What Food To Try in Kolkata and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Kolkata for 2024.
National currency: Ngultrum, symbol — ₹ (international currency code INR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Kolkata cafes and restaurants
$2.4
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $1.22
$15.3
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $9.78
$4
Combo Meal
Starting from $3.3
What to Try in Kolkata
Must-try Dishes
Masala Dosa - A thin, crispy rice crepe filled with spiced potatoes and served with coconut chutney and sambar. Locals often enjoy this for breakfast, savoring it at a bustling south Indian eatery.Chaat - A flavorful street food mix of puffed bread, chickpeas, potatoes, and tangy tamarind chutney topped with yogurt. You’ll find vendors selling it at every street corner, and be careful—“puri chaat” can be a common mistake for newcomers!
Biryani - Kolkata Biryani (aromatic rice dish) - Layered basmati rice cooked with tender meat and fragrant spices, often featuring a boiled egg. It's a popular lunchtime choice, traditionally enjoyed during special occasions, making every meal feel festive.
Shorshe Ilish - Hilsa fish in mustard sauce - Succulent hilsa cooked in a mustard seed paste with a hint of green chilies, resulting in a creamy, savory dish. This is a summer favorite, as it highlights the local fish available in monsoon season.
Puri - Aloo Dum - Fluffy fried bread served with spicy potato curry, perfect for breakfast or brunch. It's tradition for locals to indulge in this at family gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table.
Pakhala Bhata - Fermented rice served with water, typically adorned with raw onions and green chilies. Highly refreshing, it's especially favored in the sweltering summer months, providing respite from the heat.
Mishti Doi - Sweetened yogurt - Creamy yogurt sweetened with jaggery and often flavored with cardamom, traditionally served in clay cups. It’s the perfect finish after a spicy meal, enjoyed by locals during festive gatherings.
Singhara - Samosa with a twist - A deep-fried snack made with a flaky pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas. This is a delightful evening street food, and locals enjoy it with a cup of steaming chai as they unwind after a busy day.
Desserts & Drinks
Masala Chai - मसाला चाय (spiced milk tea) - A robust black tea brewed with cardamom, ginger, and a medley of spices, simmered with milk to create a rich, aromatic drink. It's a daily ritual, with locals grabbing a cup at roadside stalls during their morning commute or afternoon tea time.Lassi - लस्सी (yogurt drink) - A refreshing creamy yogurt drink, often blended with seasonal fruits like mango or served plain with spices. Especially popular in the scorching summer months, this drink is typically enjoyed during lunch or as a cooling afternoon refreshment.
Fenny - फेनी (cashew-based liquor) - A local spirit made from fermented cashew apples, resulting in a light, fruity flavor. You often see it enjoyed during festive occasions, and it pairs wonderfully with spicy snacks, making it a unique choice for celebrations.
Rasgulla - रसमलाई (spongy sweet) - Soft, syrup-soaked balls made of chhena (fresh cheese), this dessert is a staple at celebrations and can be enjoyed chilled for a refreshing experience. It's often served at weddings or during festivals, so if you're lucky enough to attend, definitely indulge!
Ice Cream - ठंडाई आइसक्रीम (spiced milk ice cream) - Creamy, frozen delight flavored with saffron, cardamom, and nuts, often enjoyed during the hot months. It's a popular summer treat at street vendors, and by the way, there's sometimes a mix-up with ordering flavors, so stick to the local variant for a true taste!
Food and Groceries in Kolkata
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $0.42 |
| Bananas | $0.65 |
| Oranges | $1.29 |
| Potatoes | $0.3 |
| Apples | $1.96 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.35 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.83 |
| Imported Beer | $3.09 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $9.47 |
| Milk 1L | $0.65 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $3.03 |
| Cigarettes | $4.03 |
| Rice | $0.7 |
| Local Cheese | $5.45 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Kolkata's dining scene is vibrant and pulsating, especially during peak meal times. Lunch typically kicks off around 1 PM and can stretch until 3 PM, with locals often seeking the midday meal at this hour. Dinner starts later, often around 8 PM and can go on until 10 PM, showcasing the city's relaxed approach to dining compared to more hurried urban centers.
In terms of prices, you can find a range of options across different districts. For example, a plate of traditional biryani might set you back about ₹150 in a popular area like Park Street, while in a more upscale restaurant in Salt Lake, it could cost you around ₹350. Street food is undeniably budget-friendly, with items like a roll or cutlet going for as low as ₹30 to ₹80, especially around College Street or New Market, which are bustling dining hubs.
Payment customs vary too. While cash is still widely used, digital payments through apps like Paytm or Google Pay have surged in popularity, especially among younger crowds. Most restaurants include a service charge of about 10%, but tipping is generally not expected, although rounding up the bill is a nice gesture, particularly if you're pleased with the service.
A common dining habit in Kolkata that surprises many visitors is the distinct preference for communal eating. It’s typical for friends or family to share dishes rather than stick to individual plates, enhancing the social experience. On the flip side, a frequent mistake made by tourists is underestimating the time they might need to wait for popular spots at peak hours; many eateries can get pretty crowded, especially post-office hours and on weekends.
If you find yourself near iconic neighborhoods like Brigade Road or Gariahat during lunch hours, it’s wise to visit between 1 PM and 2 PM to avoid the rush (the pre-lunch period sees a bit of a lull, which can be ideal for your taste buds). As for reservations, it’s advisable to book ahead at any popular establishments, particularly those specializing in traditional Bengali cuisine.
With winter approaching, the demand for hot, hearty meals like fish curry or mishti doi tends to rise, leading to slight fluctuations in menu prices—often a time when dishes may get a little pricier, reflecting seasonal ingredients.
Kolkata’s food scene marks a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, revealing deep local character while adapting to new culinary trends.
In terms of prices, you can find a range of options across different districts. For example, a plate of traditional biryani might set you back about ₹150 in a popular area like Park Street, while in a more upscale restaurant in Salt Lake, it could cost you around ₹350. Street food is undeniably budget-friendly, with items like a roll or cutlet going for as low as ₹30 to ₹80, especially around College Street or New Market, which are bustling dining hubs.
Payment customs vary too. While cash is still widely used, digital payments through apps like Paytm or Google Pay have surged in popularity, especially among younger crowds. Most restaurants include a service charge of about 10%, but tipping is generally not expected, although rounding up the bill is a nice gesture, particularly if you're pleased with the service.
A common dining habit in Kolkata that surprises many visitors is the distinct preference for communal eating. It’s typical for friends or family to share dishes rather than stick to individual plates, enhancing the social experience. On the flip side, a frequent mistake made by tourists is underestimating the time they might need to wait for popular spots at peak hours; many eateries can get pretty crowded, especially post-office hours and on weekends.
If you find yourself near iconic neighborhoods like Brigade Road or Gariahat during lunch hours, it’s wise to visit between 1 PM and 2 PM to avoid the rush (the pre-lunch period sees a bit of a lull, which can be ideal for your taste buds). As for reservations, it’s advisable to book ahead at any popular establishments, particularly those specializing in traditional Bengali cuisine.
With winter approaching, the demand for hot, hearty meals like fish curry or mishti doi tends to rise, leading to slight fluctuations in menu prices—often a time when dishes may get a little pricier, reflecting seasonal ingredients.
Kolkata’s food scene marks a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, revealing deep local character while adapting to new culinary trends.