Which is the best place to have Bengali food in Kolkata?

This is a question we get frequently. And there is no one answer to that. We have tried some places and Bhojohori Manna is one of the most popular Bengali food chains that we visited recently.

Bhojohori Manna: A Delightful Bengali Cuisine Experience in Kolkata

When it comes to enjoying authentic Bengali cuisine in Kolkata, Bhojohori Manna stands out as a go-to destination. Known for its traditional home-style Bengali food, this popular restaurant captures the essence of Bengal’s culinary heritage in every bite. During our recent visit to Kolkata for Durga Puja, we made it a point to have lunch at one of their outlets, and the experience left us with many talking points.

PIN IT FOR LATER READ

A Durga Puja Special Experience

Durga Puja is a magical time to be in Kolkata, and the city’s vibrance is complemented perfectly by the festive menus at Bhojohori Manna. The restaurant adds a special touch to this auspicious time with exclusive Durga Puja menus available over the five main days of the festival. What makes the experience unique is that they serve only specially curated thalis during this period, skipping the usual à la carte options.

We opted for one vegetarian thali and one non-vegetarian thali, both offering a variety of dishes to explore. Bengali meals are mostly multi-course affairs. Hence it was no surprise that the thalis were an elaborate spread, presenting a wholesome mix of flavours typical of Bengali cuisine.

The vegetarian thali included some common as well as lesser-known Bengali delicacies:

• Plain rice and Pulao to start the meal, providing a neutral base for the rich gravies.
• Chhanar Kofta (cottage cheese dumplings), dal (lentils), and Alu Bhaja (crispy fried potatoes), are staples of Bengali home-cooked meals.
• The star attractions were Dhokar Dalna, a traditional preparation of lentil cakes in a mildly spiced curry, and Phoolkopir Roast, a cauliflower dish bursting with flavours.

The Non-Vegetarian Thali: A True Bengali Feast

For those looking for the quintessential Bengali non-vegetarian experience, the non-veg thali was an apt exposure:

Along with the common items from the veg thali, the non-veg thali featured two iconic Bengali dishes:

• Chringri Machher Malaikari a.k.a. prawns in mustard paste, is a tangy and flavourful preparation that showcased the signature use of mustard in Bengali cooking.
• Kosha Mangsho, the slow-cooked spicy mutton curry, is rich with traditional spices and a highlight of the meal.

No Bengali meal is complete without accompaniments that elevate the flavours. Also, contrary to North Indian meals, the chutney in a Bengali meal comes after the main course. It acts as a palette cleanser between the main meal and the desserts that Bengalis take very seriously.

The thalis were complemented by date and mango chutney, adding a sweet and tangy note to balance the spices. Additionally, the refreshing zest of Gandhoraj Lebu, Bengal’s fragrant response to Kefir lime, enhanced the overall dining experience.

“Everything is a little sweeter in West Bengal”

Bengali cooking style is a synergy of tastes. Hence much to the surprise of chefs in other parts of India, a pinch of sugar is added to almost all dishes and curries.

And, any Bengali meal, regular or fancy, cannot be considered complete without a sweet end. For desserts at Bhojohori Manna,   brought the meal to a perfect conclusion. The traditional Bengali sweet treats were a great way to balance out the spicier elements of the meal. A small meetha paan at the end added a touch of festivity and freshness to wrap up the experience.

The Verdict

The food at Bhojohori Manna was a mixed bag in terms of flavours. While some dishes stood out for their authentic taste, others felt overtly spicy. However, the sheer variety and the effort to showcase the essence of Bengali cuisine made Bhojohori Manna a fruitful experience.

The elaborate meal was filling enough to sustain us for an entire day of pandal hopping, a must-do activity during Durga Puja in Kolkata.

The Price of Bhojohori Manna Thali

The prices of Bhojohori Manna thalis vary from the different combinations that you choose. Also, prices during Durga Puja may vary with the prices that offer rest of the year. That said, we felt that Bhojohori Manna was affordable. The average price for two at Bhojohori Manna should be around Rs 1000 (approximately USD 12).

Bhojohori Manna Near Me

As to Bhojohori Manna’s location, you might want to know when and where Bhojohori Manna started. To the best of our recollection, the earliest Bhojohori Manna restaurant was in a garage on Ekdalia Road, Gariahat, Kolkata. Over time, they have expanded. There are many branches now all across the city and in Siliguri, Puri, and Bangalore as well.

So, if you search online for “Bhojohori Manna near me”, in all likelihood you would find a branch that is easy for you to reach.

How to Reach Bhojohori Manna

A commute in Kolkata is convenient. The city has a robust public transport system with buses plying all across. The bus numbers and locations are written in Bangla and English as well. A visitor can easily read the details and travel.

There are app-based cabs and then there are the iconic yellow ambassador taxis of Kolkata. You can take the yellow taxi and don’t miss clicking a picture in front of it. Have to admit, it does look regal.

If you are visiting the Bhojohori Manna branches in the Gariahat area, the legendary tram would be the ideal commute. Trams in Kolkata have an uncertain future so do take a ride till when it is around.

Last but not least, the first city in India to get the Metro is Kolkata. Over time, Metro Railways lines have expanded in the city and it caters to longer areas. You can take the Metro and reach your desired Bhojohori Manna outlet as well.

Why Visit Bhojohori Manna?

Bhojohori Manna isn’t just about food; it’s about experiencing the culture of Bengal through its culinary heritage. From their use of locally sourced ingredients to the busy chatty ambience, it truly reflects the mood in a Bengali dining room.

Whether you are a local or visiting Kolkata, Bhojohori Manna is a great place to relish authentic Bengali cuisine in Kolkata. From unique vegetarian dishes to rich non-vegetarian curries, their menu captures the essence of Bengal’s love for food.

Tips for Visiting Bhojohori Manna

• Keep time on hand: Given than Bengali meals come in multiple courses, do keep sufficient time on hand – at least one and a half to two hours while having a Bengali meal.
• Arrive early: The restaurant can get crowded, especially during lunch hours.
• Try their seasonal specialties: Bengali cuisine is heavily influenced by seasonal ingredients, so don’t miss out on what’s fresh.

Final Thoughts

Dining at Bhojohori Manna is more than just a meal; it’s a journey into the heart of Bengal’s rich culinary tradition. With its wide variety of dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, the restaurant offers a fair introduction to Bengali cuisine in Kolkata.

If you’re in Kolkata, do plan a visit to Bhojohori Manna to savour the taste of Bengal without burning a hole in your pocket.