After exploring the street food scenario across the commercial and administrative hub in Central Kolkata, we are excited to share the delightful details of the rest of the food trail across the shopping hub in Central Kolkata that we had covered on the same day. We are exploring some of the popular eateries across JLNehru Road, Dharamtala, and Camac street along with our amazing host Pamela Das. The places mentioned above are some of the city's ultimate shopping destinations that attract crowds from the city and beyond. And when you are out shopping you tend to feel hungry and also in general as you are in a jolly mood.
We started with Anadi Cabin 102-year-old eatery on JL Nehru road whose Mughlai Porota is a hot-selling snack. The busy interior and the fascinating account of the owner were a clear testimony of its towering reputation when it comes to this particular snack. Mughlai Porota is a thick, crisp, flaky, and truly hearty mince and veggie stuffed shallow fried parantha.
From there we crossed a sea of shops selling a wide range of things starting from electronics to clothes to reach New Market. Established in 1874 this place houses one of the oldest market buildings. Another very interesting thing here is the multitude of street vendors dotting this stretch. Our next destination here is the iconic Nizam's restaurant whose Kathi Rolls are nearly 118 years strong. You have to taste them once to realize its deliciousness that is the result of the combination of a well-cooked paratha, yummy kebab, onions, and lime juice.
After polishing off that legendary thing we grabbed a sweet paan from Tajmahal Paan shop to cleanse our palate and prepare our tummy for more treats. Then we checked into Hoggs Market. Among the numerous shops selling clothes, toys, etc stand tall one very famous cake shop named Nahoum's. This 118-year-old Jewish bakery is an emotion for many. Their cakes, tarts, brownies, cookies attract patrons from the city and beyond. We decided to try their Christmas time favourite plum cake. A bite of the fresh, warm, dense, and dry fruit-rich slice of this plum cake was so blissful.
From there we arrived at Camac Street. It's another upscale shopping destination that is mostly frequented by the Marwari crowd. Here, the place surrounding the famous shopping centre Vardam Market has evolved into a happening food destination where the vendors and makeshift eateries are found selling zesty snacks.
Here we tried an array of snacks. First was crisp and light Moong Dal fritters from Victoria Vada. The owner told us about his 35-year-old journey of selling these mouthwatering vadas. Since he started his business at Victoria Memorial, he retained this name after shifting to Camac Street so that people will identify him as their favourite one.
Next was the turn of an innovative masala bread that was a party of flavors and texture. White bread slices topped with a sweet, savory, and tangy mixture of boiled potatoes and other fun stuff were phenomenal. And more so was the love with which the person arranged it for us was so heartening.
The last thing we tried on this food tour was a traditional snack called Channa Jor Garam. It's a dry mix of dried flattened channa, onions, spices, etc. It is a light munchie thing that keeps you happy on the go. It was fun to interact with the two guys who were dressed up traditionally and were gleefully selling their fare in a traditional basket. We truly respect their enduring spirit for standing for such a long time with such a heavy basket isn’t an easy task. We thank Pamela for assisting us on this super gratifying journey.