Serra, the Toit Lumiere in the City

I entered the Serra Bistro Café on the rooftop, and I murmur….

    O, for a draught of vintage! that hath been

    Cool’d a long age in the deep-delved earth,

    Tasting of Flora and the country green,

    Dance, and Provençal song, and sunburnt mirth!

Whatever the season, Serra, which translates to “greenhouse” in Italian, keeps you warm with a retractable glass roof. This includes winter, spring, summer, and monsoon. Therefore, if the roof is pulled over, it can convey an air-conditioned and open-air atmosphere.  Situated on the terrace of the Paulis Business Tower in Webel More, the glass-enclosed café offers a stunning view of the Sector V skyline.

In addition to the 1,200 square foot café, there is a 1,000 square foot banquet hall, three distinct sized meeting rooms, and a thirty person private dining area. On the menu, you can get Bengali and Indian delicacies like Aam Kasundi Tikkas and Dimer Devil along with beverages and bakery goods like Apple Butterscotch Ice Blend, Coffee Hazelnut Choux, Cheesecakes, and Cheese Mushroom Bursts.

“People typically think of rooftop haunts in relation to drinking, but our goal is distinct. Our target demographic is broad, ranging from friends getting together for a casual conversation to working professionals and college students. In order to encourage people to return, we have maintained a wide selection of foods and reasonably priced rates, according to Kamalini Paul, the director of the DC Paul group and the cafe’s owner.

They have attempted to imitate the leisurely, European way of living amidst verdant surroundings and azure skies. Serra is a call for everyone in Calcutta to pause. “I wanted to give this city a sustainable, easy-going vacation that would inspire people to get back in touch with who they are. I have worked in the hospitality industry since I was twenty, so I genuinely know the value of taking small breaks to reflect on oneself and re-energize yourself. Thus, this sanctuary serves as a continuation of this vision,” Kamalini concludes.

Key Offerings:

• A 1000 sq ft banquet hall with 50-70 sealer capacity, perfect for hosting intimate occasions or office milestones

• A private dining area with seating a seating capacity of 30 people.

• Three executive meeting rooms for corporate events with 4, 12, and 18 seater capacity.

Rollick Adds Wonder Quotient at 7 Wonders

Believe it, or not, Rollick poses the 8^th Wonders at 7 Wonders Eco Park Kolkata!

The Gate No. 4 of Eco Park Kolkata suddenly claded in Pink spreading the message of sweetness, politeness, charm, tenderness, sensitivity, femininity, and romance as soon as Rollick, one of India’s leading ice cream brands launched their exciting new ice-cream parlour on 5th March 2021. The official launch was done by Mr. Debashis Sen, Chairman cum Managing Director of HIDCO, in presence of Ms. Anisha Aggarwal, Director, Prestige Ice Cream Private Limited. The brand’s new move to be present in every locality in Kolkata and be a part of all celebrations with their delicious ice-cream after the unlock, seems to be real good news for the food lovers across all ages in the city.

Mr. Debashis Sen Chairman, Managing Director of HIDCO looked glad and pleased with the new outlet and expressed like, “we are pleased to have an ice cream parlour of Rollick, as this one is going to be the first of its kind in Eco Park. This was much needed. And I’m thankful to Ms. Anisha Aggarwal and her team the way they responded sharply and made it possible.” Ms. Anisha Aggarwal, Director, Prestige Ice Cream Private Limited said, ‘Rollick has been a crowd favourite since its inception, with its exciting range of products and affordable pricing. We’re really overwhelmed to get great support from HIDCO in making this parlour.’

2020 talks a lot about increased hygiene and less human touch. Keeping that in mind, in 2021 Rollick has arranged pre packed tubs and sundaes. These are machine made and sealed with the highest standards of hygiene. Rollick has 30 ice cream parlours in Kolkata out of a total of 25,000 plus retail outlets in India. Keeping in mind their legacy to serve the increased demand for pre-packed food, in 2021, Rollick introduced ice cream cake rolls, sundae jars and a whole range of Kulfi flavours including Nolen Gur & Daab Malai.

