaba
Another Dhaba-style restaurant, Ballu da Dhaba is the perfect place to hang out with your friends and family. The beautiful décor of this restaurant will ensure that you do not miss out on the authentic Dhaba experience. As the restaurant is multicuisine, you can enjoy your favourite North Indian, Mughlai and Chinese food at a reasonable rate.
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16.Oye Balle Balle Dhaba
Another colourful late-night hangout spot serving North Indian as well as Chinese delicacies. The options that you get on their North Indian menu are diverse. Their Biryani, both chicken and mutton are equally delicious. Their side dishes and Indian breads also do not disappoint.
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17.Byepass Dhaba
Situated near Tangra, the menu of the eatery has an array of options, from North Indian to Chinese. The Reshmi butter chicken, Murg lababdar, Tandoori murg and Cheese garlic naan are some of their popular dishes. It has a huge seating area inside, and can easily accommodate a large group of customers.
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18.Tinny Da Dhaba
This Dhaba offers a cosy atmosphere where you can enjoy a hearty meal along with your squad. The Dhaba is known for its delicious Punjabi cuisine that you get at budget-friendly prices. Some must-try items from their menu are Butter naan, Chana Masala, and Paneer tikka masala.
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19.Apna Dhaba
This Dhaba in Bhowanipore is a local favourite, known for its freshly prepared North Indian cuisine. The price of each item on their menu is very reasonable making this the perfect spot for an evening meal. The Dhaba provides for a perfect spot for college students to hang out.
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20.Golden Dhaba
Golden Dhaba is known for its lip-smacking, spice-infused Indian dishes. It is quite popular in Bhowanipore, especially because of its kebabs. The place also serves elaborate Chinese fare but is most recognized for its Indian cuisine.
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