Kasturi – Excellent Bangladeshi Food

Bengali food can broadly be divided into two sections. Ghoti and Bangal style. While the food eaten in the Indian state of West Bengal is called Ghoti style, what is served in the country of Bangladesh, which was once part of undivided Bengal, is known as the Bangal food. Not all areas of West Bengal prepare food similarly and the same is true for Bangladesh also. But, without going into the complexities, these are the two main types of Bengali food.

The area around Mirza Ghalib Street (previously known as Free School Street) in Calcutta, the capital of West Bengal, is where most people from Bangladesh stay when they come here. This place is flocked with hotels and, offcourse, restaurants serving Bangladeshi style food. Kasturi is one of the best in the area.

The lunch hour here starts from 11:30 AM, bit it is best to go after 12 noon. The dining hall on the first floor is basic as far as look is concerned. Once you sit down the server will bring a tray full of bowls with various items that are one the menu. You select and keep the bowls you want and then he will tell you the names of the fishes available on that day. Once you place your order a plate of rice and the bowls of fishes will be placed on your table. They serve packaged drinking water unless you ask for plain water.

The bhartas. From left to right Lote Shutki, Chicken and Lote.

To begin with they serve series of bhartas (mashes) which range from vegetarian Alu (potato) to non vegetarian chicken, lote or loitta as the Bangals pronounce (Bombay Duck), lote shutki (dried Bombay duck) etc. I love the non vegetarian bhartas here and order them only, as the menu here do not have much variety of vegetarian bhartas. You can also order daal (lentil), but I skip that always.

Bhartas with rice

Next comes the main attraction of this place. The kochu pata chingri bhapa (steamed taro leaves and shrimp). I can come here everyday only for this dish. It is heavenly to say the least. A must try if you come here.

Kochu pata chingri bhape

I order the fishes next. The menu changes regularly and depends on market availability. Last time I ordered Ar (Long-whiskered catfish) and Pabda (Indian butter fish). Each fish dish is prepared differently with separate spices and veggies. While the Ar fish had potatoes and brinjal / aubergine, the Pabda was cooked with cilantro. Both were finger licking good and the quality of fish was also great, specially the Ar.

Ar (Long-whiskered catfish)

Pabda (Indian butter fish)

Other fish items I love here are the Tel Koi (Climbing perch gravy), Chitol muitha (Clown Knifefish fish balls in gravy) and Chitol peti. Have never tried the Chicken or Mutton dishes here as I come here mainly for their fish items. But I plan to return soon to try them too.

On our last visit the total bill for 4 came to Rs. 1164 all inclusive. Which means less than Rs. 300 / head. With all of us ordering fish and non veg bhartas along with kochu pata chingri bhapa, I must say this place is really value for money.

Location –

7A, Mustaque Ahmed Street,
Mirza Ghalib Street,
Near New Market Area