Sonar Bangla, indeed

Tucked away in a lane in Koramangala's ST Bed Layout, the new kid on the block, Kolkata is about finger-licking food, not fancy frills. Murals depicting life in Kolkata and bamboo masks of Ma Kali add a warm touch. The menu, done in jute, lists everything from sukto (a preparation of mixed vegetables) to chingri malakari (prawns cooked in coconut milk) to shorshe bata kakhra (mustard crab). 

 The chef is from Kolkata who handpicks his fish, fresh every morning. The mustard and the panch phoron are also from the city of joy, says the chef. 

We started our meal with fish fingers and fish cutlets. Cholar dal, begun bhaja (brinjals never tasted this amazing) and channar dalna (a paneer dish) arrived with crisp luchis, keeping us satiated. 

Must-try: Mochar Ghonto (a yummy dish with banana flower) and Macher Paturi (fish wrapped and steamed in banana leaf with spices). Try the veg and non-veg thali options. The fish thali is a hit.

Where: Kolkata, #965, 4th Cross, 1st Main, ST Bed Layout, Koramangala 4th Block.
Ph: 4255 5999.
Wallet factor: A meal for two would cost around Rs 800. 

Sublime Snacks

We can't decide whether we love their cats more or their creamy sandesh. Cat lovers in the city admire the love that Mr Biren Das, owner of the hugely popular K C Das, has for stray cats that grow tubby and playful under his watchful eye in his beautiful bungalow on Church Street. But I digress. This being a food piece, I should limit myself to singhara and sandesh - both of which are rather good at K C Das. They also deliver a mean chop - cutlets made of potato, peas and cauliflower. Teamed with tamarind chutney, these 'chops' taste divine. The luchis (puris), served with a spicy baby potato gravy and thick channa dal, are a good brunch option. Malpua and mishti doi are a must try.

Where: K C Das, Next to Oriental Building, Off St Mark's Road
Ph: 93437 67470.
Wallet factor: Sweets: Rs 303-Rs 743 a kilo; Savories: Rs 160-Rs 220 a kilo

Tradition with a twist

If you are on a diet, stay away from the rich and tasty food on offer at 6 Ballygunge Place. Even essentials like dal are given an exotic twist, making you feel happy but hopelessly weighed down! The chhanar kalia or paneer dumplings, served in creamy gravy, proved to be value for money. Elish paturi or hilsa, marinated in mustard and steamed in a plantain leaf, was melt-in-the-mouth. If you want to make this a memorable meal, order the rui macher roast (rohu fish in an onion gravy). For dessert, try the ice-cream sandesh, garnished with pista, almonds and saffron or the golden rajbhog.

Where: 6 Ballygunge Place, First Floor, 612, 12th Main, Indira Nagar (above Café Coffee Day).
Ph: 93421 40520.
Wallet factor: Rs. 800 for two