The Bengali New Year, also known as Poila Boishakh, is celebrated in mid April across West Bengal. The festival marks the beginning of the Bengali calendar. As with any Indian festival, delectable food is a central part of the celebrations. Many people in Kolkata are lining up outside restaurants this weekend to enjoy special Poila Boishakh menus. If you're in the area, don't miss out on the chance to savour unique dishes, ranging from traditional Bengali favorites with a twist, to delectable flavours from Sardinia. To help you navigate the offerings, we've put together a list of places that are featuring special menus.
If you are making plans for Poila Boisakh this weekend, you might want to consider visiting Sorano, an authentic Italian restaurant and an intimate cocktail bar that is famous for its high-quality Italian dishes and exceptional cocktails. They also have a limited-time menu in April. Called "Regional Selects: Sardinia," it focuses on Italy's second-largest island, Sardinia, known for its rich seafood offerings. The culinary traditions subtly echo the importance of seafood, reflecting the coastal life in both Kolkata and Sardinia.
You can enjoy dishes such as Culurgiones di Chanterelle, a classic pasta adorned with Chanterelles, potatoes, pecorino sardo, and a tangy arrabbiata sauce. Their coastal-inspired Malloreddus Alla Marinara features fresh short pasta with shrimp, white wine, and a tomato emulsion, topped with salmon, scallops, and baby octopus. Finally, you can wrap up your meal with Seadas, a delightful sweet consisting of crispy pastry drizzled with saffron-infused honey, served with honeycomb gelato, sweetened ricotta, and maraschino cherries.
Where: Ristorante Sorano, 1st floor, Harrington Mansion, 8, Ho Chi Minh Sarani Rd, Kankaria Estates, Park Street area, Kolkata
When: April 10 to 25
Indulge in the rich and authentic flavours of Bengal with a special brunch at Drunken Teddy. The menu includes Aam Adda Paneer Tikka and fragrant Dhanya Kachalonka Chicken Tikka, each dish infused with authentic spices and ingredients. You can also sample a platter that features a delectable spread of Aloo Dum, Cholar Dal, Mutton Kosha, Kadhai Suti'r Kachori, Steam Rice, Salad, Raita, and Papad.
Where: Drunken Teddy, Horizon Building, 57, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Elgin, Kolkata
When: April 14. Timings - 12 noon to 4 pm
Park Street SOCIAL will be presenting "Unlock Choddosho Tirish," a special Poila Baisakh menu where guests can indulge in a curated selection of dishes for just INR 143 each or opt for the full set menu at the same price. From April 15 to 17, between 11 am and 8 pm, diners can enjoy Bengali delights such as Tangra Jhal Fish, Kasundi Fish Tikka, Chin Bhin Mangso with Luchi, Kolkata Chicken Biryani, Kolkata Mutton Biryani, Chicken Mughlai Paratha, and Mutton Mughlai Paratha. To enhance the festive ambience, Park Street SOCIAL will host a special Poila Baisakh event featuring the renowned Bengali live band Chandrabindoo, join them for an unforgettable evening filled with delectable cuisine and live music, celebrating the spirit of Poila Baisakh in style.
Where: Park Street SOCIAL, 1A Russel Street, Kolkata
When: April 14-16. Timings -11am to 8 pm (Special Menu) and 9 pm onwards for the band performance
The Bhawanipur House, a cafe that is situated in a heritage property, is currently offering special menu items in celebration of Poila Baisakh. Some of the dishes that you can enjoy are Prawn Cutlet, Lal Saag Risotto which comes with a Beguni, and Gondhoraj Baked Fish. You can also indulge in some delicious desserts after your meal such as Kesar Milk Cake and Cream Cheese Dome.
Where: 13/1B, 13/1B, Priyanath Mallick Rd, Bakul Bagan, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700026
When: Till April 15