What, according to you, is the best way to soak in the vibe of a place? If you ask us, we feel it can only be done by staying, eating and moving like the locals. For instance, you can never experience the essence of Mumbai without travelling in trains and eating at the street side carts. Likewise, in Kolkata, you have to explore the bazaars and food markets to get an overall idea of the socio-economic situations of the people. Going to the bazaars every morning is a part of their everyday ritual. Finding the freshest fish and seasonal produce, chatting with acquaintances about society and politics, and having 'doodh-cha' (milk tea) at the nukkad has always been the quintessential idea of bazaar to most Bengalis. In this article, we will introduce you to a slice of the classic bazaar culture of Bengal, while highlighting some of the most popular food bazaars of Kolkata. Let's get going.
Also Read: 10 Hidden Gems You Must Try To Experience The Taste Of Kolkata
10 Popular Food Bazaars Of Kolkata:
1. Dacres Lane:
Dacres Lane, also known as 'office para' (office area), has a rich history spanning over 200 years and carries the legacy left by the British. Named after Milner Dacres, the former collector of the then Calcutta, the area today has become the hotspot for some of the most satisfying meals in the city, that too at an affordable price. From the delicious lassi, chai, rolls and fish chop to a wholesome rice meal, you will find different types of street side shops in this area, selling foods to satisfy all your needs. Three food joints you must try at Dacres Lane are Chitto Babur Dokan, Arun Da's Joy Mara Tara Hotel, and Sheetala Udipi House.
Where: James Hickey Sarani, Esplanade
How to reach: The nearest metro station is Esplanade. Take the 'Esplanade Junction' exit and walk for two minutes to reach Dacres Lane. You will also get a local bus service from Esplanade.
2.Tiretti Bazaar:
To put it simply, Tiretti Bazaar is a market within the market. It apparently looks like a regular sabzi mandi, but the magic begins as soon as you step in. It's the hub for authentic Chinese breakfast. The breakfast market starts at 5 in the morning and wraps up by 8 am. From homemade sausages, momos, and fish ball soup to fried wontons and pork rolls, you get it all on both sides of the streets.
Where: 23/1, Chatawala Lane, Near Poddar Court, Tiretti
How to reach: The closest metro station is Central Metro station. You need to take the Poddar Court exit and then, it is a five-minute walk from there. But we suggest taking a bus or cab early in the morning to reach your destination easily.
Also Read: 5 Iconic Restaurants In Park Street, Kolkata You Must Visit For A Gastronomic Exploration
3. Zakaria Street:
Kolkata has a history that is shaped with influences of various cultures and communities. And Zakari Street is one such place to experience the Mughal culture in the city. Situated just beside the historical Nakhoda Masjid of Kolkata, this place offers the most authentic Mughlai flavours you can think of. Explore the bylanes and try kebabs, nihari, biryani, halim, sheermal, rabdi and more.
Where: Zakaria Street, Kolutolla, Barabazar Market
How to reach: It is nestled between Barabazar and Chitpur. Get down at the Central metro station or MG Road metro station and walk for 10 minutes to reach Nakhoda Masjid. And that's where the street starts.
4. Shyambazar:
One of the oldest food hubs in the city, Shyambazar is located in North Kolkata. This place is always busy and offers a pool of delicious foods to try. From mango shakes available at the metro station to chaat available at Hathibagan and more, you will find some yummy street roads across the area. And yes, do not forget to have the phuckas available at the bylines.
Where: Shyambazar market, 128/1, Bidhan Sarani, Shyambazar, Five Point Crossing
How to reach: Get down at Shyambazar metro station and you are just there for a foodie exploration.
5. Gariahat bazaar:
Many of you surely know Gariahat as a flea market hub in Kolkata. From clothes to fancy jewellery, you get it all here. But did you know, the place boasts of a fresh vegetable market too? Gariahat sabzi mandi boasts of fresh, local vegetables and fish that are consumed in a Bengali household daily. In fact, you will find people thronging the bazaar early in the morning to find their pick of the day, and ending it with a delicious desi breakfast like luchi-torkari, petai porta, dim-toast and doodh cha.
Where:Gariahat Bazaar Kalyan Samiti, Purbapara, Kamdahari
How to reach: Take a bus from your location and get down at Gariahat bus stop or Golpark bus stop and walk for maximum 3-4 minutes.
6. Hogg Market:
From dairy products to fresh produce and great meat, you get it all here. In fact, if locals are to be believed, Hogg market is considered the hub of almost every imported and home-grown food product you are looking for under the sun. And if you are tired of doing your grocery, then take a break and enjoy the locally made cookies, pastries and pattice sold at the local stores.
Where: SSB22, Humayun Place, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala
How to reach: Nearest metro station is Esplanade. Take the New Market exit and walk for a maximum of two minutes.
8. Jan Bazar Spice Market:
If you are looking to buy good quality at wholesale rate, then all you need to do is walk for some time to the Jan Bazar spice market. Much like Delhi's Khari Bawli, this place nestles shops with whole and ground spices of different kinds and varieties. Infact, you also have the facility to grind your own masala as per your choice.
Where: H964+R7H, SN Banerjee Road, New Market Area, Janbazar
How to reach: The fastest way to travel to Jan Bazar is by local bus.
9. Patipukur Fish Market:
Looking for the best quality salmon? Planning to buy imported Hilsa from Bangladesh? You get it all at Patipukur Fish Market at a wholesale rate. In fact, this place gives you a fair idea of Bengalis and their immense love for fish. So, to experience Bengali food habit, we suggest, take a tour of this fish market and enjoy the experience. Pro tip: Do visit the place early in the morning to enjoy the hustle and bustle and the freshest fish in the lot.
Where: Khudiram Bose Sarani, Patipukur Fish Market, Khudiram Bose Rd, Dutta Bagan, Paikpara
10. Posta Bazaar:
Posta Bazar, a wholesale commodity market, came into existence in the mid-19th century when India was still under British Rule. Primarily it was used as a Stocking Market, but over time, Posta rapidly became a vast commercial market serving as a distribution point for Eastern India. Rice, in particular, contributed to its growth as new areas in the hinterland of South Bengal flourished rapidly. By the mid-twentieth century, Posta market commanded the whole of Eastern India in the business of essential food commodities and became the biggest such market in terms of quantity, variety, and transaction value. It holds its place today as well as the prime market of pulses, edible & vegetable oil, sugar, flour, salt, groundnut, gur, wheat products and more.
Where: Jadulal Mullick Road, P.S. Jorabagan KMC ward no. 24
How to reach: Situated off Strand Road, Posta Market or Posta Bazar is just north of Central Kolkata and is surrounded by neighbourhoods like Burrabazar, Jorasanko and Jorabagan. You will find buses from different routes to reach Posta Bazaar.
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