A Chocolate-y Main Course! Visit The Chocolate Room

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Is there a particular age for being a chocolate addict? I think not. Over the years, the old and young alike have made chocolates the most loved dessert snack in the world. You might be feeling low or you might want to celebrate a wonderful success and your go-to snack can be a handsome chocolate bar.

The Chocolate Room:

I have obviously been to cafes that serve an exotic hot chocolate or some amazing chocolate cake. But to have a café provide food that solely revolves around chocolate? Well, I experienced it for the first time when I walked into The Chocolate Room. This one was located right opposite to the main gate of VIT University (Vellore Institute of Technology). Though, they have branches in various cities including Pune, New Delhi, Bangalore, and many others.

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So what is the specialty of this place? For starters, it serves some delicious Choctails that are basically chocolate beverages to work out your appetite. The best thing about this place is that they use some supreme export quality chocolate in their products and this adds the exotic flavor and taste to their food. They do serve some savory items such as a Bread Fondue or a Cheese fondue when they are best-known for their chocolate specialty dishes. An item that I had never tasted before blew my mind. I had never known a chocolate dish to be served as a main course but why should good things come in portions? The Chocolate Room serves a delicious Chocolate Sizzler with an abundance of chocolate to heal the worst of moods!

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The chocolate varieties are plentiful and you can get your hands on everything from dark chocolate to milk chocolate, and even white chocolate. As I have mentioned already, the quality leaves nothing to complain about and takes you to a different world. Although the prices are slightly on the higher side, it isn’t exorbitantly priced under any circumstances. The ambiance and service of the café also impressed me during my visit.

Conclusion:

There can never be a limit to a culinary experience. As you go around trying new combinations, you must acknowledge that something new is always in store for you. I was a little hesitant while walking into the café but after having some of their remarkable chocolate dishes, I certainly walked out as a satisfied customer. Do try out the place if your town has one on offer!

Top 5 Mughlai Food Joints From Kolkata You Must Visit

Written By Ujjayini Paul

The historical impact on Kolkata has led to the popularity of Bengali cuisine. India was administered by the British for more than two centuries, and Calcutta was one of the significant check-posts for them. Individuals from various societies and groups rushed in various times, thus building up the affection for food in Bengal. As the Jews conveyed pastry shop to Bengal and sweet making skill was contributed by the Marwaris, so did the ousted groups of Wajid Ali Shah and Tipu Sultan contributed mainly to the aromatic excellence of Mughlai cooking in Bengal, particularly Kolkata.

Below are some of the must visit Mughlai joints of the City of Joy.

Oudh 1590

This eatery, having two distinct branches, specializes in Awadhi cuisine and the ambience is in perfect synchronization with the name. It offers you a feeling as if Khansamas and Awadhi bawarchis are toiling hard to offer you a taste of mouth watering dishes from the royal court of Wajid Ali Shah.

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Jafran

Located at Santosh Roy Road, this is known as the best restaurant to serve Biriyani at present. It is established in 2015 and is very young compared to its experienced competitors. However, within just one year, it has received the highest ratings. The place is best suited for casual dining.

Aaira

Aaira is best known for its Mughlai as well as North Indian cuisines. The menu here ranges from gosht zafrani shorba to papri chat, from whole bhetki tandoor to murg nuraani kebab and so on. The dishes are all prepared traditionally by the top culinary experts. This eatery is both a celebration and an experience.

Shiraz golden Restaurant

This is one of the oldest restaurants in the city to offer great Mughlai dishes. Shiraz golden Restaurant now has near about six outlets and is the hot favorite of majority of the Kolkatans. The oldest of the branches is at Park Street and this is the branch you must visit.

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Royal Indian Hotel

If you are planning to enjoy some delicious Mughlai dish in a legendary restaurant of Kolkata, the royal Indian Hotel is the perfect name. It has been wining hearts, since 1905 and is known to have mesmerized Mahanayak Uttam Kumar. It is successfully holding its glory and charm even today.

The irresistible kebabs and smoked fishes are the specialties of Mughlai dishes. Next time you plan for an outing with family or friends, consider visiting one of these places, to taste the best Mughlai dish ever.

