Socially distanced buffets and festive cocktails: Kolkata diners are serving up a spread this Puja

What are you binging on this Puja?
Mutton Dakbungalow at Raajkutir
Mutton Dakbungalow at Raajkutir

The famous Bengali Durga Puja feast has undergone quite the facelift, courtesy a raging health crisis. But the foodies of the city are nothing if not adaptable, so Kolkata’s diners, pubs and luxury hotels have all ushered in functional, well-designed dining experiences so that the city’s gourmands can indulge fearlessly while maintaining social distancing. As the new normal of the dining culture demands, most city eateries have come up with convenient delivery, takeaway and even drive-in pick-up options to reduce contact and keep things sanitary. In fact, some of the top-tier hotels have come up with their very own delivery services so you can set up a gourmet feast at home for your Durga Puja house party.

The luxury hotels have curated newer, safer buffet options along with handy ways of sanitisations and are pretty vigilant about social distancing at their properties. So if you’re anxious about stepping out this Puja, fret not, because we’ve sorted some excellent picks for you to indulge in this festive season.

Bhadrolok-er-Bhuribhoj and Staycation at ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar

This year the range of offerings at ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar- Bhadralok-er Bhuribhoj & Staycation,  celebrates a passion called Kolkata, a city which defines Happiness. This is in keeping with ITC Hotels' ethos of Responsible Luxury which pays tribute to the heritage and intrinsic flavour of the region. Thoughtfully curated, it ensures the highest safety and hygiene protocols of We Assure with the unparalleled warmth of ITC Hotels. Make the most of the delicious and diverse spread at ITC Royal Bengal’s Grand Market Pavilion, Darjeeling Lounge, Ottimo Cucina Italiana, The Brass Room and Royal Vega. ITC Sonar’s Eden Pavilion, Peshawari, Dum Pukht and Pan Asia have also rustled up special delectable for the season.  

When: 22nd  - 26th October, 2020

JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata

JW Marriott Kolkata has curated a bevy of festive offerings, including decadent buffets at JW Kitchen, a special a la carte menu at Vintage Asia and Mahabhoj along with live performances at the ballroom accompanied with the sounds of the joyous Dhaak and Dhunuchi Naach. If you’re planning to get away for some solitary downtime with your family, book a luxury staycation with Marriott Bonvoy. Plus, if you’re already planning Diwali gifts for your loved ones, stock up on Marriott’s exclusive Diwali Gift boxes featuring delectable silver pistachio and coco tango chocolates. Starts at Rs 1575. Till October 26. For details call 6633 0000

Hyatt Regency Kolkata

Hyatt Regency’s premium Italian diner La Cucina has re-opened its doors just in time for your Puja binging. So if you want to steer clear of the traditional homely delicacies and opt for some flawless gnocchi and handcrafted pizzas, look no further.

Plus, the hotel has also come up with a very functional buffet-on-the-table form of dining to make social distancing easier for buffet lovers. In fact, you can even bring Hyatt’s buffet boxes home if you’re planning a family dinner. Starts at Rs 1199 + taxes For details call 6820 1234.

Fairfield by Marriott

Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata is all set to showcase a splendid buffet offering with the freshest catch, succulent meats and traditional desserts, specially curated with panache by their culinary team.  The menu has been crafted thoughtfully to bring together the authentic flavours and create an astonishing sojourn of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes signifying the rich taste and tradition of the city. Patrons are surely in for a “Bhuri-Bhoj” from Shashti to Dashami.

 A quintessential Bengali meal always begins with the favourite ‘Tele Bhaja’ such as ‘Aamer Chop’, ‘Echor er Chop’, ‘Mochar Chop’, ‘Narkol Posto Bora’, ‘Chanar Chop’, ‘Gondhoraj Fish Tikka’, ‘Dimer Devil’, ‘Mutton Cutlet’,’Murgir Chop’, ‘Chingri Cutlet’, ‘Chicken Kabiraji’ and many more. The lunch and dinner buffets will have a widespread display of bangaliana with dishes like, ‘Chanar Dalna’, ‘Dhokar Dalna’, ‘Matar Paneer’, ‘Dal’, ‘ Aloo Posto’ and to name a few.

