Durga Puja, the start of the festival season, is drawing near. For many people in Delhi, this entails visiting C R Park. The capital's "Mini Kolkata," Chittaranjan Park, is a hive of Bengali cuisine and culture. Originally constructed as a residential colony for Bengalis, it has evolved into the go-to place for authentic Bengali food. C R Park offers a true taste of Kolkata right in the heart of Delhi with its delectable street food, flavourful fish curries and sweet treats. In this festive season, let us take a dip in the area and find the locations that are a must-visit if you want to try the best Bengali food the area has to offer.
The first place you should go if you're craving traditional Bengali sweets is Annapurna Sweets. Renowned for its extensive selection of rosogollas, sandesh, and mishti doi, this Market No. 2 store is a landmark. A crowd favourite, their fresh rosogollas are renowned for being delicate, spongy, and perfectly sweet. They use freshly made chhena (paneer) in their sandesh every day, which gives it a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Must-Try Dish: Rosogolla and Mishti Doi
Address: Shop No 15 Market No 2, Block H, Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110019
Cost: INR 200 for two
Without an indulgence of puchkas, Bengal's take on pani puri, no Bengali food trail is ever complete. Market No. 2's Raju Puchkawala is well-known for serving the crispiest, tangiest puchkas. Bengali puchkas are served with spiced tamarind water and are filled with spicy mashed potatoes, in contrast to their northern Indian counterpart. Your mouth will water from the explosion of flavours, and you'll want more.
Must-Try Dish: Puchka and Ghugni Chaat
Address: C-407, near, Bipin Chandra Pal Marg, Block C, Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110019
Cost: INR 200 for two
It would be a culinary sin to be in Delhi's little Kolkata and skip the traditional Kolkata biryani while visiting. CR Park's iconic Kolkata Biryani House is well-known for its genuine Kolkata-style biryani, which is distinguished by a mild spice aroma and a boiled egg and potato on each plate. With subtle notes of cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron, Kolkata biryani has a more aromatic taste than its hotter northern counterparts. This dish is a must-try on your Durga Puja food trip to CR Park.
Must-Try Dish: Kolkata Biryani with Egg and Potato
Address: Shop No. 51, Market No 1, Block C, Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110019
Cost: INR 600 for two
If you're a seafood enthusiast, Madly Bangalee located in Market No. 2 is a must-go-to. A variety of seafood dishes are available at this restaurant, such as steamed hilsa fish (ilish bhapa) and chingri malai curry, which is prawn curry cooked in coconut milk. The fish is cooked to perfection and the earthy flavours will definitely take you to Bengal's coastal regions.
Must-Try Dish: Chingri Malai Curry and Ilish Bhapa
Address: Shop 10, Csc Market-2, Tuglakabad, Kalkaji, Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi
Cost: INR 400 for two
For those who have an appetite for Bengali street food, Dadu Cutlet Shop, tucked away in Market No. 2, is a must-visit location. This restaurant is the ideal place to stop for a quick snack because it serves a wide selection of deep-fried treats like fried eggplant fritters, mutton chops, and fish cutlets. When you serve your cutlets with some hot mustard sauce, you'll swear you've been taken to a busy Kolkata street.
Must-Try Dish: Fish Cutlet and Mutton Chop
Address: Shop No. 39, CSC Market. No. 2, Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110019
Cost: INR 400 for two