 

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17 Varieties Of Puchkas! This Puchkawala in Kolkata has already created History

Written By Indus Content Team

I have had the opportunity of eating three to four kinds of phuchka till this date. How many types of phuchkas have you had? Well, let me ask you more specific question. Have you in your lifetime eaten seventeen types of phuchkas? Forget about eating, have you ever even or heard about seventeen types of phuchkas? Don’t think I am joking over here. I am dead serious.

Pravesh a 20 year old lad, who is quite popular for his incredible phuchkas near the Alipore State Bank area, is efficient and also skilled in making seventeen different types of phuchkas. Therefore Pravesh Pani Puri presents to you –

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• Ghugni Phuchka– Phuchka stuffed with ghugni ( matar dal)
• Alu Dum Phuchka– Phuchka stuffed with alu dam( potato curry)
• Pakori Phuchka– The outer crust of the phuchka is a bit different as its fried
• Batata Phuchka– yet another variety of phuchka with different flavours altogether
• Chocolate Phuchka– The phuchka with a chocolate flavour. Seems divine.
• Dhokla Phuchka– A bit of Guajarati touch to your phuchka just brings the necessary amount of uniqueness.
• Schewan Phuchka– I think everyone is quite familiar with this flavour but, I am sure that none of you have ever tried it on with phuchkas.
• Bullet Phuchka– You will be experiencing the passing of a bullet through your head after eating this phuchka but, don’t be afraid. You won’t die.
• Dahi Papri Phuchka—the phuchka will be having the stuffing of a mixture of papri and curd inside it.
• Chana Masala Phuchka– This time the stuffing is of chana masala.
• Chur mur Phuchka– You must have had chur mur, as it’s a common street food anywhere in Bengal. Just imagine what it would taste with phuchka. Yummy, right?
• Shukha Special Phuchka– This is a type of Phuchka without the tamarind water but with certain extra spices and special stuffing.
• 4 Types of Water Mix Phuchka– Phuchka served with four different types of water mix.
• Tomato Phuchka– Stuffing made out of phuchka.
• Ghugni Dahi Phuchka– The stuffing is a mixture of ghugni and curd.
• Rocket Phuchka– If I give out all the information all your curiosity will be lost. So, just go and try this one out.

  

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Pravesh might just be twenty years old but, he has had some serious amount of success in this short period of time as a phuchkawala. He had been to Australia for serving his phuchkas at different weddings as a part of the catering squad. Apart from Australia, he has been to Bangkok and several other parts of India. He is into this family business from the year 2007 and he is proud of his creations as a phuchkawala. He will provide you with a napkin after his service and will ask for your feedback. He will also give you a visiting card. He also sells his phuchkas outside Laksmipat Singhania High School and he rewards the topper of that school with free phuchkas for one year.

Hats off to such a person who is trying to make others happy in his own exotic way.

Cover Picture Courtesy

Top 5 Reasons Foodies should Get The “Indus Food Membership”

The search for good food should never end. It starts from an unknown ally and goes into a top restaurant. Foods, memories and unforgettable experiences, we explore Taste Tales. Indus perceived the “food” industry in an extremely innovative way. It’s not just about blogging; it is about sharing the “yummy” memories and creating an ecosystem of connected foodies. Read recipes and explore unknown areas along the foodie avenue. Experience the hottest reviews and cook it for yourself. Hungry for more? Keep up with the restaurant scene in India and learn various lesser-known facts.  A membership that will be a foodie’s superpower. Let’s go inside the world of “Indus Food”.

Few Words On Indus

Kolkata’s fastest growing creative community has vowed to revolutionize some sectors. From photography to creative writing, food blogging to travel; Indus serves everything with a splash of fresh energy. The community aims to bring foodies under one roof and form a special ecosystem. Food events are organized throughout the year. Indus proudly presented “Eat and Write 2016”, the most engaging food event of the year. Well, there are more and this makes the membership very important. We never focus on participation; it’s the experience that matters. Don’t miss out on the fun, get the membership and intensify your love for food.

Okay, I am interested about the membership? What am I getting?

