After 69 years, Phari resto-bar shifts, looks for new address
Kolkata: Kwality restaurant, located at the intersection of Gariahat Road and Ballygunge Phari — which made the crossing better known as the 'Kwality Mor' over the last seven decades — has shut down.
Established in 1956, the restaurant, famous for its North Indian and continental dishes and its breakfast, is set to move to a new location, which is not yet decided. The reason behind the move is a dispute with the landlord, who is redeveloping the property.
One of the oldest and most popular resto-bars in south Kolkata, it was a favourite hangout joint for many in the neighbourhood and beyond. It shut down on May 5. Its Park Street branch, which started in 1952, is even older and remains operational.
"We are looking for a new location since the property will be developed and there is a dispute with the owners. So far, four or five locations have been identified, though we are yet to zero in on any.
Ballygunge Kwality has been popular among a wide range of patrons who were our loyal customers for several decades and over generations. Even our family has been emotionally attached to it and remains so. We are definitely going to reopen it once a suitable location is available," said Tanvi Ghai from Kwality.
She added that until the restaurant shut down last month, there were many who visited it every day. "A significant number of our patrons were daily visitors for years. We respect their love for the restaurant and hope to be back for them," added Ghai.
The Park Street branch of the restaurant was originally a tearoom that later started serving North Indian and tandoori food. The Ballygunge branch has been a beloved neighbourhood spot for generations.
For thousands across south Kolkata, Ballygunge Kwality was synonymous with succulent chicken mayonnaise, grilled fish, fried prawns, and chicken tetrazzini. Those who preferred North Indian dishes swore by Kwality's rogan josh, mutton do pyaza, chicken tandoori, prawn butter masala, and chicken shahi biryani.
The same fare is still being served at the Park Street branch. There were several loyal groups who visited the restaurant regularly for breakfast and gorged on stuffed omelette, chicken omelette, French fries, and toasted cheese omelette.
"While the Ballygunge branch employees have been absorbed at Park Street outlet, we hope to return soon. But we can't set any time frame, as it is not clear how soon we would be able to select a site. We are not yet ruling out the possibility of returning to the Ballygunge location, which remains a preference, but we are looking at all options," said Ghai.
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