Makar Sankranti, or, the harvest festival, is here and it goes by different names in different states. While in West Bengal it is called Poush Sankranti, in Punjab it is Lohri. In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as Pongal. And, it is that time of the year when winter delicacies are prepared in every household with the first harvest of the season. Usually, rice or other grains, jaggery and milk are used in these dishes. While you can make these delicacies at home, many of us may not have the time. So, My Kolkata brings you a list of restaurants where you can enjoy Sankranti, Lohri and Pongal delicacies in the city.
Barbeque Nation
Celebrate the diverse traditions of Makar Sankranti with the Sankranti Food Festival at Barbeque Nation. From Makke Roti and Palak Saag to Matar ki Tikki and Chukundi Kebab, enjoy 10 delectable dishes in a lavish buffet. For desserts, relish Kheer, Pithe and Patishapta made with notun gur, and Til Nariyal Badam Ke Laddoo.
Available at: Across all outlets in Kolkata
Pocket pinch: Rs 849 + taxes for vegetarian buffet; Rs 949 + taxes for non-vegetarian buffet
Date: January 10 to February 4
Aaheli, Peerless Hotel
Want to get a taste of some authentic pithe? Relive the memories of your didima and thakuma’s handmade winter delicacies at Aaheli, The Peerless Inn’s authentic Bengali cuisine restaurant. Indulge in the soft seddho pithe, delicious pathisaptas and decadent gurer sandesh made with the highest-quality gur at Aaheli's Poush Parbon Festival. You can also try new baby potatoes cooked Bengali style, onion flower stalks cooked with poppy seed, spinach and winter mix vegetables, Bengali-style creamy cauliflower curry and much more.
Available at: Peerless Hotel, Kolkata, Sarat Bose road, Axis Mall
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,000 for two
Date: January 1 to 31 (Noon to 3.30pm and 7.30pm to 10.30pm)
6 Ballygunge Place Thali
At 6 Ballygunge Place Thali, one can savour four traditional pithes from Bengal. Bite into soft Patishaptas or juicy Gokul Pithes. Enjoy the spongy Ros Bhora and relish the Dudh Puli. This Sankranti, pithe cravings will not go unsatiated at 6 Ballygunge Place Thali!
Available at: All outlets of 6 Ballygunge Place Thali
Pocket pinch: Rs 160 to 200
Date: January 14 to 16
Tamarind
Celebrate Pongal at Tamarind with a special menu crafted to delight both vegetarian and non-vegetarian palates. The vegetarian menu features a range of dishes that include Tomato Rasam, Sambar, Aratikai Vepudu, Gobi 65, Coriander Rice / Steamed Rice, Veg Stew and Appam, Beans Porial, Paneer Chettinad, Niligiri Veg Korma, Appalam, and a green salad. While the non-vegetarian menu has Malabar Prawn, Mutton Stew and Chicken Chettinad. For desserts, there is Sakkarai Pongal.
Available: 177, Sarat Bose Road (Opposite Deshapriya Park)
Pocket pinch: Rs 699+GST for vegetarian, Rs 850 for non-vegetarian (Meal for two)
Date: January 13 to 15
Babumoshai
This Lohri, indulge in the rich and flavourful world of Punjabi cuisine at Babumoshai’s Punjabi Food Festival. Delight your taste buds with a tantalising array of starters, featuring traditional dishes like Sarson Ki Brocolli, Bharwan Aloo, and Amritsari Fried Fish. For mains, enjoy Makai Saagwala, Pindi Chole, and Murgh Shahi Patila, accompanied by a selection of delectable breads like Makai Di Roti and Tawa Kulcha. Satiate your sweet cravings with Kesar Phirni and Gajar Ka Halwa.
Available at: Lohar Bridge, 1518, Garia Main Road, beside Kavi Nazrul Metro Station, Garia
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,280 + 5% GST (for two)
Date: January 8 to 28