Food determines the culture and taste of a region. When traveling for business or pleasure, good food is always on our minds. Bengali cuisine is influenced by the lifestyle of the Mughal Nizam and the British who settled in West Bengal and helped shape the current Bengali cuisine. Their plates come with rice, salad, raita, pickles, and something sweet and can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian. The fish dishes are expertly prepared to not only enhance their flavor but also to enhance their freshness. Don’t forget the iconic delicacies of West Bengal, they are the best. Though Kolkata is known for its street food, and delicacies, imagine all this being plated in front of you. Yes, I am talking about a humble, delicious, and colorful bangla thali/platter. It’s one of the best things in your entire life. Many restaurants and hotels in Kolkata serve authentic thali daily.
1.Ballygunge Place Thali
A popular Bengali selection, this restaurant has now expanded its menu to include Thali dishes. Located in the IT district of Kolkata, the restaurant is known for its corporate outlets and simple yet elegant décor. Their plates consist of many dishes served in a few portions. The vegetable plate gives you four luchis (fluffed puri), rice, two types of bhaji (vegetables), aloo dum, and shukhto. The non-Vegetarian Thali offers everything you would find in a Vegetarian Thali, including chicken kosha, shrimp Malay, and lamb kosha. Location: 37, Rajdanga Main Road., Sarat Park, Bosepukur Purbapara, Kasba. Cost for Two People: INR 700 Opening and closing time: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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2.Teej
Teej is the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Kolkata. The exterior of Teej is similar to the old buildings of Jaipur, but with high ceilings, colorful chandeliers, and intricate patterns all over for a royal look. They have two options for their plates: Rajasthani and North Indian. The two Rajasthani plates have an unlimited array of Dal Bati Churma, Sangri, Gatte Ki Sabzi, Chhena Sweet, Rice, Missy Roti, Dal Puranpoli, etc. The North Indian Thali includes potatoes, ghee, rice fried, and chena sweets. Location: No. 2, Russell Street, Park Street. Cost for Two People: INR 1,000 Time for opening and closing : Lunch: 12 p.m. to 3.30 p.m, Dinner: 7 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.
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3.Khandani Rajdhani
Kolkata people love the Rajasthani and Gujarati cuisine served at Khandni Rajdhani restaurants. Here you can eat maharaja thali which is always served until you ask them to stop. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes and changes its thali menu regularly. Enjoy their Dal Bati Churma, Paneer Hariyali, Kadhi Pakori, Batata Ambat, Pushpavatan, Chavli Kand, Dhokla, Phulka Roti, Bajra Rotla and rice. Location: Avani Riverside Mall, Howrah. Cost for Two People: INR 800 Time for opening and Closing : Lunch: Noon to 3.30 p.m, and Dinner: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
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4.The Bhoj Company
Opened in 2012, this restaurant serves authentic Dhakai Bangladeshi food. After a few years, the most affordable Bengali cuisine is the Bhoj Company. Traditional decor and Bengali music in the background will make you feel right at home in Kolkata. The restaurant’s popular dishes include Kochu Pata diye Ilish Bhapa, Gondhoraj Chicken Fry, and Pulao with Chicken Kassa. Location : 30A, Mirza Ghalib Street, Esplanade, Opposite, Taltala. Cost for Two People: INR 400 Time for opening and closing: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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5.Saptapadi
The restaurant opened after the 1961 Bengali film “Saptapadi” starring Suchitra Sen and Uttam Kumar. It is famous for its fusion and traditional Bengali dishes. Framed photographs from the film decorate the décor as well as the appearance of the menu. Here you can enjoy delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian plates. Some of the must-have fusion dishes here include Murgi Bhora, Moose with Tomato Tulsi Coolie, Rossogolla, and Gonghoraj Frikasi. Traditional dishes include Murala Chor Chori, Misthipulao, and more. To make your time here more memorable, soft Bengali romantic songs are also played in the background. Location: 49B, Purna Das Road, Golpark, Hindustan Park, Gariahat. Cost for Two People: INR 1,000 Time for opening and closing: noon to 4 p.m.; 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
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6.Aaheli
Aheli opened in 1993 as the first Bengali fine-dining restaurant. It is the only one of its kind in Kolkata. No plastic cutlery is used in the restaurant and the staff wear traditional Bengali attire. Memorable items on the menu include Chingri Malaikari, Kosha Mangsho, and Rui Macher Patishapta. Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Road, New Market Area, Dharmatala. Cost for Two People: INR 2,000 Time for opening and closing: 12:30 p.m–10 p.m.
