Must Eat Foods in Kolkata in Winter: A Journey of Winter Food in Bengal

As the first chill of winter touches Kolkata, the city's streets, houses, and sweet shops change into a haven of seasonal treats. Unlike the boiling days of summer, winter brings a pleasant change—not only in the temperature but also in what is served on plates. Winter food in Kolkata is a love letter to the city's heritage, with rich date palm jaggery, aromatic peas, and nostalgic recipes passed down through generations. What makes these foods so distinctive? Let us take you on a journey through the flavours that warm the hearts of Bengalis every winter. 

Bengali Winter Recipes: Kolkata's Winter Romance

Bengali cuisine has an unbreakable connection to the seasons, like winter, and despite its short lifespan, it is widely enjoyed. Nolen gur or khejur gur (date palm jaggery) is key to the change in Bengal's winter palette. Made from freshly tapped date palm sap, this jaggery is rich, smokey, and versatile. Whether drizzled over payesh (rice pudding) or infused into sweets, it captures the essence of winter on the right note. Fresh green peas, another winter gem, transform simple dishes into unforgettable feasts. But these are more than simply ingredients; their traditional recipes, flavours and aroma bring back childhood memories and family gatherings.

1. Phulkopir Singara

Forget boring samosas—Phulkopir Singara is where the magic’s at! Golden and flaky, Phulkopir Singara is more than a samosa, it’s a winter ritual. This Bengali take on the classic snack is filled with a wintery medley of spiced cauliflower, potatoes, cumin, and green chillies. Deep-fried to golden perfection, it’s best enjoyed with a steaming cup of cha (tea) on a chilly evening. Crunchy on the outside, warm and nostalgic on the inside, these flaky delights are winter’s favourite companions.

Where: Putiram Sweets in College Street and Mrityunjoy Ghosh & Sons in Sarat Bose Road.

2. Joynagarer Moa

This sweet is pure nostalgia in a bite! Joynagarer Moa hails from the town of Joynagar in South 24-Parganas and is made with made with date palm jaggery (Nolen Gur), which gives it a unique aroma and flavor, mixed with Kanakchur khoi (popped rice) and ghee. What makes it truly special is that it’s only available during the colder months when the ingredients are at their best. With a GI tag since 2015, it’s become a symbol of Bengali pride, and the race to grab the last packet before it disappears each season is real! If you're lucky enough to find the genuine version, you’ll taste a bit of history, as Joynagarer Moa has won the hearts of everyone.

Where: Temporary stalls near Sealdah Market, Mouchak Sweets in Barasat, and BanchharamSrikrisna Mistanna Bhandar (Skmb, Since 1929), Pioneer Of Joynagar Moa.

3. Koraishutir Kochuri

No Bengali winter morning is complete without koraishutir kochuri. Rooted in traditional Bengali breakfasts, the dish celebrates the seasonal harvest of fresh peas. This stuffed wonder is made with mashed peas, cumin, hing, and a hint of sweetness, fried into fluffy, kochuris. Koraishutir Kochuri has a twist apart from the traditional Kochuri (fried dough), this Kochuri looks green. Pair it with aloo torkari (potato curry) or chholar dal (spicy lentils cooked in coconut milk), and you’ve got yourself a breakfast straight out of a Bengali grandma’s kitchen.

Where: You can find authentic versions at Girish Chandra Dey and Nakur Chandra Nandy in Hedua or heritage shops like Adi Haridas Madak at Shaymbazar.

4. Phulkopir Diye Macher Jhol

What’s winter without some comforting fish curry? And a classic Bengali dish, Phulkopir diye Macher Jhol is a beloved winter staple in Bengali households, especially during the colder months when comfort food is a necessity. Phulkopir diye macher jhol combines tender cauliflowers, potatoes, and fish like Katla or Rohu in a light, fragrant curry made with mustard oil, turmeric, and light spices. Pairing with a bowl of steamed rice, this dish feels like a warm hug from home.

Where: At restaurant like these Bhojohori Manna,  6 Ballygunge Place  and Oh! Calcutta .

5. Nolen Gurer Payesh

When winter arrives in Kolkata, it’s time to indulge in the city’s iconic nolen gurer sweets, which are the essence of the season. Nolen gurer payesh, a rich rice pudding made with date palm jaggery (nolen gur), is an absolute must-try for anyone visiting during this chilly period. The sweetness of the jaggery combined with the creamy texture of the gobindobhog rice and full-fat milk typically garnished with crunchy cashews and kishmish (raisins), add a delightful contrast to its velvety consistency. It creates a dessert that’s both comforting and luxurious.  

