Latest news with #Kolkata-style
NDTV
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- NDTV
How To Make Kolkata-Style Kathi Rolls At Home: 5 Simple Tips
Kolkata-style kathi rolls can be made at home using a tawa for flaky parathas, smoky fillings via the dhungar method, egg layers, and signature chutneys. Tips include proper layering, avoiding overfilling, and reheating on a tawa for best results.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Dark comedy to star roasts: What's got Kolkata going LOL
Kolkata's stand-up comedy scene is experiencing significant growth, marked by larger audiences and a growing appetite for bolder humor, including roasts. The city's unique cultural identity shapes its comedic preferences, with audiences appreciating intelligent and witty jokes that often incorporate elements of history and art. This evolution reflects a broader acceptance of diverse comedic styles and edgier content within Kolkata. Kolkata's stand-up comedy scene is witnessing a boom with packed houses, bolder jokes, and a growing taste for 'roasts'. From sparsely attended shows to a buzzing calendar of ticketed events, audiences are embracing diverse styles of humour like never before. CT spoke to stand-up comics, and celebritiess who attended roast shows to explore the surge in popularity and how the city's cultural flavour shapes its comedy. 'Kolkata has always been okay with laughing at itself' Kolkata's stand-up scene is booming, driven by a receptive audience. 'Kolkata has always been okay laughing at itself,' says Sahil Agarwal, a stand-up comic and a member of a city comedy club, noting the city's interest in dark & roasting. Sayan Podder, a member of another club adds that social media reels have amplified this popularity, reflecting the city's appetite for edgier comedy styles. Edgier jokes and bigger crowds Kolkata's comedy scene has transformed dramatically, growing from a single 30-seater show that struggled to draw crowds to a bustling circuit hosting 4–5 shows a month and weekly ticketed open mics. 'Few years ago, there used to be just one show,' recalls Sarnajit Bala, a stand-up comic. Now, audiences are not only turning up in greater numbers but also embracing a wider range of styles. Sayan adds, 'Compared to five years ago, people have become a bit more open to roasting,' showing a growing willingness among audiences to embrace edgier humour. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo 'This city loves intelligent jokes' Most performers are of the opinion that Kolkata's roast style reflects its intellectual heritage. 'What aloo is to Kolkata-style biryani, intelligence and wit are to Kolkata-style roast,' says Shiladitya Chatterjee, a stand-up comic, who recently roasted actor Ankush Hazra at a show. He also emphasised that the Kolkata audience loves to be pampered in an intelligent manner, and adds, 'We have to come up with jokes that have a touch of history & art, and resonates with the city's well-read crowd. ' Jokes that crack up Kolkata Political jokes Jokes on Bangla cinema Dark comedy Roasts Being roasted at a comedy show means laughing at yourself publicly. It turns you into the punchline while making you feel like the life of the party – Nussrat Jahan, actress The demographics of the audience depends on the age of the stand-up comic, as it helps them resonate with them. People aged 22 to 45 regularly attend our comedy shows – Shiladitya Chatterjee Whether it's dark humour or roasts, the city audience is now more open to concepts than before, but there's still room to grow – Sahil Agarwal
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mapping the city's friendliest places for unfiltered adda
In Kolkata, adda isn't just about fancy cafes or viral photo spots. For the city's youth, the real fun happens at tea stalls, lakesides, college campuses, food trucks and quiet park corners that cost little but mean a lot. CT spoke to people across age groups and neighbourhoods to find out why these places matter. Happy Street, New Town Offbeat adda trails Shyambazar Some adda zones offer more than space – they spark ideas & friendships. For corporate employee Debarati Ghosh, the Indian Museum is a go-to spot. 'It's a conversation starter. I've even made new friends there.' Her college catch-ups happened over momos near Rabindra Sadan, still a student hotspot. Model Udita Sarkar, meanwhile, prefers quieter hangouts. 'Cafés feel overrated. I love New Town stretches with fewer crowds and food trucks. ' Para vibes over posh cafés For many, hangout spots aren't about fancy setups. Theatre practitioner Anisha Roy loves Uttorer Adda near Shyambazar, 'A hand-painted para corner with chaa stalls, and endless adda options,' she says. Nandan and Dakshinapan remain faves for creative groups, with theatre artiste Uttam Sadhya saying, 'We always find a way to meet at Dakshinapan.