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7.Kewpie’s Kitchen
This is a family-run restaurant serving traditional, authentic Bengali cuisine from its treasured cuisine. Their thali or bungalow plate is the most popular in town, even though it only seats 50 people. To preserve the traditional spirit, the dish is served on ceramic plates, bowls, and banana leaves. Some must-try dishes are Bhetki Fry, Chingri Malai, Elish Bhapa, Doi Begun, and Dhokar Dalna. Location: No. 2, Elgin Lane, Behind Netaji Bhavan, Bhowanipore Cost for Two People: INR 900 Time for opening and closing: 12:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
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8.Taj Bengal
Taj Bengal opened its doors in 1989, is the most famous restaurant in Sonargaon, and has become the most popular to date. The decor of the restaurant is based on a village in the Northwest Frontier Province, from the lighting to the chairs and decor. Sonargaon is now Kolkata’s factory for Bengali cuisine, thanks to the ambiance of its five-star hotels. The Sonargaon plate is irresistible. Location: 34-B, Belvedere Road, Alipore, West Bengal. Cost for Two People: INR 6,000 Time for opening and closing: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
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9.Rao’s Udipi Home
Come to Rao’s Udipi home for an incredible experience of South Indian vegetarian food. This restaurant also serves a wide and affordable thali for INR 70. The South Indian vegetarian thali consists of papad, pickles, and salad, as well as sambar, rasam, and fried rice You won’t find such good and affordable thali anywhere else in Kolkata. Location: 25, Jatindas Road, opposite Carfill Petrol Pump, Lake Market, Kalighat. Cost for Two People: INR 140 Time for opening and closing: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m
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10.Dalma
Dalma offers vegetarian and vegan Pakhala Thali and Dalma Special Vegetarian Thali. Their thalis usually offer a variety of protein options like lamb, chicken, or fish. Their Pakhala Thali is served overnight with steamed rice and served with cucumber, carrot salad, dates, and tomato chutney, chilled with rice, cucumber, mint leaves, mustard seeds, and curd before serving, and potatoes and spinach are added. Location: Ground Floor, Shaila Towers, EP Block, Sector V, Bidhannagar. Cost for Two People: INR 200 Time for opening and closing: 10 a.m. to 10: 30 p.m.
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11.Oh, Calcutta
Oh, Calcutta! It is a place to experience the complete Bengal at Kolkata in one go. The essence of Bengal is successfully grasped in it. The restaurant has been served numerous awards for its traditional food, décor, and service. It has several chains opened up in the top cities of the country as well. The menu of the restaurant includes a unique combination of traditional Bengali cuisines. It has Nawabi, Anglo-Indian, and Colonial cuisine as well. The history of Bengal is served on a plate. Some of the must try iconic dishes of the restaurant are Bhapa Ilish (Steamed Hilsa fish), Smoked Bhetki, Dhakai fish tikka (tandoori marinated fish), Chicken cooked in Bangladeshi style, Sondesh Bhapa (cottage cheese steamed) and Paayesh (Rice pudding). Cost for two People – INR 2000 Location- Forum Mall, Kolkata.
