Traditional Bengali fare top draw for foodies during Pujas

While some food joints are ready with special menus for the four-day-long festivities, some have laid out traditional fare to woo food loving Bengalis.

The city's food zone, Park Street, housing restaurants like Peter Cat, Mocambo, Charcoal Grill, Daawat–e–Shiraz, Barbeque Nation and others, are all geared up.

Not only Park Street, several others scattered in different corners of the city like the 6 Ballygunge Place, Bhojohari Manna and Oh! Calcutta are also not behind. Even five star accommodations have come up with arrangements specially meant for the four days of festivities.

And there may be a plethora of choices for the gastronomical pleasure of patrons, but specialised Bengali dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, are the top draws.

The Park has the 'Maha Bhoj', both ITC Sonar and Taj Bengal have started special offerings for the Durga Pujas.

"We have specialised authentic Bengali thalis for these four days with unlimited option," a senior official of ITC Sonar told PTI adding, one needs to pay around Rs 3,000 for the veg-thalis, while the pocket pinch for non-veg thali is likely to cross Rs 3,500.

The Taj Bengal is serving 'Niramish' (veg) and 'Amish'(non-veg) including the popular Chingri Malaikari and Kosha Mangsho, a senior official of the hotel said.

Oberoi Grand has delectable spreads on all four days of the Pujas with Shukto, Bhaja, Makha, Golda Chingri Malaikari, Shorshe Ilish, Kosha Mangsho, Tel Koi, Chitol Macher Muittha at Rs 2,250, which include soft beverages, beer and wine.

Barbeque Nation, has launched its Special Puja Menu with unlimited 'Bhapa Ilish' available at the buffet.

"The very mention of Ilish evokes extreme passion in Bengalis. Sadly it's getting out of reach for most of the population because of its price and rare availability. So we have decided to serve Ilish," Suman Mukherjee (Senior Cluster Manager) said.

Oh! Calcutta has also drawn up special arrangements for the festival and will serve different menus on different Puja days.

However, some restaurants in the city have decided not to change their menu during the Pujas.

Both Peter Cat and Mocambo have decided to continue with their continental food.

"There is no point in changing the menu," Nitin Shivji Kothari, associated with both the restaurants, said adding, "during the Pujas, we will continue to offer our special dishes."