Bengali Cuisine: A Traditional Delight

Bengali cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh ingredients and aromatic spices, is a treasure trove of delectable flavours. The heart of Kolkata cuisine lies in its use of mustard oil, Panch Phoron (five-spice blend), and a wide variety of fish and rice dishes. Iconic dishes like “Machher Jhol” (fish curry), “Shorshe Ilish” (Hilsa fish in mustard sauce), and “Aloo Posto” (potatoes in poppy seed paste) showcase the essence of traditional Bengali cooking. Kolkata’s love affair with fish is evident in every corner, from local markets to high-end restaurants.

• Street Food Extravaganza

One cannot truly experience Kolkata without indulging in its street food. The city’s narrow lanes and bustling markets come alive with the aroma of street-side delicacies. “Kathi Rolls,” a delicious concoction of marinated meats or vegetables wrapped in a paratha, are a street food staple. Equally popular are “Puchka” (pani puri), “Chow Mein,” and “Jhalmuri” (spicy puffed rice). The city’s love for “Telebhaja” (deep-fried snacks) like “Mochar Chop” (banana blossom croquettes) and “Aloor Chop” (potato fritters) is legendary and should not be missed.

Influences from the World: Kolkata’s Fusion Fare

Kolkata has always been open to culinary experimentation, resulting in a unique fusion of flavours. The city’s Chinatown, centred around Tiretta Bazaar, offers delectable Chinese dishes with a distinct Kolkata twist. “Hakka Noodles,” “Chilli Chicken,” and “Manchurian” have found a special place in the hearts of Kolkatans. Additionally, the Jewish community’s contribution is evident in dishes like “Kosha Mangsho” (slow-cooked mutton) and “Biryani.”

Also Read: 7 Kolkata Landmarks To Add To Your Travel Itinerary

Nostalgic Sweets: Bengali Mishti

No journey through Kolkata’s cuisine is complete without indulging in its sweet offerings, known as Mishti. Bengali sweets are not just desserts; they are an integral part of the culture and celebrations. Classics like “Sandesh,” and “Rosogolla” melt in your mouth, while “Misti Doi” (sweet yoghurt) provides a delightful contrast of flavuors. The legendary “K.C. Das” and “Ganguram” sweet shops continue to enchant generations with their timeless creations.

Also Read: Explore Culture, Art, and History at These Best Museums in Kolkata

• Celebrating Festivals with Food

Kolkata is a city that celebrates every festival with gusto and, of course, food. During Durga Puja, the city comes alive with pandal-hopping and food stalls offering a plethora of traditional dishes like “Kosha Mangsho,” “Luchi,” and “Cholar Dal.” The celebration of Eid brings with it mouthwatering “Biryani” and “Sheer Khurma,” while Christmas is marked by delectable plum cakes and rich fruit puddings. No matter the festival, Kolkata cuisine shines through, making each celebration a gastronomic delight.

Gourmet Experiences: Fine Dining and Themed Restaurants

If you are seeking a more refined dining experience, Kolkata has an array of fine dining establishments to offer. The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata, one of the city’s iconic luxury hotels, houses an eclectic mix of restaurants that showcase Kolkata’s diverse culinary traditions. 

At Alfresco, one of the best 5-star restaurants in Kolkata, you can indulge in “Four Pillars of Bengal,” including Bengali, Tangra-Chinese, Anglo-Indian and Nawabi cuisine. 

The Tea Lounge offers you a wide selection of the finest tea from 16 distinct estates, along with savoury and sweet bites. 

For all things sweet and fun, you can visit The Bakery, serving confectionery, savoury delights and English Breakfast. 

The Pub pays homage to David Wilson, the Englishman who established this iconic landmark hotel in the year 1840. This classic pub is perfect for a fun evening full of delicious drinks, good food and laughter. 

In the heart of Kolkata’s vibrant streets and bustling markets lies a culinary kaleidoscope waiting to be explored. From traditional Bengali dishes that evoke nostalgia to fusion flavours that push culinary boundaries, Kolkata’s food landscape is a reflection of its rich heritage and multicultural influences. So, if you find yourself in the City of Joy, don’t miss the opportunity to embark on a gastronomic journey that promises to tantalise your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Come savour the flavours of Kolkata and experience the magic of this culinary paradise. Your taste buds will thank you for it!

<p>The post Culinary Kaleidoscope: Exploring the Diverse Flavors of Kolkata first appeared on The Lalit Blogs.</p>

One reason for the popularity of Pan Asian cuisine in India is its health benefits. Numerous dishes are made using fresh, wholesome ingredients and cooking techniques that preserve the natural flavours and nutrients of the food. Another reason is the versatility of Pan Asian cuisine, which allows chefs to create new and exciting dishes by combining different ingredients and techniques. The fusion of Asian and Indian flavours has also led to the emergence of unique dishes that are a reflection of India’s multicultural society. 

The LaLiT Hotels have redefined hospitality in India, and our luxury restaurants are a huge aspect of it. Curated by expert chefs who use fresh and locally sourced ingredients, our dining spaces are some of the country’s finest and offer our patrons an experience unlike any other. 

Also Read: Best Food Destinations in India

Keeping up with our unique culinary offerings, we are truly proud to welcome back the legendary Chef Suriya. A highly talented and accomplished chef, he is not just a part but the pride of The LaLiT Hotels’ culinary team. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef Suriya is a specialist in Asian cuisine. His work goes beyond India and into Thailand and Malaysia, where he honed his skills and learned new techniques. Chef Suriya’s expertise combines traditional cooking methods with modern techniques to create unique and innovative dishes. Chef Suriya’s passion for cooking and attention to detail is evident in every dish he creates, making him a valuable asset to The LaLiT Hotels’ culinary team.

Experience the wonderful creations of Chef Suriya as he is all set to host a culinary masterclass and bring back his signature dishes across different cities of India. Cook with the Masterchef or indulge in his genius creations at OKO- A Pan Asian Restaurant. Whether you decide to cook beside the chef himself or are keen on trying his dishes at one of the leading Pan Asian restaurants, you can count on having an outstanding dining experience like never before. 

Catch the chef as he whisks up his amazing treats on the following dates across different cities in India. 

Chandigarh: 23rd April – 20th May, 2023 | Bengaluru: 23rd May – June 18th, 2023

Mumbai: 20th June – 16th July 2023 | Goa: 18th July – 19th August, 2023

Delhi: 21st August – 30th September, 2023 | Udaipur: 2nd – 31st October, 2023 

Stay tuned on The LaLiT social media to catch more updates as Chef Suriya visits your city!

<p>The post The Return of The Prodigal Sun: LaLit Welcomes Back Legendary Chef Suriya first appeared on The Lalit Blogs.</p>