A Guide to Bengali Restaurants in Mumbai
Written exclusively for Buzzintown.
Bengali sweets are famous in every part of the country. The highly popular rassagulla and chamcham are guaranteed to make your mouth water. But if we were to present to you a list of Bengali dishes to try out, that would take a really long time for you to do full justice to the list as there’s a huge variety of delicacies in Bengali cuisine waiting to be discovered by the world.
If you live in Bengal, you’ll be lucky enough to try out the nuances of the Bengali cuisine, but for those who live out of the City of Joy, there’s hope.
As Mini Ribeiro, Food writer, consultant and curator mentions, “Bengali cuisine is known for its typical flavours and textures. The use of mustard oil, poppy seeds, pancphoran (the five spice blend) is what imparts it a particular flavour. Contrary to popular belief, apart from non vegetarian dishes, Bengali cuisine is replete with vegetarian delicacies as well.”
She further adds, “Bengali food has always been available in Mumbai as this city is home to several Bengalis. Even non-Bengalis enjoy this aromatic and flavoursome cuisine. But in the last few years, the number of eateries and restaurants serving Bengali cuisine has grown. More people, especially foodies are beginning to enjoy this cuisine as the awareness of this cuisine and what it offers, is more now. Also foodies are ready to experiment now.”
You can get a taste of the authentic Bengali food in most Bengali households in Mumbai because they either prepare all the masalas at home or procure them from Kolkata (during their annual trips) and now we’re lucky enough to get every authentic Bengali spices, condiments and other ingredients across various super markets and exclusive Bengali shops like Partho’s and Atul’s in Kandivali East, Thakur Village in Mumbai.
And for those who cannot recreate the typical ‘maacher jhol’ or ‘kosha mangsho’, we at The Lifestyle Portal made a list of some of the finest Bengali restaurants in Mumbai which are frequented not only by Bengalis but also by everyone who love and live on the fish, mutton, curries, veggies – all Bong style! Take a look…
25 Parganas at Hotel Sahara Star, Andheri 
“Pargana” is a Persian word for ‘district’ that was introduced by the Mughals to demarcate the princely states during the pre-Independence era. But even after the Independence this term is still used in Bengal to name their districts as 24 North Parganas and 24 South Parganas.
In spite of the divide of the two parganas, it is the love for food and fine Bengali cuisine that binds people together.
This is where this high end dining restaurant 25 Parganas at Sahara Star has aimed to connect the past with the present and bring to you unique and authentic recipes each meticulously experimented and perfected with diligence before finding its place in the menu.
25 Parganas will rejuvenate your dormant Bengali taste buds by taking you on a delectable gastronomic journey beyond the boundaries of all existing Parganas in Bengal.
So be it an anniversary, a quiet dinner with family or entertaining a client, treat them to one of the finest Bengali preparations of salmon, hilsa, bhekti, magur, carp, rohu and prawns.
“Our fabulous use of traditional panchphoron, a term used to refer to the five essential spices, namely mustard, fenugreek seed, cumin seed, aniseed, and black cumin seed, make the recipes fragrantly irresistible here,” claims the spokesperson of 25 Parganas at Hotel Sahara Star.
Meal for two – Rs.3,000
Seating – Total seating: 46 Pax
Biggest Table: 10 Pax
Largest Party: 20 Pax (Two Tables)
Timings: Dinner – 7 pm to 12.45 am
Telephone Extension 022 3980-7162
Email – info@saharastar.com
Address: Opp Domestic Airport, Nehru Rd, Andheri, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400099
Iti Restaruant, Navi Mumbai
Navi Mumbai has a huge Bengali population, if you don’t believe us, visit the Durga Puja pandal this October and you’ll see it for yourself.
To cater to their tastebuds there’s one such Bengali restaurant called Iti that’s known for its Barisaler Shorshe Illish, Sutanatir Galda Chingrir Malai Curry, Bhetki Fish Fingers, Shyambazer Kasha Mangsho and Fish Kobiraji Cutlets.
Iti is the brainchild of Mr. Purnendu Bose, the former COO at SaharaOne, who always wanted to start something of his own several years ago. Iti means ‘the end’ which aptly claims that your search for good and authentic Bengali food ends here.
Their brand ambassador is none other than Gopal Bhar (a lot like Birbal, only that Birbal was a king, and Gopal Bhar represented the common man) one of the wittiest and quirkiest men from medieval Bengal. Most Bengali children would have grown up listening to hilarious and witty anecdotes of Gopal Bhar. With Gopal Bhar welcoming you at Iti, you’re bound to have an enjoyable time digging into some fine Bengali cuisine at the restaurant.
Cost for two: Rs. 800 approx.
For reservations: 9821229905
The total number of seating capacity: Air-conditioned Section is 48 nos
Non Air conditioned (Thali Section) is 32 numbers.
Vashi
SS-4/278, Sector No. 2, Opp MSEB Office
MGM Hospital Lane, Opp NMMC Office,
Vashi, Navi Mumbai – 400 703
For Free Home Delivery Call
+91 98216 98200
+91 98216 98500
Lunch Hours
Week Days 12.30pm – 3.30pm
Weekends 12.00pm – 3.30pm
Dinner Hours
Week Days 7.30pm – 11.30pm
Weekends 7.00pm – 11.30pm
For Table Reservation and Home Delivery Call:
Vashi: +91 98216 98200 +91 98216 98500
Petuk, Kandivali East 
Whenever we miss the chicken, mutton or egg rolls, culets, Egg Devil, fish or mutton chops from Kolkata, we head to Petuk. Not only that, our search for authentic light and fragrant Kolkata style Biryani ends here. What makes Kolkata style Biryani unique is that it is light and fluffy, with mild spices and served with chicken/mutton and with potatoes and boiled egg; so it makes it a full meal in itself.
