HIMUR HESHEL, PATULI, KOLKATA

Every new year comes bearing gifts, lessons, values, and of-course resolutions. One might even want to add trying out more kinds of food items from around the world. The best place to try out food of Bangladesh origin is Himur Heshel, Patuli, Kolkata. Chilly, wolly afternoons are best accompanied by the exquisite spices of Bangladesh and classic Bangal foods.  

Himur Heshel is a cozy, hospitable, small diner. The staff members are very kind and approachable. The owner of the place was very genial too. The place gave off classic Bangal vibes, with old as well as modern bengali songs playing on speakers. There were pictures of various types of paintings of Bengal, like Patachitra, and a range of photographies as well. 

Fulkopir pakora should be a must have veg preparation in the "Prothome shuru", that is the starters. Made up of not only cauliflower, but also Moong Dal, is fried with a besan coating, served with ketchup. Dhakai Chicken Pakora is crispy, juicy, with the exotic flavor of coriander leaves and mint, served with mayonnaise. One might have these as evening snacks, "Shesh Bikeler Bhajabhuji". 

One of the many specialities of the preparations of Bangladesh is that the rice items are made of Gobindobhog rice grains and exclusively mustard oil, and not ghee- unlike the practice of India, where most rice preparations are of Basmati rice grains. One such classic Bangladesh preparation is the Dhakai Mutton Tehari. Most of us are aware of how Biriyani is prepared, by adding a layer of meat and rice alternatively. Tehari is made by adding half-cooked rice into the mutton, and not in many alternative layers. The rice gets cooked as the mutton cooks. It is one of the delicacies of Bangladesh. The quantity and quality of every spice was perfect. One would not even need a side dish to have this!

Dhakar Plain Pulao is a veg rice item  prepared with birista.

Bangladesh Style Chicken Piece Roast, is as royal as the name suggests. This is one of the best non-veg preparations one will ever taste in their life! Every fibre of every piece is evenly filled with the perfect amount of spices, so exquisitely prepared. Tel Tangra is a Tangra fish preparation, with thick, spicy, delicious gravy, goes best with plain rice to get the remarkable flavor. Bhapa Katla is a Katla fish preparation. The piece looks like it is floating on the rich mustard gravy, completed enveloped in it, truly "chokhe jol, mukhe hashi".The spicy, strong exotic smell, taste and flavor truly makes this item stand out. Jethimar Hather Masala Dim has a beautiful and special flavour to it. Dhonepatar Mishti Chatni is the perfect sweet, sour and spicy end of the maincourse. 

From among the many gourmet dishes, their Patisapta Pithe definitely stands out. Filled with the sweet, coconut, creamy filling, it tastes like heaven on Earth. Rosh Bora is juicy and soft.

Each and every dish from Himur Heshel has a significance, history and is special in its own way. No matter the dish, this place will definitely make one feel at home, even on one's first visit.