Where: At shops like Balaram Mullick and Radharaman Mullick in Bhowanipore and Nobin Chandra Das & Sons in Shobhabazar. 

6. Nolen Gurer Misti

Another legendary treat that you simply cannot miss is the nolen gurer rossogolla. Kolkata's rossogollas are famous, but when made with nolen gur, they take on a whole new dimension. The soft, spongy balls absorb the rich, molasses-like sweetness of the gur (jaggery), creating an explosion of flavors in every bite. While regular rossogollas are a year-round affair, those made with nolen gur are particularly special in the winter months when the jaggery is in season. If you're looking for something with a bit of an edge, try kora paker sondesh. This unique Bengali sweet has a firmer, almost caramelized texture, as it’s made by cooking the chhena (cottage cheese) with jaggery until it achieves a dense, chewy consistency​ offering a perfect blend of crispy edges and soft, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness! 

Where: Visit renowned shops like Nalin Chandra Das & Sons or Balaram Mullick and Radharaman Mullick to indulge in these delicious confections.

7. Pithe and Puli

Poush Sankranti, a festival celebrated with much fervor in Bengal, is synonymous with the sweet delights of puli, pithe, and payesh. These traditional Bengali desserts are a highlight of the season, often made with rice flour and filled with jaggery-infused coconut or cardamom-scented kheer. Pithe and puli are typically sweet dumplings, either steamed or fried, while patishapta—thin crêpes filled with coconut and kheer. Another popular winter treat is Chitol Pithe, an eggless, oil-free steamed pancake made from rice flour, served with freshly grated coconut and jaggery-infused milk. These desserts, often prepared with seasonal ingredients like nolen gur (date palm jaggery), are deeply nostalgic, evoking memories of childhood winters!

Where: At shops like Balaram Mullick and Radharaman Mullick in Bhowanipore and Nobin Chandra Das & Sons in Shobhabazar. 

8. Singara Chowmein

Singara Chowmein is a popular street food in Kolkata, especially during winter. Although it originates from Chinese cuisine, over time, it has become a beloved winter treat in Bengal. This dish features a simple combination of boiled noodles paired with Singara (boiled dumplings), Chinese cabbage and spring onions, and a light broth, seasoned with a touch of black pepper and salt. The result is a comforting, warm bowl of noodles that’s both satisfying and easy to enjoy on a chilly morning. While Singara Chowmein is available throughout the Tangra area, the Chinese Kali Temple area in Topsia’s Chinatown is the best place to experience this dish in its most authentic form. The area, known for its vibrant Chinese community, offers an unparalleled experience for food lovers seeking the true essence of this winter favorite.

Where: Explore this at Tangra’s Chinese Kali Temple area.

9. Notun Alur Dom

Notun Alur Dom is a quintessential Bengali dish that wins hearts every winter, especially when the markets overflow with fresh, tender baby potatoes, or notun aloo (small potatoes that are taken out of the ground earlier than the others in the crop). These small potatoes are known for their delicate skin and subtle flavour, making them perfect for slow cooking in a rich, flavourful gravy. Typically, the dish is made without onions or garlic and includes a tangy yogurt-based sauce, which gives it a smooth, creamy texture. Often enjoyed with luchi (deep-fried bread) or steamed rice, it’s the go-to comfort food for cozy meals, picnics, or even a light breakfast in Bengali households​. 

Where: Bhojohori Manna,  6 Ballygunge Place and Oh! Calcutta visit these renowned spots for an authentic Bengali food experience.

10. Badhakopir Ghonto

Badhakopir Ghonto, or Bengali-style cabbage curry, is a cosy dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. This humble yet flavour-packed dish is a Bengali favourite. Shredded cabbage is slow-cooked with spices, mustard oil, and green chillies until it’s tender and aromatic. Serve it as a side with rice, and you’ve got a meal that’s equal parts comfort and nostalgia.

Where: Bhojohori Manna and  6 Ballygunge Place visit these two spots to savour authentic Bengali food!

So, grab a plate, soak in the winter sun, and let Kolkata’s winter delicacies work their magic!