Bengal region has gifted our nation not only with superb textiles or stunning actresses but also with addictive food. Bengali cuisine has yet to gain popularity in the commercial sense but Oh! Calcutta has left no stone unturned to make it popular globally. The Nehru place outlet is oldest and most accessible. Easy parking is one point in their favour. Bengali food is seafood oriented due to its fishing industry. But vegetarian dishes are an integral part of the menu too. The décor of the restaurant is very simple and classy. No sudden pop of colours or handicraft to draw your focus from your food. They are that serious about their cuisine. The food is known to be of excellent preparation here. The place is slightly expensive but make up for it in taste. The pale wallpapered walls and simple comfortable furniture are pleasing to the senses.
The menu contains both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options for leans heavily on fish items. Steamed fish/crab with lemon, ginger, chilli makes a delicious and light starter. Steamed spinach and broad beans called as sheem palong paturi make an equally yummy choice. Fish fry and prawn cutlet taste as good as it sounds. Green peas and lentil cakes are served with aromatic curry as entrée. Fresh water jumbo prawns can be cooked in your choice of gravy too. Fish cooked in spicy yogurt gravy or lovingly called doi maach is worth having. Fish dominates the menu. Vegetarians won’t be disappointed but if you happen to love your sea bounty then you will be in heaven. Fishes are presented in every technique and every way. Steamed, curry, finger, broth the ways to cook are mind blowing. Sweet crab meat in contrast to spicy rubs are multi-dimensional. Burning lips and sweet tongue is out of this world experience that you do not mind repeating and often. Prawns are mutant like huge. They are succulent and sweet. Add aromatic coconut gravy to them and they can convince you to visit Oh! Calcutta every week religiously.
Deep fried puffed bread widely called lucchi is on menu too. Aloo posto is its better half. Bengali desserts are class in itself. They are unlike any dessert served in the city. European custards don’t work here. Sweet flavoured yogurt aka misti doi is national favourite. Rossogulla and sondesh is bengal’s blessing to us. The management is friendly and will give you a memorable evening. But food will take care of the rest.
- Kick start with a drink and relax while you wait for your order
- Staples such as the 'Cholar Daal' and the 'Pathuri' and the 'Kosha Mangsho (Mutton Curry)' are not to be missed and if your health permits it, then definitely mop it up with 'Luchi' rather a 'Roti'
- You can also get 'Hilsa' during the monsoon