1. Discounts and Special Offers – Foodies, this is something magical for you. Avail special discounts in select restaurants and treat your taste buds. The “Indus Food Membership” will give you this unique opportunity to try out special dishes and check out some amazing food festivals at a discounted price. One membership, one small amount and a whole year of happiness comes along with it. Sounds delicious, right? There should be no second thoughts about it. True foodies have to get this membership.

2. Lesser Registration Fees. More Delicious Treats – Indus organizes several food events throughout the year. If you love food, you can’t afford to miss it. “Members” will not have to pay the original registration fees in these events. Pay a discounted amount and explore amazing treats in these special events. It’s not just about food, it is always about creating a like-minded community. Are you serious about turning your passion for food into something that gives money? We have something planned for that too.

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3. Food workshops -An Amazing Learning experience – The internet gets flooded with food pictures every second. There are thousands of food bloggers, who are fighting too hard to get their voice heard. Enrich your knowledge in the food workshops organized by Indus. The membership is your ticket to a new world of opportunities. The benefits are countless; you have to step in our world to start this rewarding journey.

4. Gifts and goodies – Well, who doesn’t like gifts? We care for our members and never forget to thank them for their support. It’s a family, where everyone is appreciated. Be a member and you are guaranteed to get amazing gifts around the year. Did we mention that there are some exciting contests too?

5. Certification – For those who are serious about blogging, content creation and social media, we have a special feature. You will learn various things in these events and find out ways about earning money by cashing in your passion. You can enrol yourself in the Content Writing or Social Media course and change the direction of your career. Enrolled candidates will get certificates which will be very useful later.

Want the “Indus Food membership”? Contact Us Today.

Still have questions? Comment below, we are happy to help.

10 Scary Signs That Can Confirm Your Secret Relationship With Biryani

Written By Indus Content Team

Biryani, a classic Mughul dish, had won all the hearts of the Indians a long time back with its mind-boggling taste and aroma.  Now, Biryani is not limited to only one kind, there’s the classic Hyderabadi Biryani, the spicy Lucknowi Biryani, the Biryani of Kolkata which has got a sweet aroma or even the not so popular Sindhi Biryani. Well, there are many people among us who are madly in love with Biryani. If you have got the following signs you are in a seriously committed relationship with Biryani.

1. When you are invited to someone’s house for a dinner party or some other gala party and the only food that you are expecting is Biryani. And then your heart just breaks when you see polao or some mixed fried rice which is perhaps followed by some curses to the host underneath your breath for not cooking Biryani.

2. Whenever there’s an aroma of food, while there’s some cooking going on, the first thing that pops into your mind is a big bowl of Biryani. Whenever you want to analyze some nice odor that’s tingling your nose, the first thing that you want that dish to be is Biryani.

3. When you no longer care about the ambience in which you are eating your Biryani. The restaurant might be old and uninviting, but you are just happy and grateful to have a luscious plate of Biryani in front of you.

4. Whenever you go to some restaurant with your friends or family and the only food you want to have is Biryani. Without even considering the presence of your friends or family you order Biryani and also expect your friends or family members to do the same.

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5. When you try to persuade not only your friends, but also your parents to fall in love with Biryani just like you have fallen. So that they too eat the same with you whenever you want to.

6. When you become very possessive of your plate of Biryani. You no longer even care about your little brother or sister, who expects you to share your plate of food with them.

7. When no matter what amount of pocket money you get or you are left with, you make it a point to have a nice, big plate of Biryani each and every weekend. Might as well possibly do it, so that your parents remain unaware of this fact.

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8. When you dream that you are in a room full of the various kinds of Biryani that one can imagine having. Even better if you are in a room full of Biryani, the soft, juicy chicken, the sweet aroma of the spices, you see a swimming pool of Biryani and you are ready to plunge into it without a moment of hesitation.

9. Whenever you are sad or had a rough day, the only thing that puts a smile on your face is a Biryani plate.

10. Last but not the least, even though some might think that it’s too much I must tell them that you all don’t know what it’s like to be in love with food. It’s when you taste each and every grain of the Biryani and tearing the moist and tender chicken or mutton piece, you want that plate of Biryani to become a person so that you can marry him/her.

