Durga Puja in Kolkata is more than just pandal-hopping and cultural celebrations—it’s also a grand feast. The city transforms into a food paradise where every street corner tempts you with irresistible aromas. If you’re in Kolkata during Puja, here are 12 must-try foods that capture the festive spirit.
1. 🍖 Kosha Mangsho with Luchi
Slow-cooked spicy mutton curry paired with fluffy luchis—a classic indulgence during the festive season.
2. 🐟 Shorshe Ilish
Hilsa fish cooked in pungent mustard sauce is a delicacy that Bengalis proudly serve during Puja.
3. 🍲 Kolkata Biryani with Potato
Delicately spiced biryani featuring the signature aloo—light yet flavorful, perfect for late-night pandal hopping.
4. 🥟 Phuchka
Crispy puris filled with tangy tamarind water and spicy mashed potatoes—the ultimate street-side snack.
5. 🌯 Kathi Rolls
Flaky parathas wrapped around kebabs, chicken, or paneer—quick, filling, and iconic.
6. 🍤 Chingri Malai Curry
Succulent prawns simmered in a rich coconut-milk gravy—a festive favorite for seafood lovers.
7. 🫘 Ghugni
A hearty snack of spiced yellow peas topped with onions, chillies, and coriander.
8. 🍴 Fish Fry & Cutlets
Crispy bhetki fry or mutton cutlets served with kasundi mustard sauce—perfect evening treats.
9. 🍯 Mishti Doi
Thick, creamy, and caramelized sweet curd that cools the palate after heavy festive meals.
10. 🍬 Rosogolla and Sandesh
Soft, spongy rosogollas and melt-in-the-mouth sandesh are must-have sweets during Puja.
11. 🍠 Chop and Telebhaja
Deep-fried fritters like beguni, aloo chop, and peyaji that pair beautifully with evening adda.
12. 🥮 Nolen Gur Sweets
Date palm jaggery sweets like sandesh and payesh—seasonal delights that add a special festive touch.
Durga Puja in Kolkata is a celebration of flavors as much as traditions. From hearty meals to street-side snacks and heavenly sweets, these 12 dishes define the city’s festive spirit.