Kolkata has a special place in my heart. It is the city of joy in true sense. Kolkata has given me many things, friends like family, food and travel experiences like never before, moreover, the city has taught me to celebrate life. Specially, the Pujo celebrations. The whole city shifts into a joyful environment, with shopping and cooking. It goes into a merry making state. Nevertheless, food makes an integral element of this entire mode of celebration and merry making. To be honest food is actually the primary focus. Therefore, I had some of my best days and dishes during the Pujo celebrations.. I have to admit, the city has made me discover how much I love cooking.
Wherefore, lets find out some of my most favorite food items that reminds me of Pujo celebrations in Kolkata.
Kolkata style Luch and Alu Dom:
An early morning Mahalaya (Mohaloya) celebration can never be complete without this iconic breakfast. This is the day when the planning for everything gets into shape. It marks the official beginning of the celebration. Therefore, the humble Luch and Alu bhaja for me is the reminder of the years most awaited festival. (Recreating my Mahalaya Breakfast Thali without the Sweet and adding an Omelet instead)
Ilish or Hilsa Tel Jhal:
The second dish food item makes me drool every time I talk about it. It is non other than the pride of bengal, i.e. Hilsa or Ilish. There are so many fancy preparations of Ilish but the one that has my heart is the traditional tel-jhal. Although, by this time Ilish season is gone in Bengal, people still prepare Ilish as it is indeed a very important delicacy of the Bengali cuisine.
Basonti Pulao
One of the most flavorful and delicate rice preparations. I absolutely love the combination of Basonti Pulao and Mutton Kosha. It is a perfect meal for me to celebrate Durga Puja. It is a must in the food menu.
Kolkata Mutton Biryani:
It will be an absolute injustice if I don’t include this dish. The Kolkata Mutton biryani is as iconic as it sounds. One simply cannot avoid this simple yet flavorful preparation of Biryani. It is not only a Pujo must have food item but also one of the all around the year favorite. Biryani has such a legacy in Kolkata and in Bengali food it is cannot be avoided or skipped.
Kolkata style Goja:
Sweet is an integral part of Bengali food culture. Especially Sweets with “Rosh”. Roshogulla, Roshbhora, Jolbhora and Rajbhog etc. But I find ‘Goja’ to be one such sweet that steals the show. It is one of the most oldest and simplest form of sweet prepared at home. It has the perfect combination of sweetness, crunch and softness. That is why “Goja” takes a place in my list.
Kolkata is known for its extremely flavorful food habits and vibrant culture. It will not be fair if I say these are the only food stuff that marks the Bengali cuisine. Moreover, we cannot entirely cover all in one read as well. Therefore, stay connected to know about more in my next post. Till then hope you find it interesting to go through my list of five food items that reminds me of Kolkata and its festive vibes.
Love
Jinty R.