There isn’t much place to sit and eat at Petuk, unless your hunger pangs are on an overdrive during a shopping spree in the neighbourhood, but their USP is their takeaway.
So if you have guests dropping in for dinner at the last minute, you know where to call.
Meal for Two: Rs. 500
For home delivery call +91 7738444905
Address: 53, Evershine Halley Society, Thakur Village, Kandivali East, Mumbai
Oh Calcutta!
Oh Calcutta is quite a fancy place to dine and get some of the most unique Bengali cuisine under one roof. They’ve got an interesting spread on offer such as Smoked Hilsa, Gondhoraj Maach, Hing Aloor Dom, Classic Railway Mutton Curry, Gobindo Bhog Bhaat that are surely not to be missed.
Here’s what some of their regular patrons have to say about their food –
Mitali Sen, from Juhu tell us, “We have visited Oh Calcutta quite a few times. Cant say we are regulars there though, but the last time was during Poila Boishaak (Bengali New Year). I found their kasha manghsho very good. Other than that their chingri malaikari and the mochar chop were also good.”
Debjani Ganguly from Oshiwara in Andheri, shares, “Normally I go to Oh Calcutta at least six times in a year and I like their -Prawn cutlet, Pulau, Kasa Mansgo and Luchi, Kakra chingri bhapa, Cholar dal and Paneer kofta and every item on their dessert menu. Normally we go to either their Lokhandwala outlet or the Khar outlet.”
Sudeshna Sengupta, a Malad resident adds, “We usually go to Oh Calcutta once or twice a year and I like their fish fry, kosha mangsho, mung/chholar dal and pulau.I had their biryani and rolls and liked them too. As for Hangla’s and Calcutta Club in the neighbourhood, their rolls and biryanis are very good, we usually order home delivery.
Meal for two: Rs. 1,200
Address
Shop No 7,8,9,Melbourne Society, Shastri Nagar,1st Lane, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri (West), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053
Phone:022 2636 4975
Bong Bong 
Is Mochar Chop (Banana flower cutlets) or Koraishutir Chop (Peas cutlet) on your mind? Are you dreaming of the crusted Fish Fry or Mutton Cutlet served with kasundi (the Bengali mustard sauce)?
Then drop by at one of the Bong Bong outlets in Powai or Bandra for your share of a true blue Bengali snack.
For those who haven’t tasted even a slightest bit from a varied Bengali menu, it’s time you do and we suggest you give your taste buds a treat with Railway Mutton Curry, Kosha Mangsho, Chingri Posto Bhapa to become a fan of Bong food.
Meal for Two: Rs. 1,000+
Address:
5, Silver Craft, CHS, Corner of 16th & 33rd Road, Bandra West,, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
Phone: 022 6555 5567
Hangla’s
Hangla – means ‘bhukkar’ in Hindi, and aren’t we all are at some point of time in our lives? Hangla’s is a popular takeaway joint in Mumbai with branches in Malad, Kandivali, Bandra and Powai. It’s a perfect combination of a quick bite Bong style that’s friendly to your pocket as well. So if it is those famous chicken, egg or mutton rolls that you drool for or the biryanis and momos that you order for a weekend party with friends, you know whom to call.
Meal for two: Rs. 500
Address
Shop No.6, Nestle Apartment,, Link Road, Chincholi Bunder, Malad West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400064
Phone:022 3223 1415
Calcutta Club
Fish lovers who enjoy Bengali preparations should drop by at The Calcutta Club for your share of Fish in Mustard Gravy, Doi Mach, Jhaal, Bhapa (steamed), Malai Curry, Rolls, Cutlets or Fish Fingers.
In fact, they also serve one of the finest fish delicacies – Chitol Macher Muitha. Chitol Maach is one of the most expensive fish probably after Ilish (Hilsa) and is usually served as fish meatballs tossed in a rich gravy.
Usually served during Jamai Sashti (Happy Son in Law Day) where the proud and loving mother in laws cook this fish with great love for their son in laws. You need not wait for a Jamai Sashti, just drop by at Calcutta Club in Mumbai to get a taste of it.
Meal for two: Rs. 700
Address
No.22,Oshiwara Link Plaza, New Link Road, Near Oshiwara Police Station, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053
Phone:022 6501 3733
Bhojohari Manna 
A popular name in Bengali cuisine, Bhajahari Manna is a name to reckon with. We’ve often heard of friends and families visiting Bhojohari Manna in Oshiwara or at their food stalls during the Durga Puja festivals in Mumbai.
Looking at their menu which offers Bhetki Roll, Fowl Cutlet, Golden Fried Prawns, Topshe’s Sonar Kella, Chanar Daalna, Mochar Ghonto – if you haven’t salivating yet, then you’re surely not a food lover.
In our search for some good Bengali food in Mumbai, Bhojohari Manna is definitely on our wish list.
Meal for two: Rs. 600
Address
Shop No. 3 & 4, Reliable Business Center, Off Link Road, Near Om Heera Panna Mall, Oshiwara, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400102
Phone
022 4014 2973
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