Date: 22nd – 26th October 2020

Price: Lunch- INR 1199 plus taxes

Dinner- INR 1299 plus taxes

Midnight- INR 999 plus taxes

Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport

If you’re looking to go all out and indulge in a bona fide elaborate Bengali feast this Puja, Holiday Inn’s Social Kitchen is hosting a Special Bengali Buffet where you’ll find some of the most sought-after homegrown delicacies like Posto Phulkapi, Narkeli Cholar Dal, Kolkata Style Mutton Biryani along with a salad bar and live jalebi counter. You can also make the most of their staycation package which starts from just Rs 5500. Meal starts from Rs 1099. Till October 26. For details call 033 6699 6699.

Raajkutir

The Raajbarir Bhuribhoj menu at the boutique hotel Raajkutir is set to be a royal affair; curated like a Zamindari-style menu, the offerings include some exceptional picks like Fish Batter Fry, Aloo Shorshe Salad, Tangra Chilli Chicken, Krishnanager sandesh and a whole lot more. You can also have special thalis delivered to your home and make the best of their luxury staycation packages. Starts at Rs 1199 + Till October 26. For details call 91 84200 20141

Taj Bengal

Taj Bengal just stepped into its 31st year this month and is bringing the best of luxury experiences for people of the city. The Puja special lunch and dinner thali at Sonargaon will feature some impeccable Bengali numbers. You can also have the best of Taj’s global signature delicacies delivered to your home via their delivery service Qmin.

Kenilworth Hotel

Kenilworth Hotel has a scrumptious Puja buffet that features numbers like Aam para sherbet, Doi Ghol
Chingri Machher Malai Curry, Kosha mangsho, Pabda masher jhol, Chicken Chilli Black bean sauce, Begun bhaja, Potal Bhaja ,Rajbhog, Mishti Doi, Baked Rosogulla, Kheer, Sandesh Platter & more

Price: Rs.1,499 all inclusive per person

Zobet

Kolkata’s newest all-day gastropub is acing the fusion memo just right and has come up with the Puja Grandiose menu which puts fun spins on authentic Bengali delicacies like Aloo Posto Seekh which is traditional posto grilled with a seekh in a clay oven and served with with poppy seeds chutney, Chingri Posto Paella which features Bengali prawns served on Spanish paella made with local Bengal rice, Chenna Jalebi South West which is a Rose mousse in chhena jalebi with dry rose petals and a lot more.

Zobet is also offering home delivery via food apps and their in-house delivery personnel. Cost for two – Rs 1,100 + taxes (Without alcohol). Till October 31.

Royal China

Bollywood’s favourite Cantonese diner is warming up quite nicely to the city of joy and is introducing some brand new dishes for Puja this year. The menu is an ode to the world of Cantonese cuisine and features options like Pan fried Pomfret in Black Bean Sauce, Baked Chilean Sea Bass (Honey Glazed), Baked Salmon Garlic, Steamed Truffle and Pork Dumpling and a selection of drool-worthy desserts, like classic Tiramisu, Apple Pie, Toffee Walnut with Vanilla Icecream and Creme Brulee. Delivery and takeaway options are also available. Meal for two: Rs 2,500 inclusive taxes.  For more details call 033 40082121/9292, 8420085555

Rang De Basanti Dhaba

Kolkata’s Rang De Basanti Dhaba has come up with a Durga Puja menu called Back to Basanti which will feature familiar picks like  Basanti Dal Makhani, RDBD Paneer Tikka, Purani Dilli Mirch Meat, RDBD Dum Biryani, Kadai Chicken along with an array of other mouthwatering dishes to choose from. You can also opt for take-aways and deliveries. Price for two: Rs 800 plus GST. For details call 033 4006 1010.

