Durga Puja brings feeling of home for everyone. For those in Delhi, Oh! Calcutta offers the flavours of Bengal. It Celebrates 25 years, serving  authentic Bengali food, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the festival in all its grandeur, writes SAKSHI PRIYA

Durga Puja is more than just a festival; it’s an emotion, a time when everyone feels an irresistible pull towards home. The smell of incense, the rhythm of the ‘dhak’ and the sight of the majestic idols fill hearts with nostalgia. For those who find themselves far from Kolkata during this time, there’s a place that offers a slice of home: Oh! Calcutta.

Oh! Calcutta has been serving the flavours of Bengal for 25 years. As the city prepares to welcome Durga Maa, this iconic restaurant remains a favourite for all those hoping for the familiar taste of home-cooked Bengali food. Recently celebrating its silver jubilee, Oh! Calcutta has not only kept the essence of Kolkata’s cuisine alive, showing that the spirit of Bengali food remains strong and proud, no matter where you are.

Established in 1992, Oh! Calcutta was born from a passion to showcase the unique flavours of Kolkata’s 300-year-old culinary traditions. The restaurant's menu is a tribute to the city’s gastronomic legacy, influenced by British, Armenian, French and Mughal cultures. This blend of influences captures Kolkata's essence as a melting pot of communities. The founder,  Anjan Chatterjee and his team of chefs envision their cuisine as a tribute to the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Kolkata, which has been shaped over centuries. As they say, “Kolkatay khabar mane sudhu peth bhora noi, eta hridoy bhora” (In Kolkata, food is not just about filling the stomach but the heart).

As part of its silver jubilee celebrations, Oh! Calcutta has introduced a special anniversary menu that beautifully captures Kolkata’s culinary heritage. The menu, curated by Chatterjee, marries traditional recipes with a contemporary touch, ensuring that the authenticity of Bengali cuisine remains at its heart. Signature dishes such as Aam Ada Grilled Bhetki, Jackfruit Tikki and Prawn Malai Curry are shining examples of the restaurant’s dedication to preserving the old while embracing the new.

One of the highlights is the crispy Hilsa Fish Fingers, served with a tangy mustard mayo that brings back memories of home-cooked meals. The Calcutta Fish Fry is another star, with its tantalising blend of spices that capture the essence of family gatherings. And, of course, there’s the Bhetki Machher Paturi, where fish marinated in mustard and coconut, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed to perfection.

Mutton dishes hold a special place in Bengali cuisine, and Oh! Calcutta’s offerings don’t disappoint. The rich, slow-cooked Kosha Mangsho (mutton curry) is simmered with spices that warm the soul, while the Railway Mutton Curry, inspired by the classic railway-style preparation, evokes nostalgia and comfort. These are dishes that remind you of home-cooked meals during Pujo and family journeys.

The vegetarian fare at Oh! Calcutta is equally delightful. Dishes like Mochar Ghonto (Banana Floret Subzi) and Cholar Dal (Bengal gram lentils cooked with coconut and spices) highlight the rich vegetarian tradition of Bengal. And let’s not forget the Begum Bhaja, deep-fried slices of eggplant  that are the perfect accompaniment to the Cholar Dal.

For seafood lovers, there’s the Prawn Malai Curry, a creamy and indulgent prawn dish cooked in coconut milk and lightly spiced. And for those seeking something lighter, the Maacher Dom Jhol (fish curry) with luchi offers a delicate blend of spices with fresh vegetables and fish. This simple yet heartwarming dish is a staple in Bengali households and is often served during Durga Puja feasts.

No Bengali meal is complete without a sweet ending, and Oh! Calcutta makes sure this tradition is upheld. The restaurant offers a range of traditional sweets, including Sandesh, baked Rasgulla and Mishti Doi is a staple at the end of every Bengali meal. As they say, “Bangalir mishti priyo, eta toh shobar jana” (Everyone knows that Bengalis love sweets).

What sets Oh! Calcutta apart is its tireless commitment to authenticity. The restaurant sources key ingredients directly from Kolkata, ensuring that every dish retains its traditional flavour. From the Kakra Chingri Bhapa to the fragrant Gobindobhoger Bhaat (a special variety of rice), every ingredient is carefully chosen to maintain the integrity of Bengali cuisine. This attention to detail ensures that each dish not only tastes authentic but also evokes a sense of nostalgia.

The atmosphere at Oh! Calcutta further enhances the dining experience. The decor, featuring traditional Bengali art and nostalgic photographs of Kolkata, creates a warm and inviting setting. The staff, always attentive and knowledgeable, make sure that guests feel at home, guiding them through the menu and sharing the stories behind each dish.

As the festivities unfold, the connection between food, culture and family shines brightly at Oh! Calcutta. It’s a place where both Bengalis and non-Bengalis can celebrate the rich and diverse cuisine of Kolkata. This Durga Puja, let the flavours of Kolkata fill your heart and your plate as you indulge in the culinary brilliance that has delighted guests for 25 years. As they say, “Bangla-r khabar mane sudhu taste noi, eta hridoy er kotha” (Bengali food is not only about taste, but it’s also a matter of the heart).

So, this Pujo, if you find yourself longing for the flavours of home, head over to Oh! Calcutta in GK-2, New Delhi. With dishes like Kosha Mangsho, Mochar Chop and Gol Morich Chicken , you will be treated to a culinary journey that’s as close to Kolkata as you can get without leaving Delhi. Let the food fill your heart with joy, warmth, and a taste of home, reminding you that the spirit of Durga Puja can be felt wherever you are.