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3 Days in Kolkata for a Food Lover's Trip
Kolkata is a paradise for food lovers, with its rich mix of Bengali, Mughlai, and British influences. From street food to fine dining, this city has it all. I've spent years eating my way through Kolkata, and this itinerary covers the must-try spots that locals love. You'll taste everything from melt-in-your-mouth sweets to spicy jhal muri, with plenty of chai breaks in between.
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Day 1
Day 1 in Kolkata
Kick off your Kolkata food journey with iconic landmarks and must-try Bengali flavors, blending history with culinary delights.
Activities
Breakfast at Flurys
Start your day at this legendary 1927 tearoom on Park Street, famous for its English breakfast and melt-in-your-mouth pastries. The chicken patties and rum balls are local favorites. The old-world charm here is as rich as their hot chocolate.
- Try their signature Darjeeling tea
- Don't miss the freshly baked croissants
Victoria Memorial & Maidan Walk
Walk off breakfast at Kolkata's most iconic landmark - the marble-clad Victoria Memorial. Stroll through the surrounding Maidan gardens where locals play cricket. The museum inside (closed Mondays) showcases fascinating colonial-era artifacts.
- Haggle with the cycle rickshaws around Maidan
- Look for the hidden Ramakrishna statue in the gardens
Lunch at Kewpie's
A homely Bengali thali experience in a heritage house. Their mustard-infused fish curries, chholar dal with coconut, and mishti doi (sweet yogurt) are unforgettable. The banana-leaf plating adds to the authenticity.
- Book ahead - it's tiny
- Try their aamshotto chutney (mango leather chutney)
Must Try Foods
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Day 2
Day 2 in Kolkata
A mix of iconic landmarks, local markets, and unforgettable flavors—today is all about diving deeper into Kolkata's vibrant culture and culinary scene.
Activities
Morning at Howrah Bridge & Kumartuli
Start your day with a walk across the iconic Howrah Bridge, soaking in the sunrise views over the Hooghly River. Then, head to Kumartuli, the centuries-old potters' quarter where artisans craft stunning Durga idols. Watching them work with clay is mesmerizing—this is where Kolkata's famous Durga Puja idols come to life.
- Wear comfortable shoes—Kumartuli's lanes are narrow and uneven.
- Ask before taking photos of artisans; some may expect a small tip.
College Street & Indian Coffee House
Step into Kolkata's intellectual heart at College Street, a buzzing lane lined with bookstalls selling everything from rare manuscripts to cheap paperbacks. Pop into the historic Indian Coffee House for a break—this old-world café has hosted poets, revolutionaries, and students for decades. Order their thick coffee and omelet toast while eavesdropping on heated literary debates.
- Bargaining is expected at bookstalls—start at half the quoted price.
- Try the mutton cutlet at Coffee House—it's a hidden gem.
Evening at Prinsep Ghat & Park Street Dinner
Wind down at Prinsep Ghat, a serene riverside spot with colonial-era architecture and boat rides on the Hooghly. As dusk falls, head to Peter Cat on Park Street—a Kolkata institution. Their Chelo Kebabs (buttery grilled kebabs with saffron rice) are legendary. End with a rum ball at Nahoum’s, the city’s last Jewish bakery.
- Boat rides stop by 6:30 PM—arrive early.
- Peter Cat gets packed; reserve a table or go by 7:30 PM.
Must Try Foods
Transportation
Day 3
Day 3 in Kolkata
A day dedicated to Kolkata's hidden gems, local markets, and offbeat cultural experiences, with a focus on authentic Bengali flavors and lesser-known spots.
Activities
Morning at Gariahat Market
Start your day at Gariahat, one of Kolkata's most vibrant local markets. Wander through the lanes filled with everything from traditional Bengali sarees to quirky souvenirs. The real highlight here is the food—try puchkas (Kolkata's version of pani puri) from a street vendor and grab a steaming cup of chai from a tiny stall. The market is a sensory overload in the best way possible.
- Bargain politely—it's part of the experience.
- Try the dahi vada from the stalls near the market entrance.
Lunch at 6 Ballygunge Place
Head to this charming restaurant in a restored old house for a proper Bengali thali. The menu changes daily, but expect classics like shorshe ilish (mustard hilsa fish), chholar dal, and mishti doi. The ambiance is homely, and the food feels like it’s straight from a Bengali grandmother’s kitchen.
- Ask for the day’s special—it’s usually the freshest.
- Reservations are recommended for lunch.
Evening at Jorasanko Thakur Bari
Wrap up your trip with a visit to the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore, now a museum. It’s quieter than most tourist spots but steeped in history. The evening light filtering through the old windows makes it feel timeless. Don’t miss the small courtyard where Tagore’s plays were once performed.
- Check for cultural events—sometimes there are live performances.
- The nearby Kumartuli area (visited earlier) is great for a short stroll afterward.