Have you really been to a place if you haven’t been able to post about it? And if the photographs can’t be salvaged even with a filter, can you still post it? The social media age can be very trying indeed! Here are some cafes in Kolkata which solve this conundrum while also being easy on the pocket.
Hogg’s Room - The Coffee Shop
Ornate furniture. Checkered flooring. Shuttered windows. It’s a trip down memory lane in Hogg’s Room, perfect for that #ThrowbackThursday post. The mood lighting and cheerful staff make you feel welcome as you dig into edibles like pizzas and sandwiches. Reasonably priced, it’s a great option for those birthday outings, if you don’t want to blow a hole in your pocket.
Located at: The Lindsay, Lindsay Street, 1st floor, Esplanade, Dharmatala, Taltala
Raj’s Spanish Cafe
If you’re craving European flavours, but you’re always on a shoe-string budget, head to this hidden café which offers all sorts of international favourites, from Gambas to lasagna and croissants to burritos. The Souffle di Cioccolato is a popular dessert, which is served with ice cream and oozes chocolate when you slice through it. What’s better, the portions are generous, so don’t be afraid of sharing! Fairy lights adorn the wall, while interesting doodles form a great backdrop for your Instagram feed!
Located at: 7, Sudder Street, Fire Brigade Head Quarter, New Market area, Dharmatala, Taltala
Snacking
The rustic decor here adds a touch of vintage while the minimalism keeps it modern. There are board games available to play while you wait for your food and a tiny reading corner that boasts a great collection of books. Settle into this pretty little café with an absorbing read and delicious food to forget your troubles for a while. And while you’re at it, don’t miss the chandeliers!
Located at: 188, 60 2, Prince Anwar Shah Road, Lake Gardens, Jodhpur Colony
Calcutta 64
A homely Italian cafe, this little place is decorated with quirky posters that perfectly fit the Instagram aesthetic. It has on offer Kolkata-related merchandise for sale, such as T-shirts, books, handmade notebooks and home decor items. The menu is varied, which makes it a great spot for hanging out with people with vastly different food preferences. There’s also space for live music, which is something to look forward to when we’re past the pandemic!
Located at: BC-25, 2nd Cross Road, BC Block, Sector 1, Bidhannagar
Tribe
With interiors reminiscent of a Wes Anderson set, Tribe is where you head to when you just want to get away from life for a bit. With an enviable bookshelf for bookworms, a guitar for impromptu jam sessions and artwork to browse while you wait for your food, it’s hard for any photograph to look shabby inside this bright and interesting café. The menu ranges from Continental classics like Bhetki Meuniere and Chicken Stroganoff to Indian favourites like Dimer Devil and Chicken Xacuti.
Located at: 67, Golpark, Ballygunge Gardens, Gariahat
Artsy - Coffee & Culture
Unique, quirky and mesmerising are some of the words that will leap to mind when you step into Artsy. Pop colours, art on the wall and plenty of woodwork makes this cafe ultra cool. But more than anything, it makes you think about art. A drawing book on a table, along with art materials, invites visitors to create memories together.
It might not be as easy on the pocket as the others on this list, but it’s an artistic menu they serve here, from Roesti with guacamole and sour cream to Affogato Trifle. The Indian-origin coffee might be exactly what you need for a pick-me-up.
Located at: Ground Floor, 230/B, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road, Minto Park, Bhowanipore