In pics: ‘Baithak Khana’ cafe, an ode to Bengal’s ‘adda’ culture

Nestled in a nondescript lane off Bidhan Sarani, near College Street, the ‘Baithak Khana’ cafe awaits your discovery. A family-owned bistro themed after everything that is Bengali.

The walls of the cafe are adorned with some beautiful artwork.

The sibling duo — Banibrata Nath Khan and Archita Nath Khan— started the cafe in 2019.

The vivid paintings owe their brilliance to artist Shraboni Nath Khan. She also happens to be Banibrata’s wife.

The cafe offers a range of beverages and snacks to its patrons such as tea, coffee, lassi, sandwiches, momos, Maggi and fried items like pakora.

‘Baithak Khana’ is a stone’s throw from Vidyasagar College in north Kolkata.

A glass of chilled ‘Aam Panna’ — a traditional tangy Bengali drink prepared from boiled or roasted green mangoes— will give you a fresh lease of life on a hot and humid day.

“We wanted to do something unique with our cafe. So, we decided we will try to showcase Bengali culture,” says Banibrata.

A plate of Pan Fried Momo and a book are all that you need to while away some leisurely afternoon hours at the cafe.

(From left) Archita Nath Khan and Banibrata Nath Khan.

Banibrata serves a cup of coffee to a guest.

The building that houses the cafe on its first floor is a centuries-old structure that has stood the test of time, according to Banibrata.