Cafe Central

Kolkata's newest eatery Cafe Central is launching a Puja special menu featuring an elaborate Bengali fare served as a-la-carte or a Zamindari thaali including delectable numbers like Dhokar Dalna, Murshidabadi Aloor Dum,  Bhetki Shorshe Paturi, Kasha Lal Baadi Mangsho, and a lot more. You can also opt for drive-in takeaways and deliveries. Till October 27. Starts at 499. For details call 9831028905

Ozora

Kolkata’s hottest eatery Ozora has a brand new SkyDeck so you can live it up on an on airy rooftop with some fierce cocktails and gaze upon the festive city below. Ozora has also introduced a new menu which features authentic chicken biryani to Italian style mushroom ravioli to desi malai kofta at the comfort of your doorstep. Price for two: Rs 2500. For details call 098366 78686.

The Fatty Bao

The Fatty Bao has a new Puja special all-day menu from Oct 19 -Nov 1, 2020 inspired by the signature dishes from the iconic food streets of South-East Asia, which features specials likes Thailand’s Mekong River Thai Boat Noodles to Cireng Fritters from Sudirman Street in Bandung to Hot Steamed Fishfrom Guijie Street in Beijingthe and Balinese Chicken from famed Jalan Alor Food Street in Kuala Lumpur and more.

Head Chef Sumit will virtually guides you through the famed food streets exploring the legendary dishes, discovering hidden gems and local delicacies from iconic hawkers’ stalls and ubiquitous push carts, with a menu that draws inspiration from South East Asia’s diverse culinary repertoire, with each dish having its own distinctive style. Meal for Two without alcohol, excluding taxes Rs.1500.

Yauatcha

Yauatcha's festive menu offers an assorted range of delicious dim sum, stir-fry, staples and desserts like the Prawn and Gondhoraj dumpling, crunchy Banana blossom dumpling garnished with a vibrant green coriander leaf, Stir-fried minced lamb with fried eggplant, made using modern Cantonese techniques and Asian flavours. There's also familiar picks like Steamed spicy Bhetki with mango and mustard sauce, Yauatcha’s rendition of the very popular ‘Sorshe Bhetki’ and for the staples, the Yang chow fried rice and Sweet and spicy lomein. Cost for a-la carte menu: Rs. 2000 ++ taxes

Kewpie

Kewpie is re-opening with a brand new Puja special menu featuring elaborate Mahabhoj thalis, delicious seafood items and some traditional Bengali desserts like chaler payesh, mishti doi, and more. Call Call 9831677610 or 24861600 to book

The Lords and Barons:

Located in the heart of Kolkata, this gastro lounge will give you a Victorian-era feel even during the puja days. The Lords and Barons have prepared a special puja menu to make you feel like a “Lord,” and their Durga puja special thalis are a must-try. Mojadar Pratrash, a special Bengali thali, comes with a plethora of options from which you can choose any one dish to your liking. These are - Dhakai Porota with cholar dal, Phulko luchi with Narkel diye Chholar Dal, Korai shutir Kochuri and Aloor Dom, and Bengali Porota with AaluFulkopir Torkari & Begun Bhaja. The prices range from INR 145 – INR 199. Their Shwade-Aallade thalis could be the perfect fit for your lunch or dinner, with all the quintessential Bengali dishes on offer throughout the three courses - the starter, main course, and dessert.

When: 17th October – 31st October Time: 12:00PM - 12:00AM Price: INR 145 - 449 (exclusive of taxes)

Ekdalia Cocina:

Tucked in the by-lanes of South Kolkata, Ekdalia Cocina is a cosy food joint serving global cuisine. They are doing something special this Durga Puja that underlines our uniqueness as a forward-thinking casual dining restaurant in this city. Ekdalia Cocina is coming up with a Continental Buffet - “EbarBangalirPujoySahebiKhawa,” which would be available for lunch and dinner. Starting with Soup, Veg/Non-Veg Starters to Pizzas, Pasta, Rice, Mains, and Desserts, their menu consists of 21 items, catering to your wide-ranging taste buds where you can find almost anything of your choice. The pocket pinch for the buffet would be 599/- AI, special price available for children below 12 years!

