Ever dreamt of indulging in a food coma induced by fluffy luchi dipped in rich kosha mangsho? Or maybe delicate rosogollas dancing on your tongue are your idea of bliss? Well, fret no more! CR Park in Delhi is your one-stop destination to embark on a delightful culinary adventure through the vibrant streets of Bengal. Forget airplane tickets and haggling with rickshaw drivers – our list of the top 5 Bengali bites in CR Park will have your taste buds singing and your stomach thanking you. So, put on your stretchiest trousers and get ready to dive into a world of Bengali culinary delights!
CR Park, lovingly known as Delhi’s very own “Kolkata,” is a haven for Bengali culture and cuisine. Nestled amidst bustling markets and friendly faces, this little pocket of Delhi transports you straight to the heart of Bengal. The air is thick with the aroma of mustard oil and fragrant spices, while the sound of chatter and clinking cutlery create a symphony that whets your appetite.
Here’s our curated list of the top 5 Bengali bites that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!):
Maa Tara: A Bengali Thali Symphony
For a true taste of Bengali home-style cooking, Maa Tara is a must-visit. Stepping into this restaurant is like stepping into a warm Bengali kitchen. The aroma of spices hangs heavy in the air, and the friendly staff welcomes you with open arms.
Their pièce de résistance? The quintessential Bengali thali. This elaborate platter is a celebration of Bengali flavours, featuring a symphony of dishes:
- Luchis: Fluffy, deep-fried flatbreads that are the perfect vessel for scooping up curries.
- Kosha Mangsho: Tender lamb pieces simmered in a rich, onion-based gravy – a Bengali comfort food staple.
- Aloo Posto: A simple yet flavourful potato dish cooked with poppy seeds, a must-try for vegetarians.
- Shukto: A melange of seasonal vegetables simmered in a light mustard sauce, a healthy and delightful accompaniment.
- Doi Machh: Fish cooked in a creamy yoghurt gravy – a unique and tangy delight.
Maa Tara’s thali is not just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a chance to savour the diverse flavours of Bengali cuisine, each bite a testament to the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Kolkata Biryani House: A Bite of Kolkata’s Soul
No exploration of Bengali cuisine is complete without indulging in a plate of Kolkata biryani. Unlike its Hyderabadi cousin, Kolkata biryani is a lighter and more fragrant affair. The rice is cooked with aromatic spices like cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves, and features a medley of vegetables, potatoes, and sometimes even eggs.
Kolkata Biryani House serves up a Kolkata biryani that will have you scraping the bottom of the bowl. The rice is fluffy and flavourful, the vegetables are cooked to perfection, and the meat (chicken or mutton) is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Each bite is an explosion of taste and texture, a true reflection of Kolkata’s culinary soul.
Kolkata Hot Kathi Roll: A Street Food Sensation
For a taste of Bengali street food, look no further than Kolkata Hot Kathi Roll. This tiny stall in CR Park market is a legend, churning out delicious rolls at breakneck speed. Forget your fancy wraps and gourmet fillings; here, it’s all about the simplicity and explosive flavours.
Their signature offering is the egg and chicken kathi roll. Tender, marinated chicken or egg pieces are stir-fried with onions, peppers, and a secret blend of spices, all wrapped up in a soft paratha. The first bite is a symphony of textures – the crispy paratha, the juicy chicken, and the soft onions – all held together by the flavourful masala. It’s messy, it’s delicious, and it’s the perfect street food experience.
Dadu Cutlet Shop: A Celebration of Crispy Fritters
Dadu Cutlet Shop is a CR Park institution, a haven for all things fried and delicious. This tiny shop, with its friendly staff and old-school charm, is a testament to the Bengali love for crispy fritters, or chops.
They offer a variety of chops, from the classic potato chop to the more adventurous fish chop and egg devil chop. Each chop is a masterpiece of textures – a golden-brown, crispy exterior giving way to a soft, flavourful interior. The chutney served alongside perfectly complements the richness of the chops, adding a touch of tang and spice.
Dadu Cutlet Shop is a reminder that sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most satisfying.
Annapurna Sweet House: A Symphony of Bengali Sweets (Not a Lunch Home, But a Must-Visit)
While not technically a lunch home, Annapurna Sweet House deserves an honorary mention for its delectable Bengali sweets. Located in the heart of Vile Parle, this unassuming shop is a treasure trove for those with a sweet tooth.
