Who doesn’t love a freshly-fried slab of batter-coated fish with some crispy fries on the side?! A culinary legacy of the British that Calcutta accepted uncomplainingly — of course, since it had to do with fish which is the first love of Bengalis — is the Fish and Chips. Arguably the favourite dish of the English, multiple meals of Fish and Chips is something we all have on our to-do list when travelling to London. Not that we don’t get enough of it in Calcutta already. But before getting into that let’s go back in time and delve a little deeper into the history of the yummy treat.
The history of Fish and Chips started somewhere during the 18th century in Britain, when it was just a staple food for the locals. Even in 1839, Charles Dickens referred to a “fried fish warehouse” in his famous novel Oliver Twist. Golden fried crispy fish fillets and potato chips were put together into a lip-smacking combination that became the national dish of Britain and is now sold at every eatery and shack in London.
Now back to the options of this delish dish in Calcutta, there’s aplenty. A classic British Fish and Chips is usually made with haddock or pollock, whereas in Calcutta, this delicacy is made with fresh bekti or basa. t2 checked out seven places in Calcutta that are serving some of the best Fish and Chips with the true Brit vibe. Read on....
Flurys: Started in 1927, this iconic tearoom in the heart of Park Street has an old British vibe with a rich heritage décor. Famous for its mouthwatering desserts, appetisers and, of course, English breakfast, Flurys also serves one of the best Fish and Chips in town. So while sitting and enjoying the clear view of Park Street through the glass windows, order their crumb-fried bekti fillet served with homemade fries, mushy peas and tartare sauce. Also available in Flurys Alipore and their newlyopened Purna Das Road outlets. Price: Rs 600-plus
The Grid: Being the city’s largest microbrewery, The Grid is known for its craft beer. And what does one crave with a glass of good beer? Something fried and crispy, right? The Grid has got you covered with their Fish and Chips. They make this dish with a marination of the fish followed by a batter made with beer. The main factor of this marination is how the beer helps to incorporate carbon dioxide and as a foaming agent with the alcohol content, resulting in a light and crispy crust of the fish, which is served with chips and accompanied with a creamy tartare sauce. Price: Rs 756-plus
The Irish House: How can we not think about a typical Irish pub when we are talking about Fish and Chips? This happening pub with the perfect Irish vibes serves some authentic golden fried Fish and Chips. They make their Fish and Chips with classic beer-battered basa and serve with garlic fries, house tartare dip and an apple and goat cheese coleslaw which you can pair with a mug of beer to feel more like an Irish local. Price: Rs 595-plus
Roastery Coffee House: The checked flooring and the Bengali touch which attract almost everyone who passes by the place, Roastery Coffee House is famous for its special collection of coffee blends. This place is an exact example where English food meets Bengali ambience, as they too serve Fish and Chips made with Vietnamese basa fillet coated in panko crumb, deep fried and served with crinkle fries and sprouts salad accompanied by tartare and mustard sauce. The coffee house suggests that the dish goes best with their best-seller cold beverage, Cranberry Coffee. Price: Rs 469-plus
Bunaphile: Another aesthetic coffee destination for all coffee lovers is Bunaphile where they create satisfying cups of coffee with love and art. With its pretty and light ambience, Bunaphile also has a food menu with small bites, which includes Fish and Chips. Bunaphile creates their Fish and Chips with the same amount of love they use to make their coffees. The delicacy is prepared with fresh Calcutta bekti, marinated in a light dressing and deep fried with the crumb coating, served with a slice of lemon, a bundle of masala fries and freshly prepared tartare dip. Price: Rs 409
The Olde House: Inspired by the food of Blue Fox and Sky Room, the Olde House lies in an aesthetic alley in south Calcutta, sporting old Calcutta vibes. Along with their classic dishes like Prawn Cocktail and Chicken a la Kyiv, The Olde House is also serving the English delicacy where they use Calcutta bekti fillets marinated with herbs, lemon juice, white wine and a touch of garlic. It is panko-crumb fried, and served with French fries and freshly prepared tartare sauce. Price: Rs 485-plus
The Brewhive: Located in the ultimate party neighbourhood of Sector V, The Brewhive serves the classic English dish by following the authentic recipe, where they serve three pieces of Calcutta bekti that are batter-fried and served with French fries on the side along with tartare sauce and a sweet and tangy salad. The melt-in-the mouth fish goes perfectly with their craft beer like Belgian Witbier and American Pale Ale. Price: Rs 489-plus