Ballygunge, Southern Avenue, Alipore — South Kolkata’s many localities have made a name for themselves for myriad reasons. Jodhpur Park is one of the names on the list that, until recently, was just another of the city's green and peaceful neighbourhoods. But now, with a number of eateries popping up there in the last few years, it has become a locality known for its cafes.
With old and new cafes and many other old-world charms, the tree-lined walkways of Jodhpur Park, or JP as it is fondly known, have a list of interesting spots to hang out. Here’s a list of our favourites:
Blue Mug Cafe
One of the first cafes to open in Jodhpur Park, Blue Mug Cafe is known to always have a queue at the door. If you are lucky enough to get a table, don’t miss out on their milkshakes and classic continental dishes. From fried nibbles and lasagne to sizzlers and grilled fish, they make hearty meals and their generous portions are reasonably priced. Hang out with friends or come with a date, you’ll leave with a smile on your face.
A stop to smell the roses
Fresh flowers that are sold by piece every day at the florist Aatreyee Mohanta
Uncle-nephew duo Ganesh Chandra Gain and Shubho Gain have been running their little florist stall from the same spot for 25 years. You can find them from 5am to 8pm on the curb opposite Reliance Fresh with their selection of fragrant and vibrant blooms, all sourced from Jagannath Ghat in Howrah. They have traditional and festive flowers like marigold and hibiscus garlands, as well as roses, chrysanthemums, asters and others for a personalised bouquet.
Netaji Sweets
The singara is one of Netaji Sweet’s best-loved items Aatreyee Mohanta
This sweet shop is one of the most important landmarks of the locality. Started by Deepak Patra, it is over 35 years old and is now looked after by his son. The must-try items from the menu are their singara and komola bhog.
Phuchka (opposite Netaji Sweets)
The ‘phuckawala’ opposite Netaji Sweets has been catering to the area since 1996 Aatreyee Mohanta
Nearly every Kolkatan indulges in an evening walk to the para phuchkawala, to feast on his special phuchkas. When you’re in Jodhpur Park, do not miss out on the ones made by the phuchkawala whose stand is opposite Netaji Sweets. He has been a part of the community since 1996 and every evening from 5pm to 9pm, people crowd his stand to sample the dahi phuchka, mishti phuchka, churmur and papri chaat.
Mrs Wilson’s Cafe
Tucked away in a shaded lane, this little cafe with a homely vibe lives up the description in their Instagram bio, which says “Delightful & Heartwarming Food from Mrs. Wilson’s Humble Kitchen.” They serve dishes such as pork chops and chicken tenders and the daily specials are written on a black board. The cafe is a good spot to work from as well. The best part? They are pet-friendly, so you can bring your fur baby with you.
Krishna Hot Chips
A variety of fried snacks such as different kinds of chips and ‘papad’, ‘mathri’, and soya sticks can be found at Krishna Hot Chips Aatreyee Mohanta
Love crunchy fried munchies? This shop near Selimpur more is a dream come true. There are thin crispy potato chips, mathri, a selection of chanachur and more. It is all made fresh every day and maybe if you’re lucky, you can even get them hot and fragrant, fresh off the wok.
Bablu Sweets
(Left) the colourful display counter at Bablu Sweets and (right) the famous ‘kheer kodom’ Aatreyee Mohanta
Jodhpur Park Nursery
The 2.5-acre Jodhpur Park Nursery is filled with a variety of flowering and foliage plants ready for sale Aatreyee Mohanta
The Melbourne Cafe
This is the newest addition to the series of cafes dotting the area. The fun, pop-coloured interiors and a relaxed ambience are perfect for hanging out with friends. Their menu features some well-made sandwiches and thin-crust pizzas, but especially noteworthy are their bakery items. Their eclairs are delicious, and they also stock a variety of fresh desserts such as tea cakes and cheesecakes, which you can enjoy with your tea or coffee. They also make customised cakes for birthdays, anniversaries and parties of all sorts.
Hondo’s
The well-known burger joint has now moved from Prince Anwar Shah Road to Jodhpur Park and the residents of the locality couldn’t be happier. Seated in their relaxed space done up with contrasting yellow and black accents, you can indulge in their juicy burgers. They have meat, fish and veg varieties on their menu. If you feel up to it, try their jumbo-sized specials like the Thor burger. The best part? You can order in or walk down to this restaurant whenever you crave burgers as they are open 24x7.
Steamin Mugs
Add this cafe to the list of Instagrammable places in Jodhpur Park. A white picket fence borders the cosy outdoor seating and they have that perfect spot for photo-op – a wall decorated with faux ivy and white ceramic mugs. Serving a selection of crowd pleasing foods like pasta, pizza and sandwiches, this cafe is great for a date or even an evening catch-up session with friends.
Dakshinapan
The food court at Dakshinapan is a great spot for some post-shopping nibbles Aatreyee Mohanta
Many may think this shopping complex is a part of Dhakuria, but only true JP residents know that the back gate to Dakshinapan lies in their neighbourhood — giving easy access to drop in for some pocket-friendly shopping or to grab a bite. The extensive and budget-friendly (yes, you may use your bargaining skills) collection of clothes aside, Dakshinapan also has a neat food court that serves some tasty dishes. Feast on some Mughlai paratha, South Indian dishes or momos, or indulge in the special kulfi that is sold throughout the year. If you want a slice of nostalgia, visit Dolly's The Tea Shop for a steaming hot cup of tea or fish fry!
Dolly's: The Tea Shop
Opened in 1988, the same year Dakshinapan was inaugurated as a part of the Calcutta Improvement Trust (CIT) project, Dolly’s: The Tea Shop, fondly knows as Dolly's tea or just Dolly's, has been a much-loved spot within the complex. Through the day, the little tea shop sees a steady stream of patrons from college students to senior citizens. The establishment is run by Dolly Roy, who has the distinction of being the country’s first woman tea taster. The vintage interiors and a curated selection of Assam and Darjeeling teas add to the shop's old-world charm, which has remained unchanged for years. Some of the popular items on the menu include the Orange Mint Julep and Kashmiri kahwa along with cafe food like tuna salad, and chicken and ham pasta. It’s the ideal spot to sit back with your favourite brew and enjoy a conversation.
Sienna Lite
Jodhpur Park has its very own Sienna store and it is loved by all. From organic clothing to artistic accessories, their store features a veritable selection. Feast on their delicious ‘snack wiches’ and desserts, or take a moment to savour their signature hot chocolate.
Rayzin Bakery
Rum-spiked Christmas cakes ready to go into the oven at Rayzin Bakery Aatreyee Mohanta
Run by Ananya Ray, this bakery started out as a passion project. With orders flooding in, Ray decided to move her bakery out of her home kitchen and set up shop in Jodhpur Park in 2016. Baking their desserts to order, they make delicious tarts, customised cakes and even savouries. These have helped them whip up a loyal following. Their breads might become a staple in your household once you taste it. This winter try their rum-drenched Christmas cakes.
Calcutta Pi
This restaurant serves up nostalgic Bengali items like fish fry, chicken rolls and even fowl cutlet. Not only do they have a fine selection of much-loved snacks, they also serve Bengali dishes like Haanser Dimer Kosha (Duck egg curry), daab chingri and the all-time favourite kosha mangsho. If you’re craving Bengali food, try this out.