When: 22nd October – 26th October Time: 8:30AM- 22:00PM Price: INR 599/- (inclusive of taxes)

Traffic Gastro-Pub:

Situated in Rajarhat, this gastro-pub is ruling our hearts with its amazing happy hour menu. This Durga Puja, it is introducing some exciting platters to get you stuck in traffic. Apart from Alcoholic Concocts and Hookah menu, this pub has some exciting grubs like RETRO IN METRO - chicken & american corn pizza takes you back to 80s, LUNGI DANCE - spicy mutton masala cooked in south indian style served along with garlic paw, KHANDANI BABUMOSAI beer-battered fish served with french fries along with tartar sauce to name a few.

When: 19th October – 26th October Time: 12:00PM-10:30PM Price: INR 375-999/- (exclusive of taxes)

King's Bakery

Celebrate the festival with some Korean fare, if you wish to make your adda with friends and family an exiting one. King’s Bakery has come with an amazing combo offer this Durga Puja and the fare includes a wide range of delicacies like Cheese Gimbap, Chicken Mayo Gimbap, Chili Gimbap, Kimchi Gimbap, Tuna Gimbap, Sweet Cream Coldbrew, Einspanner, Korean Coffee and Cafe Mocha. Don't forget to indulge in their extremely popular and creamy sinful treat Cream Choux.

MINISTRY OF BOOZE:

This Ministry always wins the polls and makes its voters happy. If you are looking for a calm and cosy place away from the hustle and bustle of busy streets, this restopub is perfect for you. As the name suggests, this place is popular for its comprehensive Booze menu and reasonable pricing. The minimalistic yet chic decor will soothe your soul and evoke the nostalgic charm of a pub scene from the classic English movies. Their delectable food menu and pocket-friendly combos perfectly complement your handpicked drink. This Puja, they are offering few specially curated dishes like Persia Chicken Tikka Kebab, Penne Alfredo, Korean Fried Chicken, and Chicken 65.

When: 22nd October – 26th October Time: 12:00PM-12:00AM Price: INR 265-320/- (exclusive of taxes)

AMINIA:

This restaurant chain doesn’t need any introduction. Famous for its signature Mughlai dishes like Mutton Biryani, Pasinda Kebab, Chicken Chaap, etc., Aminia has been luring foodies from 1947 onwards when it first established its most popular outlet at Futnani Chambers. It celebrated its 91st Anniversary a few months ago and opened its 10th outlet in Topsia, which is a Delivery and Take Away joint. Aminia has recently added new exciting combos to their menu, which won’t make your pocket feel light. Family Chicken Meal, Chicken Biryani Meal, Budget Kebab Combo and many more Veg and Non Veg combo meals are there to sort your lunch/dinner during the Puja days.

Time: 11:00AM- 11:00PM Price: INR 249-599/- (Inclusive of taxes)

Canteen Pub and Grub

Canteen Pub and Grub is serving an innovative cocktail and global food menu prepared under the guidance of their head mixologist. Their Cocktail range is inspired by the commonplace roadside items of India and will lend you "Hindusthan ka Swadd" in every sip. Not only the cocktails, but this menu also offers an extensive range of alcoholic beverages. Canteen Eats offers delicacies presented in a typical "Canteen" style and manner. Along with a vibrant ambience, this Puja they are offering a special menu for their clientele which includes Hyderabadi Murg Dam Biriyani, Kosha Mangso (mutton), Angry Birds Eye Chilli Fish, Rosemere Rare Chilli Pork, Sunehri Murg Tikka, Tad Man Khao Pad, and Cose Mushrooms to satiate your palate.