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like People Born 1940-1975 With No Life Insurance Could Be Eligible For This Reassured Undo Student Tisha Dutta agrees, 'Adda is our favourite thing to do after classes. ' For Kavya Panigrahi, a student, it's Vivekananda Park that hits the sweet spot. Chat & chill DC Block, Sector I The Maidan's green sprawl remains a favourite. 'Just some chaa, friends, & adda – that's all,' says student Tuhin Samaddar. At Rabindra Sarobar, marketing specialist Karan Mirik Sircar and his friends come for some running & catching up. Riverfronts like Ahiritola & Babughat offer quiet corners and tea. 'We hang where we don't need to spend much,' says student Mitali Mondal. Happy Street in New Town is perfect for walking, talking, and not spending too much,' says designer Rakshika Jaisingh. Babughat Hangout hotspots Roadside tea stalls n Addas at parks, lakesides, and river ghats Walks at Eco Park, Maidan, or Happy Street n Morning runs at Rabindra Sarobar Browsing places like Indian Museum or boi para (College Street) Chilling with street food near Golf Green, New Town and Vivekananda Park Cultural hubs like Nandan and Dakshinapan What's on the adda menu? Bhaar er chaa Momos n Kolkata-style chowmein Rolls Jhalmuri Fast food from food trucks Quote:We photograph birds, run a bit, then sit and talk about life, and whatever's on our minds. That's our rhythm– Karan Mirik Sircar, marketing specialist Pics: Anindya Saha
NDTV
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
"May These Kinds Of Gifts Find Me" - Foodies React To Viral 'Biryani Bouquet'
How much biryani is too much biryani? For biryani lovers, even the fragrance from afar is enough to spark cravings. Biryani, made with love, flavour and tradition, is believed to be much more than just a dish. This culinary masterpiece is prepared with aromatic basmati rice, tender meat or vegetables and a perfect blend of spices. Whether it is the slow-cooked Hyderabadi version, spicy Lucknowi delight, or the Kolkata-style one served with a potato, this delicacy has captured hearts around the world. Also Read: Texas-Based Vlogger Makes Kerala-Style Biryani, Indian Foodies Approve Now, what if you received a bouquet of biryani as a gift? Sounds amazing, doesn't it? In a video making the rounds on social media, a man can be seen preparing a biryani bouquet. The clip begins with him placing two wrapping papers on a basket, followed by what appear to be biryani-filled containers of two different types. This is followed by the piling up of these boxes one after the other - it seems like a true celebration of foodie love. Afterwards, he wraps them in red-coloured cellophane paper and decorates the bouquet with a red dupatta. "New in market Biryani gift," reads the caption. Take a look at the video here. Photos Credit: Instagram/ almahirfoods Here is how the internet reacted to this foodie bouquet: One user said, "The best," followed by a couple of clapping emojis. Another biryani lover wished, "May these kinds of gifts find me." A person mentioned, "But brother Raita is left out, will you make another bouquet of it?" Someone added, " Puri degh he bhejh dete ye plastic k dibbe me rakhna zaroori tha kya. (You could have sent the whole biryani pot, was it necessary to keep them in plastic boxes?)" "New idea unlocked," one more user penned, followed by a series of laughing emojis. Meanwhile, a person said, " Pack krte me hi briyani thandi ho jayegi (Biryani will get cold while packing)." " Jaldi pahuchana kahi kharab n ho jae (Deliver it fast so that it doesn't get spoiled)," read yet another comment from a concerned food enthusiast. We are intrigued by the concept of this viral biryani bouquet. What about you? Also Read: Husband's Love for Biryani Inspires Wife To Make This Creative Birthday 'Cake' Advertisement For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Viral Video Biryani Bouquet Food Bouquet Viral News Biryani Show full article Comments
Indian Express
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Nostalgia on a plate: Calcutta's must-try dishes, iconic spots and hidden gems
