10 Essential Indian Dishes You Must Try in Kolkata

First on our list is a healthy and savoury breakfast item. Idli is a rice-based Southern Indian pancake often served with a side of vegetables or sauces. Idli pancakes generally consist of rice and lentils. Idli is made by grinding and fermenting rice, lentils, and other grains and seeds and mixing them into a batter. The fermented batter is then scooped into a pan or mold and steamed. This fluffy dish is a Kolkata favorite, served with chutney or other condiments and vegetables on the side. 

Visit Chennai Square for delicious idli and a mouthwatering menu of other Indian breakfast items.

Vindaloo is a richly spiced curry dish made popular in many parts of the world. This famous dish can be made vegetarian or with various types of meat. Vindaloo is made by preparing a coconut milk curry sauce with chickpeas, lentils, onions, and an array of chilis and spices. Served over rice, potatoes, or naan bread, this flavourful meal is the perfect way to end a day traveling through Kolkata. 

The Coastal Macha, near the Gariahat Market, serves beautifully prepared vindaloo and an extensive menu of delicious Indian cuisine.

Tandoori is a juicy grilled chicken dish often served as an appetizer. Chicken is marinated and spiced before grilling and served in-bone as wings and drumsticks served with dipping sauces. Tandoori chicken is made by preparing a yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and ginger marinade with coriander, cumin, turmeric, garam masala, and other fragrant spices. Chicken is coated and marinated before grilling and serving on a sharable platter.

Order tandoori at Club 21, a trendy café offering Indian and Chinese dishes.

Biryani is a Persian and Indian recipe with marinated meat (often chicken) and buttery rice. This dish has wide varieties, but basic biryani is made by marinating meat in a thick yogurt base spiced with garam masala and other aromatics. The meat is usually cooked in a deep pot before mixing with basmati rice. Biryani can be served with an egg and cucumber and may have a side of naan. 

Visit Haan' D' Biryani near Mother House for a well-loved eatery specializing in biryani chicken!

Palak paneer is an incredible vegetarian option made with cheese and spinach for cheese lovers. Served as a curry, palak paneer is made by blanching and pureeing spinach. The spinach is then cooked with a cottage cheese paneer and spices such as cinnamon and cumin before adding cream, milk, or yogurt. This mild, smooth, cheesy dish is often served with rice or naan. 

Singhji's offers perfect palak paneer, as well as both Indian and Chinese cuisine, in an inviting atmosphere.

Masala dosa is a popular Southern Indian dish served for breakfast. An Indian version of a crepe, this savoury dish is usually stuffed with potatoes. Masala dosa is made by whipping up a batter of rice and seeds to form thin and crispy crepes. Crepes are filled with a variety of fillings, but most commonly potatoes. Potatoes are prepared in turmeric and other spices before wrapping in crepes and serving with chutney or different sauces. 

Visit So Southy, a modern locale boasting delicious Masala Dosa and other vegetarian options.

An Indian cuisine favourite, chicken tikka is a beloved street food of marinated and skewered chicken served with dipping sauces. Chicken tikka is made by marinating the chicken, sometimes in tart lemon juice to begin, then in a rich yogurt and spice marinade. Next, Tikka is brushed with ghee and grilled to flavourful, juicy perfection. 

Pavillion Kolkata, near the Church of Christ the King, is a modern spot themed after Kolkata's favourite sport – cricket, where you can try their fantastic chicken tikka!

Dal makhani is a lentil and cream dish often served with rice. This healthy and filling dish is also a great vegetarian option. A slow-cooked and smokey dish, dal makhani is made by first cooking lentils and a variety of beans. Separately, butter and aromatic spices are added to onions, ginger, and garlic, then combined with a tomato puree with red chili powder. Finally, all ingredients are combined with cream and made into a thick, hearty curry smoked over charcoal. 

Visit the popular banquet hall Gucchi, near Carmel of Christ King, for memorable dal makhana.

A delightful and popular Indian street food dish, vada pav is a spicy vegetarian burger made from a fried potato patty in a slider bun. This portable food can be made with a variety of exciting toppings. Vada pav is commonly made with a batter of boiled potatoes, turmeric, and salt with ginger, garlic, and green chili. Made into individual patties and deep fried, the patties are then transferred to soft rolls and stuffed with a selection of rich chutneys. 

Near Mahanirban Math, Kurry Pata offers vada pav and other treats with casual indoor and outdoor seating.

Aloo gobi is a traditional vegetarian dish with stir-fried and slightly crispy potatoes and cauliflower. However, this nutritious and enjoyable dish has a wide variety. Stir-frying potatoes and cauliflower make Aloo gobi in garlic, green chilis, ginger, and cumin. Red chili powder, garam masala, and other curry spices are added to the mix along with diced tomatoes. 

Enjoy great aloo gobi and the lovely ambiance at Ocean Grill.

Kolkata, one of India's prized capitals, is rich in history and has become a cultural destination for locals and travelers. Add more color and excitement to your vacation in India by taking a journey into Kolkata's best local eats. Indian cuisine is one of the most popular worldwide for a reason! Full of texture, rich flavours, and intricate ingredients – Indian dishes in Kolkata will have you coming back for more.