When: 19th October – 27th October Time: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM Price: INR 320 - 560 /- (exclusive of taxes)

Chapter 2

This puja, churn your taste buds at Chapter 2 with an extensive buffet featuring lip-smacking cuisines all day long. Come one and come all to make the most of the festivities, reminiscing in the nostalgia of a bygone era while enjoying a variety of your favourite cuisines. The Pujo Special fare includes Cream of Chicken Soup, Prawn on Toast, English Fish Fingers, Prawn Newburg, Egg Benedict, Beckti Florentine, Chicken Paprika, Lamb Chops, Lamb Goulash, Meat Lasagne, Cheese Cake, Baked Alaska and Caramel Custard.

Timings: 12 noon to 10:30 pm

Pocket Pinch (per person): Rs 1200/- plus taxes

Oudh 1590

This Durga Puja treat yourself to a lavish spread of Awadhi delicacies, only at Kolkata’s favourite Awadhi destination Oudh 1590, engaging in a royal experience. The wide array of ala carte menu for the Durga Puja includes a variety of both veg as well as non veg items. Think of Murgh Zafrani Kabab, Shahi Tangri Kabab, Qalmi Kabab, Kakori Kabab, Galawati Kabab, Fish Tikka, Corn Seekh Kabab, Veg Galawati Kabab, Shahi Dahi Kabab, Mushroom Galawati Kabab among the starters, and Awadhi Handi Biriyani, Rann Biriyani, Murgh Biriyani, Gosht Biriyani, Jheenga Biriyani, Subz Soya Biriyani, Veg Khuska, Lucknowi Paratha among the mains.

Timings: 12:00pm to 10:30pm

Pocket Pinch (for two): Rs 1200/- plus taxes

Date: 19th October to 26th October 2020

10e Cafe

Durga Puja is all about friends, family, fun, music, rituals and of course good food. And the 10e Cafe is all set to offer some scrumptious dishes this Durga Puja. Think of Paneer Cheese Malai Kebab, Tandoori Chicken, Dal Makhani, Chicken Handi, Garlic Naan , Butter Naan, Laccha Parantha, Chicken Tehri, Pineapple Raita, Tooty Fruity Ice cream, Kulfi Shake and Kiwi Delight. Also get 20% off on total food bill.

What's Up!

At What’s Up! Café in Southern Avenue enjoy a wide variety of Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine on your plate. Start off with Reshmi Chicken Chilli, Cajun Spiced Chicken, Fish Lasooni Kabab and then go on to Keema Makkhanwala, Shephard’s Pie, Prawn Roast, Prawn Thermidor, Prawn in Honey Hunan Sauce and then finish off the meal with some decadent dessert.

Meal for two: Rs 1200/- plus taxes (without liquor)

Tribe

Celebrating the Bengali Cinema, Tribe is paying a tribute to some of the immortal pairs of the Bengali Cinema and is dedicating their combo offers to them. The menu includes a wide range of combo delicacies like Bhanu Goenda Jahar Assistant (Veg Sandwich and Hot Beverage), Goopi Gayen Bagha Bayen (Veg Sandwich and Mocktail), Appu & Durga (Veg Wrap and Hot Beverage), Dr. Hazra & Mandar Bose (Veg Wrap and Mocktail), Uttam Kumar & Suchitra Sen (Non-veg Sandwich and Hot Beverage), RD Burman & Kishore Kumar (Non-veg Wrap and Hot Beverage), Debaki Basu & Kanan Devi (Non-veg Sandwich and Mocktail), Hemanta and Manna De (Non-veg Wrap and Mocktail), Byomkesh & Ajit (Small Veg Meal & Mocktail) and Feluda & Topshe (Small Non-veg Meal & Mocktail).

Cost for Two – Rupees 600 plus taxes

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