10 pre-independence era restaurants of Kolkata and what makes them special

Kolkata, also known as the City of Joy, is a melting pot of cultural, literary, and culinary delights. From the iconic Howrah Bridge to Victoria Memorial, the city is home to many of the country's jewels. When it comes to its culinary landscape, there are places that have been functional for over a century, many dating back to the pre-independence era. Today, we will look at some of the iconic places that have been functional since the pre-independence era and what makes them so special.

Founded in 1876 by social reformer Keshab Chandra Sen, it has been a meeting point for generations. According to reports, the Coffee Board converted the place into a coffee house in 1942. It has served icons including Rabindranath Tagore and filmmaker Satyajit Ray in the past and is known for its mutton sandwich, black coffee, filter coffee, mutton Afghani, onion pakoda, fish kobiraji and more. (Image: Trip Advisor)
Where: 15, Bankim Chatterjee St, College Street, Kolkata

It is reported that this place was founded by Jiban Krishna Saha and is known for its iconic cutlets for over 140 years and counting. Here, the prawn cutlet is the star, along with fish batter cutlet, fish pakora, jumbo prawns, chicken steak. and chicken keema cutlet. They are also known for their pure ghee chicken pokora and cutlet. Their fish pokora in ghee and fish chop is also loved by foodies a lot. (Image: Trip Advisor)
Where: 40/1, Jatindra Mohan Avenue, Shobha Bazar, Kolkata

Operational since 1902, this iconic Jewish bakery is nestled inside the popular New Market in Esplanade and is known for its plum cake, pizza puff, heart cake, sweet buns, cheese patties, and marzipan.
Where: F47, Hogg Market, New Market Area, Kolkata

Located near Kolkata’s College Street book market, this place is known for its old walls and high ceilings. According to reports, they have been selling juices and shakes since 1918 and the must-try drinks here are coconut sherbet, grape crush cream lassi, kesar malai, mango mania, and kesar badam. (Image: Facebook)
Where: 1/1/1D, Bankim Chatterjee Street, College Square, Kolkata

This cafe was started in 1920 by Sushil Roy and shot to fame thanks to its kabirajis and fish fries. The original cafe still stands tall near Sovabazar Metro Station and for mutton lovers, their mutton brain chop is a must-have.
Where: Multiple locations

Flurys is one of the most popular and iconic eateries in Kolkata. For any tourist, this is a must-visit place, which has been running successfully since 1927 and was founded by Mr. and Mrs. J Flurys. This tearoom on Park Street is also an Instagrammable space that offers the best of bacon strip, almond pastry, baba cake, moccahino, mutton puff, Viennese coffee, and more. They are known for their sandwiches and pancakes and also the wide range of country breakfast platter, which includes American breakfast, Spanish breakfast, vegan breakfast, continental breakfast and Jogger's breakfast.
Where: 18A, Park St, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal

For the uninitiated, the Flurys also own the iconic Trincas. Along with Quinto Cinzio Trinca, they established one of the city’s most-loved restaurants in 1939 and later sold it to Anand Puri in 1959. What started as a tearoom and bakery, slowly turned into a hub for multi-cuisine dishes. They are known for their shrimp cocktail, chicken Stroganoff, devilled crab, chicken ala kiev, and more.
Where: 17, Park St, near Oxford Book Store, Taltala, Kolkata

The journey of Nizam's began with Raza Hassan Saheb who established the iconic place in 1932. For every foodie, their kathi roll is a must-have, and their kebabs, biryanis, and the whole range of Mughlai dishes are also a must-try. (Image: WhatsHot)
Where: 23 & 24, Hogg St, near Axis Bank Atm, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata

Established in 1906, Dilkhusha Cabin continues to serve flavoursome dishes and represents its name in the city’s bright culinary landscape for over a century now. Here, the must-try dishes are mutton kaviraji, chicken kaviraji, fish kaviraji, dimer devil, chicken cutlet, and more. (Image: Trip Advisor)Where: Building 88, Near College Street Crossing, MG Road, College Street, Kolkata

According to reports, Bachan’s Dhaba is one of the many pre-independence era restaurants in Kolkata and was set up by Bachan Singh in 1927, serving only roti and tadka. Over the years, the menu has changed and today they are known for kebabs, biryanis, and a wide range of tandoori dishes. (Image: Trip Advisor)

Where: T39A, Rash Behari Ave, P.O, Anami Sangha, Kalighat, Kolkata