Kolkata, lovingly called the City of Joy, is more than just a cultural treasure trove; it’s a buzzing hub of local ingenuity. Homegrown brands here are rewriting the rules of creativity by mixing old-school charm with new-age sustainability. Whether it’s stylish eco-friendly clothes or melt-in-your-mouth Bengali sweets, these brands know how to keep things authentic while making a splash. Let’s dive into the stories behind some of the city’s most fascinating local ventures—they’re the perfect blend of heart, hustle, and homegrown magic!
Dorji Shantiniketan
Picture this you’re wearing an outfit inspired by the colours and textures of nature itself. That’s what Dorji Shantiniketan delivers—clothes that feel like an embrace from the earth. Founded by Sumon Majumder in 2018, this brand is all about eco-printed botanical designs made with natural dyes. No chemicals, no shortcuts—just pure love for sustainability.
Their clothes aren’t just eco-friendly; they’re body-positive and come in gender-neutral styles. Whether you're lounging at home or hitting up a festive event, Dorji’s creations make you look good and feel even better.
Where: Bolpur-Prantik Road
Contact: 082507 40680
Amar Khamar
If you’ve ever dreamed of farm-fresh spices and golden ghee on your plate, Amar Khamar is the fairy godmother of your kitchen. Founded by Sujoy Chatterjee in 2019, this organic food store in Kolkata brings you unpolished rice, hand-ground spices, and traditional kasundi straight from rural farms to your table. But it’s not just about mouthwatering food—Amar Khamar is all about empowering local farmers and keeping traditional agricultural practices alive. The store’s offerings include locally grown organic unpolished rice, aromatic spices, honey, ghee, and traditional condiments like kasundi and goyna bori. Supporting them means eating better and feeling better.
Where: 83 A, Kankulia Rd, Dhakuria
Contact: 093307 42283
The Burlap People
Have you ever found a bag that’s just right? Not too big, not too small, and completely you? Enter The Burlap People, where every bag is made to order using biodegradable materials. Co-founded by Samriddh Burman and Karuna Ezara Parikh in 2015, this brand is all about sustainability and personalisation.
From travel-friendly backpacks to everyday totes, The Burlap People also offers discounts if you return your used bag for eco-friendly disposal. A stylish bag and a clear conscience? Yes, please!
Where: 130, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Rd, Kalitala, Narendrapur
Contact: 098310 40578
Wear Equal
Lingerie that’s cute, comfy, and eco-conscious? Wear Equal, a women’s lingerie brand by Preeta Chaudhuri Ghosal in 2019, checks all the boxes. They upcycle organic cotton fabrics to make everything from underwear to loungewear. They even use scrap fabric to create plush toys and scrunchies, making sure nothing goes to waste. The brand employs 35 women at their factory in Akra, and their latest collection—aptly called the "Popsicle Collection"—is perfect for beating the monsoon blues.
Where: Banasree Sustainables 28-A, JK Ghosal Road, Kolkata
Contact: 9836188985
Karubasona
Karubasona, Founded by Shreya, Sohini, and Arunisha, this brand’s name literally means “desire of art,” and that’s exactly what they deliver. Drawing inspiration from Bengal’s rich cultural heritage, the brand offers a wide variety of hand-painted products that evoke memories of childhood in Bengal.
Karubasona's designs, such as innovative Bangaliyana LED lights, coffee mugs, hand-painted bookmarks, fridge magnets, and everyday essential tote bags, are a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality make them a favorite among those seeking to add a touch of Bengali elegance to their jewellery collection.
Where: Online Platform Sales Across Kolkata
Time: 24/7 Hours
Aranya
If you’re a fan of handloom clothing and traditional Bengali crafts, Aranya is the place to go. Situated at 379 Jodhpur Park, Aranya offers a beautiful collection of handloom clothing, block-printed items, and accessories that showcase the craftsmanship of Bengal’s artisans. The brand also stocks home decor items such as rugs, curtains, and lampshades, making it a one-stop destination for all things handwoven. Aranya’s focus on promoting local craftsmanship has made it a favourite among those who appreciate the art of Bengali weaving.
Where: 379 Jodhpur Park, Kolkata
Contact: 098741 60270
The Fat Little Penguin
Founded in 2019 by Jayatri Biswas, The Fat Little Penguin is an ice-cream cloud kitchen that offers some of the most innovative and mouth-watering ice cream flavours in Kolkata. What started as a small pop-up event, quickly grew into a popular brand, with flavours ranging from Black Forest to Blueberry, and even seasonal ice creams like mango. The brand’s commitment to quality and creativity has helped it stand out in a crowded market. Whether you’re a fan of classic chocolate or looking to try something new, The Fat Little Penguin has an ice cream for every taste.
Where: Ashoka Towers, 11C, Palm Ave, Park Circus, Ballygunge
Contact: 096545 31646
Earthaments
For silver jewellery that tells a story, check out Earthaments by Monalisha Manna. Starting in 2015, Monalisha began designing tribal-inspired pieces, and now the brand has evolved into a beautiful mix of traditional and contemporary styles. Their latest collection draws inspiration from the elegant Jamdani motifs, and while they are primarily an online brand, you can find their pieces in boutiques across cities like Bangalore, Delhi, and Mumbai. Perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your everyday wear!
Where: 6B Hindustan Road, Gariahat
Contact: 8961162209
Coco Palm Swimwear
Sustainability meets style with Coco Palm Swimwear, the brainchild of Ridhi Patel. This new swimwear brand is all about eco-conscious designs made from recycled fabrics created from marine and landfill waste. Ridhi is on a mission to make quality, sustainable swimwear the future of fashion. Based in Kolkata with a studio in Kerala, Coco Palm is already making waves in the world of eco-friendly fashion.
Where: 15d Ram Mohan Dutta Rd Kolkata
Contact: 9007937989
Sienna Store and Café
Imagine a cosy café where you can sip on locally sourced, sustainable meals while browsing eco-friendly products and ceramics. That’s Sienna, founded by Shuli Ghosh, which beautifully combines a café and a curated store. Known for working with artisan communities like The Burlap People, Sienna is not just about great food but also about supporting sustainability. Plus, they host cultural pop-ups that keep things fresh and exciting!
Where: 49, 1, Golpark, Hindustan Park, Gariahat
Contact: 099036 08899
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