You’ve probably spotted this green truck patrolling the streets of New Town before it parks itself at the community space near New Town’s Clock Tower. Sharing space with other trucks, the JW Marriott food truck is perhaps the only one that brings snacks from a star kitchen to the streets of Kolkata. My Kolkata paid the truck a visit a month after it began operations, right before it shifts into a higher gear.
Getting JW’s flavours to the streets
General manager of JW Marriott Kolkata Sunil Kumar spotted an opportunity to being JW's flavour to pandal hoppers using the food truck, kicking off the enterprise Courtesy JW Marriott
While trucks have always been a part of the Marriott on Wheels campaign, they weren’t being utilised to their full potential in Kolkata. Things changed last year, when Sunil Kumar arrived to take over as the general manager of JW Marriott Kolkata. He spotted an opportunity to promote JW Marriott’s flavours among pandal hoppers during Durga Puja. “We set up the food truck at crowded spots for two days during Durga Puja, and received such a great response that we decided to implement it full-time. Permissions took a few months, but we finally got our wheels moving in January 2024, at the New Town Clock Tower,” he said. While the truck is generally stationed at the New Town Clock Tower, it also travels to busy spots around Kolkata.
The food truck is being helmed by (L-R) F&B service executive Malay Kumbhakar and chef de partie Dipak Nandi
The menu comprises nine items, and undergoes a weekly change on the basis of customer feedback. Currently, foodies can enjoy Kolkata street food favourites like Chicken Tikka Kathi Roll, Tangra Style Chilli Chicken, Crumbled Fried Fish and Paneer Kathi Roll. All items are priced between Rs 200 and Rs 275.
“We blended a fusion of flavours, from Indian to Chinese to Cajun. However, our menu has been curated keeping Kolkata’s distinct taste in mind,” said Dipak Nandi, chef de partie, JW Kitchen.
Apart from street food, artisanal bread from the hotel’s bakery and fresh produce are also the focus. Revving up the dessert appetite will be Kolkata’s famous mishti doi, which will soon join the ranks with Blueberry Cheese Cake.
A star food truck experience
The New Town Clock Tower community space is a top draw for nearby IT employees, college students and shoppers from Central Mall. What makes JW Marriott stand out amongst the slew of other food trucks lining the area is their emphasis on hygiene. The entire truck is fumigated both before opening operations and after shutting shop, according to protocols set by the health department.
Another is the premium experience. Marriott’s elegant service towers above its neighbours. The plush chairs contrast sharply with the rickety stools. While some food trucks tend to overwhelm dishes with sauce, Marriott’s are expertly plated.
The menu has nine curated dishes including (clockwise from top left) Tangra Style Chilli Chicken, Crumb Fried Fish, Blueberry Cheese Cake, and Paneer Kathi Roll
The truck isn’t restricted just to dine-in customers, and acts as a catalyst for Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels. The food delivery platform allows people to cherish the hotel’s much-loved food from the comfort of their homes, with the food truck optimising delivery. It has also become an integral part of Marriott Kolkata’s wedding package, with the food truck catering to baraats!
“We are trying to provide the Marriott experience to everyone. Our menu comprises some of the most loved dishes from our kitchen, and guests at our EM Bypass hotel sometimes come all the way, just to have it. If we keep seeing a positive response, we might start operating on weekdays too,” said Malay Kumbhakar, executive, F&B service, JW Marriott.
Revving up plans
‘Everything from the chicken to the onions is fresh. Many wraps feel rubbery because of stale stuffing, but JW doesn’t cut corners, making it a filling dish,’ said Joydeep Bose, a tech consultant, while enjoying a Mexican Chicken Wrap
Although there are currently no beverages on board the ‘Gin & Truck’, your taste buds are guaranteed a joy ride. With all permissions in place and a highly trained staff raring to go, Kumar has big plans for the truck. “We aim to reach top clubs and upscale residential complexes in Kolkata. In the mornings, we want to sell fresh bread and produce around the city, from Urbana to Alipore to Salt Lake. Come evening, we’ll bring our best flavours to the busiest spots in town,” he smiled. Stay tuned, because they’re gearing up to deliver a grin as wide as its wheels with future surprises!
Catch the JW Marriott food truck outside New Town Clock Tower, from Friday to Sunday, 5.30pm - 11pm.