Durgapuja y Mahabhoj in Kolkata

Whether to eat non-veg during the puja or not; whether to cook at home or not, there are so many confusions but we are finally ready to celebrate Durgapuja again! Needless to say, I am going to share the dining out options I found worth trying this year during Durgapuja.

Bolchilam ki Cholbe naki dimer Devil (The Oberoi Grand)!

Ever Refreshing Gandhoraj Lassi ( ITC Sonar)

Now that, we are done with the pujo shopping and we have given the bonus to the House-help, Newspaper vendor, the man who cleans the Car and even we have cleared the Pujor Chanda, I guess food is what needs to be taken care of. This time, however, I decided to focus more on the Bengali food. I specifically decided to emphasize on fine dining. The reason being, I found the rate per person in almost every famous fine dine (mostly five stars for that matter) are on the lower side if compared to last years rate! You may check the same here.

The Grand Offering by the Oberoi Grand

Comforting offerings by ITC Sonar at Eden Pavilion

Novotel's Bengali Thali

Lalit Great Eastern Offerings

It is not that I prefer to eat Bengali food outside home much but provided I do visit places to sample and check their offerings I ended on eating the Bengali food and that is quite vigorous during Pujo. As they say, 'aap ruchi Khana", I know several people prefer to eat Bengali food outside home especially during Pujo.

This is just an example (The Obberoi Grand)

Again the comforting offering by ITC Sonar

The offerings are however quite same everywhere; the difference is all about the price and services. You will found Kosha Mangsho and Luchi almost everywhere and so is Chicngri Malaikari. Paturi in any form ( either Bhetki or Phulkopi or Mocha) is another common item. However, I found Ilish is not typically part of the set menu everywhere; so obviously a deciding factor. Dessert is one section, I found almost every place I have visited has come up with some great option.

I found the-the way Oberoi Grand has come up with the Anusthan Bati approach, where they have added personalized feel really amazing. The spread as a whole, in fact, is grand and probably the best I have tasted this year. ITC, on the other hand, has come up with the comfort of homely taste while the compact thali by Novotel is again a turn on.

Aheli te Bhuribhoj!
PC: Peerless Inn

Mangsher Chop at the Park!
PC: Pikturenema

Chingrir Kobiraji @ The Oberoi Grand!

Durgapuja r Mohabhoj: Debjani's Recommendation!

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I hope this table will help my readers to choose wisely! from the vast offerings available all through the city; which I tasted. In addition, given the famous ones has come up with negotiated rates, why not to experience the lavishness!

Here are a few more offerings I found worth trying this Puja! To start with, the all-day bar with Happy hours and Bengali Chaat at Sante, Novotel is indeed worth grabbing.

Sante, Novotel Kolkata will now open 24 hours and the happy hours is up as well!

Chinese Ho Jaye!

In case, you are filling bored after seeing the all-in-all Bengali offerings, and wanted to try something traditional yet not Bengali, here goes my suggestion for that! Try a comforting Chinese meal at Chinoiserie, Taj Bengal. Typical old-school flavors there are dying for. Do try the Egg Fried Rice with Gulu Chicken and Guju Fish and thank me later.

Egg Fried Rice at Taj Bengal Chinosorie

In case you are searching for something pocket-friendly, In would suggest to go back to Tung Naam and to cherish the goodness of Wonton Soup. Further details can be found here.

Pujoy Biryani!

Durgapujo without Biryani; then you are not a typical Bengali and neither I am! To prove that wrong I will suggest again the places I cherish for my plate of Biryani: India Restaurant Khidirpur and Shiraz for the perfect plate of Dariyabadi and Kolkata Biryani. Royal Indian Hotel for the perfect plate of Luckhnawi Biriyani (even if they have come up with the biryani with Aloo). If you want to play safe, go to Arsalan and have the ever-decent Biryani.

Finally the Mistimukh and Mistanno Bhandar:

I prefer my portion of Ledilkeny and Bonde from Bhim Chandra Nag, Rosogolla from Chittoranjan, Sondesh from Nakur and Swor Bhaja from Puntiram. Naturally, I am going to suggest these only again and again.

I guess I have written more than the recommended word limit and I should stop now! Wish you all a very happy Durgapuja. Eat wisely and enjoy to the core.

Before going!