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12.Bhojohori Manna
Named after the famous Bengali song Manna Dey in the 70s, they have been serving homemade fresh Bengali food for years. It serves vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and affordable bangla thali. There are many shopping centers around Kolkata. The amazing dishes of this restaurant include Kosha Mangsho with Lucchi, Bhekti Roll, Stuffed Egg Chop, Pomfret Paturi, and Misty Doi. You can always book couple-friendly hotels in the Salt Lake area of Kolkata and work out a food tour with your partner. Location- Branches at – Gariahat, Ekdalia Road, Hazra, Salt Lake Sector I V, and many others. Cost for two people: INR 600
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13.Kasturi
Since 1994, This restaurent serves the authentic Dhakai Bangladeshi cuisine. This cuisine is served in Kasturi Nagar and has won many awards in the past though the decor is not fine dining type, the food is worth eating. A classic Kasturi dish is kochu bhapa chingri (fried shrimp with taro root). Location- New Market Area, Kolkata. It has branches at Ballugunge and Hindustan Road as well. Cost for two people: INR 600
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14.Blue Poppy
It’s best to get here early – Blue Poppy, popular with both college students and office workers near the grounds, is always jam-packed. Apart from their famous {and delicious} pork momos and shaptas, they also have Nepali thali in their veg and non-veg options. One of the ingredients is Gondruk, a fermented vegetable that is very popular in Nepal. Another food we found very interesting was Kinema, a soybean food made with lactobacillus. A veg thali consisting of steamed rice and two sides of vegetables, and is served with pork, chicken, or fish for non-veg. For any meal, Blue Poppy is a great place. Location: Maidan, Howrah. Cost: 110/- onwards.
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15.Broadway
This grand old Kolkata pub has just launched an impressive range of thalis. They have Chinese and Thai options – the former has fried rice, chow mien, chili chicken, hot garlic vegetables, and a side of kimchi. Thai Thali offers fried rice and Thai noodles with chicken Thai red curry, as well as green Thai vegetable curry with kimchi. Pair this with some of their draft beer, and you have the perfect office break. It’s also one of the few places in town where you’ll find middle-aged women drinking together, alone and no one giving off their weird faces Cost: 150 onwards. Location: Chandni Chowk, Kolkata.
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16.Arsalan Restaurant
Launched on October 6, 2002, ARSALAN serves a variety of Bengali and Mughal dishes ranging from tandoor kebabs to biriyanis, naans, and more. Location: Garden Court, 191, Park Street, 7point crossing(Park Circus), Kolkata. Cost: Above 250 INR onwards.
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17.Alfresco-The Lalit Great Eastern
Alfresco is excellent dining with a terrace. Many people love this place because of its beautiful decor, impeccable atmosphere, and delicious food. This cozy restaurant is part of The Lalit Great East and serves Bengali food, Anglo – Indian, Tangra Chinese Nawabi in a peaceful atmosphere. It is considered to be one of the best multi-cuisine Thali Bengali restaurants in Kolkata. Therefore, their food must be tested. Location: Esplanade, Kolkata. Cost for two people: 2000 INR(without alcohol)
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18.Barbeque Nation
Kolkata is a country with traditional and authentic Bengali restaurants. It was founded in 2006 by one of our pioneers. The restaurant currently has 150 outlets in India, 5 in UAE, 1 in Malaysia, and 1 in Oman. Barbecue Nation is India’s first casual restaurant. They pioneered the concept of “table barbecue” roasted alive on a dining table. This allows guests to cook their barbecue right at their table. Barbecue dishes are a unique food choice. It’s DIY and table ready allowing the freedom to mix and match different meats, veggies, and condiments to create the right meals and preferences. So, try the best Bengali buffet lunch in Kolkata from Barbecue Nation. Location: Many outlets in Kolkata. Cost: Fixed Price (800 INR onwards)
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19.Rajdhani Thali
Rajdhani Thali is the best place to go for a pure-vegan thali! They have some of the biggest plates in town! This vegan restaurant is for a feast of about 20 cookware on your plate! And for your taste buds, they are in for a roller coaster of flavors, you’ve got everything on your plate to make this a complete royal meal! From salads to entrees to desserts, to mains, to desserts! And the reason why they are such a popular place in the city is their price. Well known for serving authentic Gujarati Rajasthani food. This place is a must-visit for a good, healthy meal with your family. Location: Park Street. Cost: 250 Onwards.
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20.Suruchi Veg Restaurent
Suruchi is one of the best restaurants in the area serving delicious and filling vegetarian plates. This place has its quintessential North Indian vibes. The interior and decoration with hanging dolls, lamp shade with lanterns, and musical instruments used as decoration reflect a similar sentiment they serve Rajasthani, Gujarati, and Punjabi dishes among other Indian dishes. Even though their customers have à la carte food, their customers almost always order thali. For a fixed amount, you get unlimited packages of everything on the Thali menu except desserts, which seems appropriate considering the prices are very cheap and the food tastes amazing. Location: Ballygunge. Cost for two people: 700/-
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