Bengali STREET FOOD Walk @ Delhi's Mini C R Park, Mahavir Enclave I Kolkata Biryani + Chops + Mishti

Basking in the pre-Puja spirit, we wandered through Mahavir Enclave’s vibrant Bengali lanes, indulging in all things delicious—spicy biryani, crunchy chops, and juicy rolls that hit just right. We were thrilled to have Partha Ghosh ji join us for the tour, adding a layer of authenticity and knowledge that enriched our experience.

Before kicking off our culinary adventure, we met the members of the Siddheshwari Kali Mandir Sarbajanin Puja Samity. They warmly welcomed us and shared insights about the traditional pina preparation, a key element in the festive celebrations that enrich the spirit of Puja. Their passion and dedication set the tone for the day, as we absorbed the vibrant culture surrounding us.

Our culinary journey truly began at Anupama Sweets, a local gem known for its quintessential evening snacks. Here, we sampled the mochar chop, a delightful Bengali-style croquette made of banana flower, ginger, chillies, and spices. Each bite told a story of tradition, embodying the essence of Bengali comfort food. The macher chop, crafted from bhetki fish, brought the sea’s flavors straight to our plates, while the egg devil—a spicy scotched egg enveloped in a creamy potato mixture—left us craving more. The vegetable chop, with its medley of assorted veggies, spices, and peanuts, added a satisfying crunch, while the chicken chop, rich with minced chicken, offered a heartwarming taste of home.

To complement these treats, we dived into kasundi, a Bengali-style mustard sauce bursting with intense, spicy, and tangy flavors that elevated our snack experience.

Next, we found ourselves at Grilled and Steamer, where the aroma of butter pan-fried momos filled the air. These dumplings, stuffed with a savory blend of veggies and meat, were pan-fried until the bottom was golden and crisp—a mouthwatering contrast to the soft filling. The chef shared that these momos are a beloved favorite in the area, perfect for a rainy evening.

Continuing our adventure, we arrived at Paschim Bengal Fish Shop. Here, the importance of fish in Bengali cuisine truly shone through. The shopkeeper proudly shared stories of the local fishing community and their sustainable practices, emphasizing the role of fresh ingredients in Bengali cooking. We then made our way to Little Kolkata Cuisine, where the egg chicken roll caught our attention. This flavorful wrap featured pan-fried egg-layered flatbread, sautéed capsicum and onions, spicy chicken chunks, and two kinds of sauces. After hearing that the person making the rolls hailed from a famous biryani shop in Kolkata, we couldn't resist trying the Kolkata chicken biryani as well. The biryani was mildly spicy and aromatic, with generous chunks of fried potatoes that added a comforting twist. Alongside it, we enjoyed the pomfret shorshe, a fried pomfret fish cooked in a spicy Bengali-style mustard gravy that delivered a rich, tangy punch.

Our next stop was Ranna Ghor, a charming takeaway and catering spot run by a husband-and-wife duo. Their passion for authentic Bengali cuisine was evident in every dish they served. The couple shared their journey of bringing the flavors of West Bengal to Delhi, ensuring that each recipe remained true to its roots.

Finally, we wrapped up our food journey at Devnath Sweets & Caterers. No Bengali feast is complete without sweets! We indulged in chomchom, a cylindrical-shaped chhana (Indian cottage cheese) sweet soaked in sugar syrup and coated with powdered khoya. The kancha gola, soft and luscious, made with chhana and jaggery, was another delight that transported us to our childhood. We also enjoyed sondesh, a traditional sweet made with chhana and jaggery, and kheer kadam, a chhana ball encased in a layer of khoya. To top it all off, we savored the beloved rosogolla, soft sugar syrup-laden balls of chhana that melted in our mouths.

It was a flavorful feast you don’t want to miss!


About the host:
https://anubhavsapra.com/

Also follow us on
Facebook:   / delhifoodwalks  
Twitter:   / delhifoodwalks  
Instagram:   / delhifoodwalks  

Design and filmed by Rahul Singh
  / iamrahulsingh.2  

Texts by Swetaleena Nayak