So, be careful, if you think that you are in a seriously committed relationship with Biryani, try to get out of it before you become obsessive about it.

Want Food Delivered Directly To Your Home? Try The Amazing App Swiggy

Written By Indus Content team

Is there any person in this world who doesn’t like to eat delicious and succulent food? When it comes to food we all forget our differences and sit together to have an appetizing meal. In today’s world when everyone is so busy and tired from the drudgery of daily life. Something amazing was needed and luckily one company delivered just that. They brought together exceptional food and exceptional service. Food is delivered quickly and in top condition.

Why Swiggy?

It’s not always possible for a person to visit a restaurant all the time. Instead of going there, one may find it more convenient to have restaurant quality dinner at home. So why not get Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, and other types of food delivered to your home, while you are sitting comfortably on your couch and watching TV. After a hectic day, Swiggy is all you need to relax and treat your taste buds. The app makes your smartphone a virtual menu card.

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Okay? How to Get Swiggy on my Phone?

It can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or iTunes Store. You can order your favourite food from your favourite restaurant which is present in your city. It doesn’t matter what is the price of the food that you are ordering and it also doesn’t matter what amount of food you are ordering. You can order a sumptuous meal for six people to a single meal just for you.
What makes Swiggy so amazing?

Swiggy has got its own list of restaurants and you can select any one of them and order something. If you find a restaurant about which you haven’t heard before or if there is a new restaurant that has opened in your city, Swiggy will give you its review or necessary characteristic features. On the basis of that you can order something from that particular restaurant.

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The Special features

You can compare between the menus or the various kinds of cuisines that are offered in top restaurants. Swiggy shows you the list of restaurants according to their popularity among the people of the city. Another cool feature of this app is that you always have an eye on your food which you have ordered because it’s tracked. The delivery is lightning fast, you can pay them via card or by cash. Swiggy gives various kinds of offers and discount coupons too. Swiggy is an incredible app which every foodie must have on their smartphones. But be careful it is very addictive!

Did you use Swiggy? Tell us about your experience!

10 Street Foods From Kolkata That Will Absolutely Make You Feel Hungry

Written By Soham Das

I personally wouldn’t mind at all, if anyone calls Kolkata to be the city of food instead of the city of joy. One can find an assemblage of street food shops almost across all the main streets of Kolkata. Now the street foods that are found across the avenues of Kolkata are not only limited to the Indian cuisine but also includes the various types of street food that are found all across the world. Here are the 10 street food items of Kolkata that makes me dizzy and makes me want their human form to marry, of course if they have one.

1. Phuchka – For the ones who haven’t tried it yet, you better do it as soon as possible. Phuchka is also known by the name of “Golgappa”, a crunchy layer filled with smashed potatoes, spices and tamarind water. It offers a foodie everything to cheer about, there’s the crunch, the sourness and sweetness and also the incredible spices.

2. Dahi Phuchka – Anyone loving phuchka, would also love it. Everything is the same, just like a phuchka but instead of the tamarind water, curd or “dahi” is added to it giving it a creamy and crunchy combination.

3. Jhal Muri – A mixture of puffed rice working as the basic ingredient, ‘chanachur’ giving the necessary flavour, tomatoes to provide acidity and onions and coconut for dressing. Apart from these there are several other ingredients which make it one of the most common street foods of Kolkata. Jhal Muri stalls can be spotted in almost every nuke and corner of the city.

4. Shingara( Samosa) – Flour being its base, it’s a deep fried snack with a filling of various kinds of vegetables. Served mainly with sauce or chutney one has to hop from shop to shop to get that samosa that is ideal for their taste.

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5. Rolls – It seems as if Kolkata is the motherland of rolls. Egg roll, chicken roll, mutton roll, paneer roll, vegetable roll, tikia roll- it’s a never ending list. Again the basic ingredient being the flour which is turned into dough and fried. It is then filled with certain vegetables and chicken/egg/paneer and a lot of other delicious stuff.

6. Ghugni – Kolkata’s ghugni is in its own league. A popular street food containing ‘matar-dal’, tastes best when served with onions, lemon juice and some chillies. Its best found in Gariahat.

