6 BALLYGUNGE PLACE, EXIDE, KOLKATA.

 Roads filled with vendors, countless people jam packed in almost every shop one can spot (with some of them wearing masks on their chins), lights of hope in all their eyes, pandals in making - are the few things one might find noticeable during an afternoon Puja shopping on Mahalaya. 

6 Ballygunge Place, 55 and 55/1, Chowringhee Road, Opp. Jawaharlal Nehru Children's Museum, Kolkata, is the best place to have a wonderful lunch on this special day. The ambience is cheerful, warm and hospitable. The waiters and staff members are extremely welcoming. They are always on the move. There is no doubt regarding the sanitization or cleanliness of the place, even during the pandemic situation.  

The menu card itself is designed so authentically, it instantly rekindles the fire of Bangaliana. Varitaion in the food items is marvelous. Starters consist of a range of popular bengali snacks and fries, veg and non veg. "Kakrol Bhaja" is  a must have! It is not just a fried piece of spine gourd, it contains sweet and delicious coconut stuffing inside it. It melts in the mouth, giving the perfect start of the meal. Platter of  "Begunis and Piyanjis" has a beautiful essence and flavor. 

Moving on to the main course- it indeed is a tough task to select from such huge variety. Each and every item name is interesting and intriguing. Some delicacies are: "Pur bhora Doi Potol"-  a combination of coconut, poppy seed and mustard stuffed inside pointed gourd (parwal), cooked in a yogurt gravy, "Bhapa Bhetki (Gondhoraj)"- steamed Bhetki, flavoured with yogurt and Gondhoraj lime, "Chittol Machher Muittha"- fish dumplings cooked in spicy gravy, "Murgir Tramfrado"- Gonghoraj lime and coconut milk flavoured chicken, "Dhakai Kalo Bhuna Mangsho"- Mutton preparation, Charcoal black in colour, with a distinctive burnt aroma (this chef's specialty is one unique preparation!), and "Badshahi Pulao", is the best rice preparation to have with these dishes, which is rice with vegetables and dry fruits spiked with crushed nuts. Last but not the least, there is chutney of the day as the last course of the meal, a sweet finale. The "Bhapa Bhetki (Gondhoraj)" deserves a special mention. As soon as it goes inside the mouth, the soft piece seems to melt, and accompanied by the majestic aroma and flavour of Gondhoraj lime- it feels absolutely heavenly! "Murgir Tramfado" and "Dhakai Kalo Bhuna Mangsho" are just as unique in their tastes, as their names. Every single spice is perfect- the smell, quality and quantity of spices, all of it! 

One might find the Beverage Menu quite fascinating and interesting. Every beverage is named after a famous Bengali literary character. "Bonolota Sen": the eternal enigma, who sits in darkness and in light, taking one on a unique journey with her blend of black grapes, lemon and mint, "Apu Durga": Tamarind, spices, and a hint of orange, it reminds of the cool shadows, winding roads, and blue skies of the village, where a brother and a sister lived their unforgettable story, "Hijibijbij": now it's orange, then it's pineapple! Changing flavors, but remaining as entertaining as ever; much like the famous creature who changed names by the hour, "Hongshoraaj" a cool, refreshing drink with mangoes that create magic with ginger and mint; just like that village boy who sang his way into the heart of the big city- are few which definitely stand out. These drinks are made so precisely and beautifully, almost feels like the taste buds are reborn again! It refreshes the body after a hearty meal. One sip feels like a current passing down the spine, bound to make one feel euphoric. 

If one is lucky enough, they might even get to enjoy the Mahalaya Special Buffet and participate in the  photoshoot by ABP. 

This is one-stop place for the finest authentic Bengali Cuisine and luxury dining.