Kolkata: The Cookbook: Recipes from the heart of Bengal

Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is an exhilarating city, considered the cultural capital of India, with a thriving, vibrant foodie reputation. Often called the 'City of Joy', Kolkata is an amalgam of old and new India, and due to the sheer variety of cultural activities on offer, it is said that Kolkatans really know how to enjoy themselves. The cuisine of West Bengal draws its influences from far afield, with historic Mughal, Chinese, Tibetan and British colonial elements (and many more) resulting in a unique food landscape that begs to be explored. Famous for their love of fish, vegetables and desserts, Bengalis place great emphasis on eating well and their regional specialities are justly revered. In this book, Rinku Dutt shows you the best the city has to offer, with over 70 accessible, delicious recipes that can easily be recreated in any home kitchen. She tells the story of a city with energy and diversity, of multiple cultures and traditions, with ever-popular street food, a thriving restaurant and cafe scene, and the legacy of traditional family favourites handed down through generations. From the all-night eateries of Park Street to the streetfood snacks on Dacre's Street, the bustling Burrabazaar and Chinatown, and, of course, the cooking that goes on in thousands of home kitchens, there is so much to discover in Kolkata. The unique atmosphere of the city is brought alive in stunning food and travel photography, with feature spreads on social conventions of eating in the city, be it the time for Adda, when people socialise over snacks and sweets during the workday, or the tradition of Mezban, where an open invitation to dinner or a special occasion feast reaches all in the community. From sustaining breakfast spreads, easy and nutritious lunches, and favourite streetfood bites, to rich and fragrant dinners and delectable sweets, there is something here to tempt any lover of Indian food. This book will transport you to the streets and homes of Kolkata - a city that excels at mouth-watering food.