Kolkata which was formerly known as Calcutta is a city that is awake with liveliness, heritage, and tradition. Thus, to feel yourself a real citizen of Kolkata, you have to immerse yourselves in the mess of streets, taste the delicious foods, which locals cook, and respect the traditions. The following are useful tips to enable one to run through the city of joy Kolkata fatafat (in a hurry) like any true blue Kolkatan.
1. Relish Street Food Delicacies
Indeed, Kolkata is the queen of street foods. To taste the local cuisine it is advisable to eat classical street foods like phuchka (pani puri), kathi rolls, jhalmuri, and telebhaja. For phuchkas, go to Vivekananda Park; for kathi rolls, Nizam’s; or simply go to Gariahat to get almost anything you want to eat. Remember, it’s India so do not forget to taste sweets – rasgulla, sandesh, & mishti doi are staples.
2. Ride the Tram
A popular mode of transportation that can hardly be found in any other city is the tram of Kolkata. Take a tram for a casual view of the city including the areas that were and are significant in its history. As such, it is a good method to view the city at a more relaxed pace and also to appreciate the colonial buildings and the avenues with a line of trees.
3. Explore Iconic Landmarks
Visiting famous places is always a must to do when you are in any city and of course Kolkata fatafat is not an exception. The highlights of the city include Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge and Indian Museum. For a religious trip, there are the Kali Temple and the Belur Math monotone. Every one of them presents an opportunity to learn about the great history and culture of the city in detail.
4. Understand the Traditions of Art and Culture of the Locality
Kolkata fatafat is known culturally as the ‘cultural capital of India’. Do not miss out the plays at Academy of Fine Art, the Dramas at Rabindra Sadan or the Bengali movies at the Nandan Film Centre. The several art galleries that exist in the city are a clear indication of what the art world in this part of the world looks like, specifically referring to the CIMA Gallery.
5. Tips to help you move through the city like the boss you are
In order to move fast and effectively, make sure to use the properly developed system of urban transport. Kolkata Metro is the oldest in the country and provides efficient means of transport in the city. Auto-rickshaws are also available and affordable while yellow taxis are common and easy to find. To feel classically local, one can take a boat ride on the Hooghly River which provides splendid views of the skyline.
6. Join in the Festivities
Kolkata is particularly famous for the grand celebrations that are done majorly during the Durga Puja festival. It is advisable to participate in the carnival if you are around when they are being held. This begins when the pandals which are beautifully decorated temporary structures, the performances and most of all the feel of happiness and togetherness marks the city. Other festivals which are also celebrated are Kali Puja, Saraswati Puja, and also the Christmas festival.
7. Visit the Local Bookstores
Kolkata is a city which is closely connected to literary works and from its many bookstores this is very much evident. It appears that College Street is also known & is marketed as Boi Para, which means Book Town. This takes its toll on possible fun to be found within the stalls and shops as a person pursues them for food and other necessities, one might come across a couple of delightful gems of literature.
8. Take a walk around the Maidan and visit the Botanical Gardens
For a respite from the crowded city insanity, tourists should take a trip to the Maidan, the largest park in the city. It serves a recreational purpose for the locals, they build many playgrounds there, and it is always good to have something green around. The Indian Botanic Garden in Shibpur that is in close proximity was another location that was idyllic and held the Great Banyan Tree.
9. Engage with the Locals
Lastly, the largest method to participate in the Kolkata local people’s way of life is through interaction. The people are warm and hospitable, especially those of Kolkata. Start chatting to someone, ask someone for suggestions, and more often than not you will end up with at least one new intimate friend.
Kolkata is the city that pulls you into its bosom of warmth and envelops you with an air of novelty. So, to sum up, these are the tips that will allow you to grope the city “fatafat” and make so many unforgettable memories.
Conclusion
Visiting the street stalls in Kolkata fatafat is one of the most entertaining culinary experiences every cook enthusiast should try. The fatafat available in the city gives a variety of flavors and texture where the essence of Bengal’s food culture can be savored. No matter if you are a resident of this region or a traveler these ten mouth-watering North Indian dishes will make you run to the kitchen for more. Therefore the next time you pay a visit to this city, do not forget to relish these delicious items and get a feel of the real Kolkata street food.
