Where to get Authentic Bengali Fare in Salt Lake?

In the festive season, we tend to return to our roots. We crave the food we grew up with, the food that our mother used to make.

Durga Puja is homing time for sundry expat and probashi Bangalis. With kitchens shrinking, and cooks on leave in Kolkata, the only option to get good old Bengali specialities like chingri malaikari, or kosha mangsho, or dhokar dalna is the nearby "traditional" or "heritage" restaurant. 

And these eateries have sprung up all over the city. Some have theme based decor and offerings, while others offer Bangladesh or opare cuisine. Some have fusion fare, while a few score on value for money.

Let's check out a few:

1. Sonar Tori - 

Based in City Centre 1, Salt Lake, it's decor is reminiscent of zamindari baithak khanas. Retro look, opulent chandeliers, low lighting, liveried servers and such like.

You are served on brass plates and cutlery is strictly vintage style. Food is good, though pretty expensive. And they follow strict lunch and dinner timings. Excellent service.

2. Saptapadi- 

This is situated near City Centre 1, with a modest facade, that you are likely to miss if you don't keep a close watch.

The name comes from a classic Bengali film, the interiors featuring pics of the immortal Uttam-Suchitra. Food is very delicious, light on the stomach and reasonably priced. Only problem is space if it gets good crowds.

3. Babu Culture - 

This new outlet of the south Kolkata based restaurant is in Sector 1, near Purta Bhavan, Salt Lake. The interiors are tastefully done, and there's a palanquin too near the entrance.

Pictures of "babus" and "bibis" adorn the walls. The food is a bit spicy, and priced on the higher side. Their thalis are good value for money though.

4. Gondhoraj - 

Named after the famous scented lemon of Bengal, this restaurant is located near City Centre 1 entrance gate, besides Inox theatre. No-nonsense interiors, spacious and well lit, the food here is authentic and light. Thalis are good value for money, though the quantity of rice is abysmal.

They should increase the rice portion, as its the only staple (no luchis in thali). Service and quality of food are delightful. 

5. The Bhoj Company - 

Situated in Sector 5, it has pleasing interiors, with two floors. The food is reasonably priced, and used to be very light yet tasty.

Off late, they have upped the spice quotient possibly to cater to the IT crowd. Vegetarian fare is very good here. 

One word of caution, though. During festivals and peak traffic, both quality of food, as well as service goes down. Plus you have limited choice and inflated prices, along with huge waiting period. 

If you don't mind those, then sample some good old bong stuff at the restaurants in Salt Lake. Of course for a hefty packet!

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