In the heart of Kolkata lies a street that is synonymous with the city's rich culinary heritage – Zakaria Street. This historic locality, nestled near the Nakhoda Masjid, has been a haven for food lovers for generations. As the sun sets, the aroma of spices and the sound of sizzling kebabs fill the air, drawing in visitors from far and wide. In this article, we will embark on a gastronomic adventure through Zakaria Street, exploring its most iconic eateries and sampling the flavors that have made it a culinary destination.

A Walking Tour of Zakaria Street

Our journey began on a warm summer evening, with our gracious host Pamela Das leading the way. We were on a mission to discover the hidden gems of Zakaria Street, and Pamela was the perfect guide. As we strolled through the narrow alleys, the sounds of laughter and chatter filled the air, accompanied by the tantalizing aromas of street food.

Bombay Hotel: A Haven for Dal Gosht and Khamiri Roti

Our first stop was the iconic Bombay Hotel, a legendary eatery that has been serving up delicious street food for decades. As we entered, we were greeted by a lively crowd of happy customers, all eagerly waiting for their turn to taste the mouth-watering Dal Gosht and Khamiri roti. The combination of the spicy and wholesome Dal Gosht paired with the soft, fluffy Khamiri roti was a match made in heaven. This dish was not only a flavor sensation but also a great value for money.

Dilli 6: A Taste of Old Delhi in Kolkata

Next, we headed to Dilli 6, an eatery that specializes in delicacies from Old Delhi. The cook here was a font of knowledge about the eating scene in Delhi, and after a hearty chat, we decided to try their famous Chicken Afghani. This creamy, buttery grilled chicken-based dish was pure indulgence, and we couldn't get enough of it. The combination of spices, herbs, and the tender chicken was a masterclass in culinary expertise.

Taskeen: The Institution of Fried Chicken

Taskeen is an institution when it comes to fried chicken, and we were excited to try their famous Murg Changezi. This double-fried chicken-based appetizer was phenomenal, with a crispy exterior giving way to juicy, flavorful meat. The genial owner informed us that the marinade used in the dish has 51 different ingredients, which explained its exceptional taste. We also tried some Kesariya falooda, which was rich and distinctly luscious.

Sweet Treats: Anrasa and Kalakand

As we continued our gastronomic adventure, we stumbled upon a vendor selling anrasa, a deep-fried sweet rice flour dumpling. This was a popular snack among laborers from Bihar who reside in the area. We also sampled some fresh kalakand and patti samosa, which were both delightful.

Baba Tea Stall: A Haven for Tea Lovers

For a tea break, we headed to Baba Tea Stall, which was super crowded. People were joyfully chatting over endless cups of tea served in bhars or clay cups. The tea was quite good, and we appreciated the warm hospitality of the stall owners.

Adams Kebab: The Fabled Suta Kebab

Our final destination was Adams Kebab, where we were determined to try the fabled suta kebab. As we watched the preparation of the kebab, we were fascinated by the skill and precision of the chef. The final product was a meaty granular stuff that was phenomenal, a true masterpiece of culinary art.

Haji Allauddin Sweet Shop: A Century-Old Institution

Our final stop was the century-old Haji Allauddin sweet shop, which is renowned for its sweets, especially halwas. We were greeted by the young owner, Hamd, who zealously acquainted us with some of their hot-selling fares. Their signature Batissa halwa just blew our minds with its unusually luscious taste and textures. We also sampled some mava ladoo, akhrot halwa, and dahi balushahi, all of which were exquisite.

Alternate Products

For those looking for alternative options, there are several other eateries on Zakaria Street that offer a similar culinary experience. Some recommendations include:

Saravana Bhavan: A popular South Indian restaurant with a wide range of dosas, idlis, and other dishes.

Keventers: A legendary eatery that serves up delicious street food, including their famous falooda.

Haji Ali: A popular sweet shop with a wide range of traditional sweets and desserts.

Final Verdict

Our gastronomic adventure through Zakaria Street was a resounding success, with each stop offering a unique and unforgettable experience. From the spicy Dal Gosht and Khamiri roti at Bombay Hotel to the fabled suta kebab at Adams Kebab, every dish was a flavor sensation. We highly recommend a visit to Zakaria Street for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavors of Kolkata's culinary heritage.

Where to Buy