The Best Hotels to Book for Foodies in Kolkata
Kolkata is an ever-popular destination in India for travelling food lovers thanks to its diverse culinary landscape. Sample the region’s tastiest treats at these epic foodie hotels, bookable via Culture Trip.
Kolkata, the restless capital of India’s West Bengal state, is one of the subcontinent’s most diverse cities. Originally founded as an East India Company trading post, and India’s capital under the British Raj for 138 years, Kolkata’s architecture and atmosphere have since been shaped by other communities, too – including Chinese and Armenian immigrants. This cosmopolitan nature has led to a wonderfully unique culinary scene, with travellers flocking to the city to experience its vibrant curries and famously rich desserts, which blend Bengali culture with the traditions of other Indian and global regions. If you’re in the city to eat, and we recommend that you are, here are some of the best places to stay to do just that.
1. The Park Kolkata
Hotel
Park Street is known locally as the street that never sleeps, and with all the clubs, bars and book stores, you can’t say it doesn’t deserve the title. There are plenty of restaurants, too, which has led to a second nickname: Food Street. If you stay at The Park you’ll have easy access to one of the city’s best restaurants, the in-house Zen, which serves Pan-Asian cuisine – the sashimi platter is a particular highlight, or stay for Sunday brunch for unlimited wine, sushi and dim sum. It’s one of several upscale offerings at The Park, including pool-side Champagne pavilions, pan-Indian dining, a cocktail den and a sexy nightclub, Tantra.
2. Taj Bengal
Hotel, Spa Hotel
3. The Oberoi Grand
Spa Hotel, Hotel
4. ITC Sonar
Hotel
5. The Kenilworth
Hotel
The gym at The Kenilworth features the latest equipment and a team of specialists who can provide dedicated training programmes tailored around your needs. You can then undo all this hard work by hitting up the nearby restaurants and stuffing your face. Mae Kong on Theatre Road serves delicious dumplings, pork belly and pad Thai noodles, but if you want a Kolkata take on British meals, visit The Big Ben, the hotel bar. There’s a bakery on site, too, for fresh-baked pastries the morning after.
6. ibis Kolkata Rajarhat Hotel
Hotel
This stylish hotel is a short walk from both the DLF Galleria, as well as a 15-minute taxi ride from Aquatica Water Park and Salt Lake Stadium, which hosts the Mohun Bagan and East Bengal football teams. It’s close to Windsor Bakery, so stop by and sample the cakes, sweets and pastries. If you’re not in the mood for something sweet, head to Spice It, and watch the chefs prepare classic curries before your eyes.
7. The Peerless Inn Kolkata
Hotel
Aaheli, the award-winning onsite restaurant at The Peerless Inn, serves proper Bengali food. In fact, it’s so authentic that its name literally means authentic. Each dish is prepared using freshly ground spices, and guests are encouraged to use their hands to eat. Aaheli is known for the quality and quantity of its portion sizes, so bring an appetite. After your meal, be sure to try a gulab jamun, a sweet dessert of soft dough balls soaked in cardamom-infused syrup.
8. The Sonnet
Hotel
The sleek and stylish Sonnet is located in Bidhannagar, otherwise known as Salt Lake, Kolkata’s business district. Guests can stop by the Rajwada, an authentic Rajasthani restaurant overlooking the pool, or sample some cocktails at Unwine. If you’re prepared to explore past the hotel grounds, Pabrai’s Fresh & Naturelle Ice Creams is just a five-minute walk away. You could be boring and get a scoop of chocolate or vanilla, or you could try authentic Bengali flavours like Calcutta Paan and Nolen Gur.
For some more indulgent options, discover our guides to the best boutique hotels and spas that Kolkata has to offer, and book now on Culture Trip.
This is a rewrite of an article originally by Sridevi Nambiar.
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