There was a time when bikeler jolkhabar meant shingara, telebhaja, chop, cutlet, rolls and Mughlai Paratha or as Bengalis fondly call it — Moghlai Porotha. While many of these snacks are still enjoyed now, the rising popularity of momos, chowmein and similar dishes has overshadowed these traditional Bengali snacks. The once highly sought-after Mughlai Paratha has slowly disappeared from the culinary wishlists of many. This deep-fried dish — a paratha filled with a mixture of eggs, onions, keema and green chilies — was once the star of evening snacks, especially at local restaurants after a movie or a theatre show.
My Kolkata set out to hunt down the best places where you can still find Mughlai Parathas that are to die for...
Anadi Cabin
Soumyajit Dey
When it comes to having Mughlai Parathas in Kolkata, Anadi Cabin is the first name that instantly comes to our mind. Established by Balaram Jana over 90 years ago, this iconic shop on S.N. Banerjee Road (near Esplanade crossing) has been serving crispy Mughlai Parathas ever since. They use a combination of duck eggs and hen eggs to make the parathas. While a single Egg Mughlai Paratha is priced at Rs 90, the double-egg version is priced at Rs 100. It is served with alur torkari and salad. The shop is open seven days a week, from 1.30pm to 9pm.
Address: H972+8JF, S. N. Banerjee Road, Dharmatala
Apanjan
Ashim Paul
This snacks shop on Sadananda Road is a hotspot in south Kolkata. Known for its mouth-watering fries — from fish fry and fish batter fry to other delights like mutton shingara and devil — this quaint shop is a favourite among local residents. Their Mughlai Paratha is served with salad and alur dum. Also, they offer three varieties of Mughlai Paratha — Mutton, Chicken and Bhetki Fish — which is a specialty of the shop. The Bhetki Fish Mughlai Paratha was introduced last year and has quickly become popular. Duck eggs are used to make these delicacies. While the price of chicken and mutton Mughlai Parathas is Rs 150, the fish Mughlai Paratha costs Rs 170. The shop is open every day from 1pm to 9pm.
Address: 58, Sadananda Rd, Anami Sangha, Kalighat
Mitra Cafe
Ashim Paul
Some establishments need no introduction and Mitra Cafe is a shining example. While we often associate the shop with its iconic Shobhabazar outlet, which has been standing strong since 1910, it’s the Shyambazar branch that steals the spotlight when it comes to Mughlai Parathas. Unlike the Shobhabazar outlet, the Shyambazar branch offers a variety of Mughlai Parathas. Although the outlet itself has been around for years, the newly renovated branch is just two years old. You can try their Chicken Mughlai served with alur torkari and salad for Rs 142, while the egg version is priced at Rs 126. The shop welcomes guests from 3pm to 10.30pm.
Address: 3A, Bhupendra Bose Avenue
The 6 Russel Street
Ashim Paul
Located on Theatre Road, this restaurant offers a diverse range of Mughlai Parathas for its customers. While their menu also includes dishes like momos and sandwiches, the demand for Mughlai Parathas is still high. While the single Egg Mughlai Paratha is priced at Rs 115, the Double Egg Paratha costs at Rs 125. There are other options like Egg Chicken and Egg Mutton Mughlai Parathas that are priced at Rs 145 and Rs 165 respectively. A standout here is their Cheese Mughlai Paratha — filled with egg and cheese — priced at Rs 140. All variants are served with alur torkari, sauce and laccha onions. The shop operates from 10.30am to 10.30pm.
Address: 6, Anandilal Poddar Sarani, Ward 63, Theatre Road, Kolkata
Seema Restaurant
Ashim Paul
If you are in north Kolkata and wondering where to have a quick bite, head straight to this place. Situated on Girish Avenue, this restaurant, serving delectable snacks since 1970, is a favourite among locals, especially in the evenings. Their Mughlai Paratha, priced at Rs 70, is served with alur torkari, onions and sauce — making it a perfect treat for your taste buds. It’s open on all days and starts operating from 8.30am till 10.30pm.