Sometimes the rain falls softly, like a drizzle. At times, Kolkata seems to disappear under a sheet of water. It has been those kinds of days in the city and suburbs for the past few days, with showers here and there and the sky being overcast.
But one group doesn’t complain about this kind of weather: the city’s foodies.
Kolkata and the rains go hand in hand, as do rain and food. As the monsoon season has set in, several restaurants in the city have created seasonal menus and some food festivals to make the season even more appealing.
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Notably, for hilsa lovers, this is the season to indulge. For many Bengali households, Shravan also means vegetarian food. Restaurants, therefore, are trying to cater to both at the table.
For those who believe that monsoon is incomplete without hilsa, there is good news.
Where is the Hilsa festival in Kolkata? What are the prices?
A Hilsa festival is currently underway at Princeton Club in South Kolkata, bringing together a variety of traditional Bengali preparations as well as fusion dishes inspired by culinary traditions from both Bengals.
Popular dishes featured are Nawabganj Hilsa from Bangladesh, brinjal-hilsa broth, which is very popular among Bengalites. But the restaurant has also come up with some more adventurous dishes, such as hilsa biryani and hilsa sizzler, in an attempt to attract younger clientele.
Mustard-based sauces have been used to give several of the dishes a distinctly Bengali character. Traditional preparations such as hilsa fry with rice and pumpkin-leaf-steamed hilsa are also on the menu.
Chef Abhijit Chakraborty explained the thought behind the festival to Ei Samay, saying, “Two serving-sized pieces of hilsa fish are being served in each dish. Hilsa is actually an emotion for Bengalis, so just as there is a rush to eat familiar dishes, many people also want to try different fusion dishes. Keeping that in mind, these hilsa dishes were chosen.”
The price of the hilsa dishes is in the range of ₹650 and ₹750. The festival will also continue till Sunday evening; after the hilsa festival ends, the restaurant will organise more food events.
Where to savour Burmese cuisine in Kolkata this monsoon?
Meanwhile, at Burma Burma, those who aren’t fond of Bengali dishes can savour the Burmese cuisine.
The restaurant will be serving a special menu throughout the month of August that reflects the food that can be found at Burmese tea shops. Spreads range from fukse (steamed buns) and palata (flaky Burmese bread) to pulled tea and desserts.
Food lovers can also try out these dishes, and each dish will be roughly around the mark of ₹450, which is another option for them during the rainy season.
Where can you find Shravan specials in Kolkata?
While hilsa dominates the plates of many Bengalis during this season, Shravan is also there. Many people prefer vegetarian food during the month.
Keeping this demand in mind, a new vegetarian restaurant, Spice Carnival, has opened on Park Street.
Their menu features dishes such as Phuchka Platter, Bhatti Ke Bhutte, Paneer Tikka Lavabdar and Velvet Kofta-e Khas.
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“This restaurant is the fruit of our family’s thinking. Vegetarian food is served at our house. In many cases, many people do not go out to eat out of fear of getting vegetarian food, so we prepare all our dishes so that they can come and eat without hesitation,” Spice Carnival managing partner Jalan told Ei Samay.
Social Restaurant on Park Street has also introduced a special vegetarian menu for Shravan. Diners can try dishes such as Achari Paneer Tikka, Mushroom Clouds and Alpino Cheese Nads, with the special offerings available until August 28.
So, either way, Kolkata’s monsoon dining scene appears to have decided that a little rain is no reason to stay away from the table.