7. Bhel Puri – A crunchy textural mixture of puffed rice, chanachur, bhujia, some salad and the tantalizing tamarind water to bring the desired amount of acidity. Its best when tasted in the foods stalls near Victoria Memorial.

8. Papdi Chaat– the base of its serving is ‘papdi’ which is made of flour and is also circular in shape and crunchy in taste. The mixture of bhujia, matter, smashed potatoes and salad is placed on the top of this crunchy base. It’s found all round Kolkata, but probably best near Gariahat and New Market.

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9. Kachori– the favourite for the office goers and definitely my favourite too. A mouth-watering food to have for your breakfast if you are in a hurry. The puri is served with matter dal and can be found not only in street food stalls but also in sweet shops.

10. Lassi and Sugarcane juice( Akher rosh) – I can drink lassi any time of the year, doesn’t necessarily be have to be the summer months. Sugarcane juice can also be served as the alternative. Both are equally good.

Exploring street food is not only about enjoying with your friends or family. It’s also about getting an opportunity to get to know your own culture. Thus ends my street food journey and I hope that I have covered everything. Did I miss something out? Do let me know.

 

7 Restaurants In Kolkata I Visit All The Time

Written By Soham Das

If you are a foodie, then you would agree with me that the best thing other than to eat food is to talk about it. According to me, the most pure and dedicated love in this world is the love towards food. Even if you break up with your lover or see an end of a serious relationship you will move forward with your life. But, you can’t move forward without food. Though I am a Bengali, I never discriminate between the various types of food that are found all across the world. My home is in a small town called Haldia in the state of West Bengal, but my father stays in Kolkata for his job. So, Kolkata is probably my second home and whenever I get to visit my dad, I make sure that I get to visit a new restaurant in the city. In Kolkata there are hundreds of restaurants, but I have a list of some which I visit all the time.

1. Arsalan – Located in Park Circus, this is probably the best restaurant to go to if you want to have Biriyani. Well, apart from the mouth watering Biriyani there’s also the incredible Rezala and the juicy and textural chicken reshmi kababs. So since I am a serious lover of Mughlai food, I love the experience of Arsalan. Though the only problem about that restaurant is the long queue outside.

2. Mainland China –This is one of the city’s best family restaurants with mind-boggling Chinese food. Whenever I get a chance to visit this restaurant with my parents, I love to try roasted lamb with rich bean gravy, golden fried prawns, spicy barbecued fish or some pan-fried noodles with chicken. What better place would be there on world to spend the Thanksgiving other than Mainland China with its tantalizing Chinese flavours?

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3. Kasan – The Flavours Of India – I had really fallen in love with the food of North India during my trip to Haridwar and Mussourrie. So, I always visit this restaurant situated in Theatre road to have a fine dining experience. They give importance to the different occasions such as Valentine’s Day or Christmas or New Year’s Eve and such others.

4. Seven Seven Seven – A fine multi-cuisine restaurant located in Salt Lake, Sector 3, having an excellent ambience and top quality food has definitely earned a place in this list of mine. Also the service and hospitality is pretty good out there.

5. Kebab-e-Que – Since I love kebabs, it would have been very unfair if I had missed out this one. Till the 15th of December, 2016, there’s a Kebab Theatre that’s going in this restaurant situated in the Astor Hotel located in Camac Street. All types of kebabs are served in this restaurant and I can already smell the aroma of a juicy and tender chicken kebab.

6. 6 Ballygunge Place – In order to taste some authentic and mouth watering Bengali cuisine I would certainly want you to visit this place in Salt Lake. Check out their sumptuous lunch and dinner buffet.

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7. Bohemian – Last but not the least, is this restaurant located in old Ballygunge, a restaurant that serves Bengali food in Bohemian style. Personally, I love restaurants that try to infuse some other kind of cuisine into our culture of food and this restaurant has been spot on when it comes to that.

Personally I am planning to visit at least three of the above stated restaurants during this year’s Christmas. Food has always given me a kind of joy that nothing else in this world gives me. Do visit some of these restaurants with your family or alone to savour the taste of some the ambrosial food of Kolkata.