There is a certain charm to going back to the city you grew up in, even if it seems stuck in time. Maybe that's the charm. Anyone who is from Calcutta will vouch for this. It's a city where time appears to have paused. The people are the same, the restaurants are the same, and the city looks the same. The streets look untouched by the wave of glass-and-steel modernity that has swept through other metros. And if you hang out with the right people, it's one of the few cities in which you feel people actually enjoy the simpler and finer things in life – reading, talking to each other, playing cards, meeting over a cup of tea or a glass of Bloody Mary. I spent a long weekend in my hometown last week and returned 2.5 kgs heavier, a 500 gm gain per day. I owe this to Calcutta's legendary country clubs, whose menus have stood the test of time, and to its restaurants steeped in history and carpet dust. There's a Chinatown (Tangra) that serves authentic Hakka cuisine – I've been going there since I was five – and a pastry shop that could put some of the finest bakeries in Paris to shame, given that it has been churning out soft buttery cakes, truffle pastries and fruit tarts since 1985. So, what would my dream gastronomical holiday in Calcutta look like? Let's start with chicken biryani and mutton chaap at Shiraz in Park Circus. Founded in 1941, Shiraz makes the most delectable Kolkata-style biryani – very similar to Lucknowi biryani – that's light, aromatic and always comes with a large potato cooked in the meat stock, a boiled egg, and perfectly spiced rice. The chaap, unique to Calcutta, is a slow-cooked, spiced mutton or chicken in thick gravy, always served with biryani. And if you're feeling truly gluttonous, I'd recommend the rezala –– a sublimely cooked chicken or meat in a white gravy, lightly spiced with a dry red chili. For context, a plate of special chicken biryani (two pieces of chicken, a boiled egg, a potato and enough rice to feed three people) and one mutton chaap will cost you about Rs 900, including taxes. If you are not too finicky, stop for phuchka on Russell Street or Ballygunge. Phuchka is the more refined sister of paani puri or gol gappas: mashed spicy potato laced with roasted masalas, green chillies and coriander, served with a tamarind-spiced water (with a mild touch of bacteria). Don't forget alu kabli – sliced potatoes mixed with tamarind pulp, chillies and masalas – that will clear your sinuses in seconds. You won't find it anywhere else. A visit to Calcutta is incomplete without a meal at Mocambo, which has been around since 1956. Its low hanging red-cloth lamps, white tablecloths, red leather chairs, and waiters – or 'bearers,' as they're called here – in full regalia are all throwbacks to another era. You go for the nostalgia – prawn cocktail, stuffed crab, tetrazzini, baked Alaska – washed down with a Tom Collins or Screwdriver priced around Rs 200. Regulars like me complain that the food isn't what it used to be. And yet, we return. If you don't get a table there, you can always go to The Other Room at the other end of Park Street which has the same décor, same menu and same prices. If you're lucky, try and get a member to take you for a meal to one of the many country clubs in the city. Go have a cold coffee or Bloody Mary and fish fingers while looking out at the greens at The Tollygunge Club. Or beer and Chinese food or the steak with a fried egg at the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club, you might even get to see a football or cricket match. And if you can, go have some Chinese food at the Bengal Club. Yes, many of us Calcuttans are spoilt because of our club memberships, but rather than complain, get yourself signed in and share the joy. I don't usually eat Bengali food outside when I'm home, but if you're looking for a traditional spread, try Kewpies or 6 Ballygunge Place. The former is my pick. For Calcutta Chinese, head to Golden Joy, Beijing, or Kafulok in Tangra, the city's Chinatown. These aren't fine-dining restaurants, but they're clean, air-conditioned, and serve food that defines the genre: rice noodles, lemon chicken, roast chilli pork, fried rice, Thai soup (which has nothing to do with Thailand). Chinatown which spreads over to Tiretti Bazaar and Tangra also house two iconic sauce factories in India – Pou Chong and Sing Cheung – legends in their own right. End your day with a pastry from Kookie Jar. Not Flurys. Not Kathleen. Kookie Jar opened next to my school in 1985, and to this day offers the finest truffle pastries, lemon tarts, black forest cakes, and nutty corners. In fact, the Ambanis served their cakes at the most recent big fat Indian wedding. You would really be missing something if you didn't try their creations. If your heart beats for Bengali sweets, stop by any neighbourhood mishti shop. All the sweets are made fresh each morning, and the variety is unmatched. It might also explain the beautiful physiques of most Bengali men and women. If you want to get fancy, go to Balaram Mullick or KC Das. And then, as any true Bengali will tell you, complete your day with a swig of Carmozyme or Gelusil. I can lay an educated guess that the sales of digestive liquids or tablets like Unienzyme are unsurpassed by any other city. Author of The Sweet Kitchen, and chef-owner of Food For Thought Catering ... Read More
