Start your trip by exploring the Tangra neighborhood, Kolkata's own Chinatown. Begin with a visit to Chinatown Market, where you can browse through a variety of Chinese ingredients and spices. Indulge in a sumptuous Chinese breakfast at one of the local eateries, savoring delicious dim sums and hot bowls of noodle soup. Afterward, head to the renowned Hakka restaurants in the area, such as Beijing Restaurant and Kim Ling, to relish mouthwatering Hakka Chinese cuisine.
In the afternoon, make your way to Park Street, the gastronomic hub of Kolkata. Start by visiting Flurys, a legendary tearoom known for its delectable pastries and English afternoon tea. After satisfying your sweet tooth, explore the vibrant Park Street and try out the various street food stalls offering local favorites like puchkas (pani puri) and kathi rolls. For a more refined dining experience, head to Peter Cat or Bar-B-Q for their famous Chelo Kebabs and sizzlers.
As the evening approaches, head to Esplanade, a bustling area known for its street food and cultural buzz. Begin by exploring New Market, a historic shopping destination, where you can find a wide array of local spices, tea, and Bengali sweets. Treat yourself to some mouthwatering street food snacks like jhalmuri and kathi rolls from the popular food stalls in the vicinity. For dinner, indulge in Bengali culinary delights at Oh! Calcutta or 6 Ballygunge Place.
Start your second day by immersing yourself in the artistic charm of Kumartuli, the neighborhood famous for its traditional clay idol makers. Witness the artisans at work as they craft intricate idols for various festivals. In the morning, explore the narrow lanes of Kumartuli, observing the craftsmanship and taking in the creative energy of the place. Enjoy a traditional Bengali breakfast at a local eatery, feasting on luchi (deep-fried bread) and aloo dum (spicy potato curry).
Head to College Street, a haven for book lovers and intellectuals. Explore the numerous bookstores lining the street, offering a vast collection of rare and second-hand books. Take a break at the famous Indian Coffee House, a historic establishment known for its intellectual discussions and delicious coffee. Treat yourself to a traditional Bengali lunch at one of the nearby eateries, savoring flavorsome dishes like macher jhol (fish curry) and shorshe ilish (hilsa fish in mustard gravy).
In the evening, head to Jodhpur Park, a residential area known for its vibrant food scene. Begin by visiting the famous South Indian restaurants like Banana Leaf and Arsalan, known for their delicious dosas and biryanis. Explore the local street food stalls, offering a variety of snacks like momos, phuchka, and kathi rolls. For dinner, indulge in a traditional Bengali thali at Bhojohori Manna or Kewpie's Kitchen, experiencing the rich flavors of the region.
On your final day, visit the iconic Howrah Bridge, a symbol of Kolkata. Start your morning by taking a leisurely walk across the bridge, enjoying panoramic views of the Hooghly River and the city skyline. Explore the bustling Howrah flower market, where you can witness the vibrant colors and fragrances of the beautiful flowers. Indulge in a hearty Bengali breakfast at a local eatery, relishing dishes like luchi aloo tarkari (deep-fried bread with potato curry).
In the afternoon, visit Shobhabazar, a historic neighborhood known for its grand mansions and traditional Bengali culture. Explore the magnificent Shobhabazar Rajbari, a palatial mansion that offers insights into Kolkata's rich history. Afterward, treat yourself to a traditional Bengali lunch at Suruchi or 6 Ballygunge Place, savoring authentic flavors and delicacies. Complete your experience by enjoying a cup of chai (tea) and some local snacks at a nearby tea stall.
End your culinary adventure with a visit to Dakshineswar Kali Temple, a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Explore the temple complex and witness the evening aarti (prayer ceremony), immersing yourself in the spiritual atmosphere. Afterward, head to Bhojohori Manna or Kewpie's Kitchen for a traditional Bengali dinner, indulging in classic dishes like kosha mangsho (slow-cooked mutton) and mishti doi (sweet yogurt).
For foodies looking to explore Kolkata's hidden culinary gems, don't miss out on trying authentic Bengali street food at Tiretti Bazaar, where you can savor mouthwatering Chinese breakfast dishes like momos and dumplings. Another local favorite is the iconic Indian Coffee House on College Street, known for its intellectual ambiance and delicious coffee. Lastly, don't forget to visit the legendary sweet shops of Kolkata, such as K.C. Das and Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick, to indulge in traditional Bengali sweets like rasgulla and sandesh.
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