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A trip to Kolkata remains incomplete without exploring the food culture of the city. The city hosts people from different regions and communities, who over the years have contributed enough to shape the cuisine of Bengal (and the city). You will find authentic Bengali food, Indo-Chinese delicacies, Anglo-Indian recipes, Mughlai recipes and much more. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say that Kolkata is indeed the ultimate destination for foodies. From street-side fushka, gughni, and galmore to rolls, biryani, chops, kusha mangsho and more – the list is long, leaving us spoiled for choices. And what amazes us most are the famous restaurants in Kolkata. Besides an array of foods, the city also hosts some popular restaurants that have a rich history of their own. One such example is the Pice Hotel. I wonder what is Pice Hotel? Let’s find out.
What is Pice Hotel: History Of Pice Hotel:
Derived from the word ‘paisa’ – the lowest denomination of the Indian currency – this is a group of restaurants serving authentic, home-style Bengali meals at a pocket-friendly price. For the uninitiated, a “pice” is one-fourth of an “anna.” And believe it or not, even a hundred years ago, these restaurants served meals for just one piece.
Believed to have originated during the British period in the 20th century, these restaurants are modest in their decor, but promise a hearty meal served on banana leaves at the tables of society. From the staple dishes of Aloo Sidhu Pahat (mashed potatoes and rice) and Dal Pahat (dal-chawal) to Mutton Kocha and Fish Curries, you’ll find an array of delicious recipes on the menu (at the pice hotel), every single day.
Today, you will find quite a few small hotels dotted around the city, which provide nutritious meals to people from different walks of life, who flock to the city for business. In fact, the concept of pice hotel originated with the intention of serving home style food to workers, students and papos who came to Kolkata and stayed in hostels/mess for work (and studies). That is why the menus in these hotels remain quite traditional and comfortable.
According to food historians, some of these inns also played a big role in the freedom movement in India. They provided food for free (and at lower prices) to the revolutionaries and also hosted them in their secret meetings.
We can easily say – small hotels are Kolkata’s heritage; Unfortunately, over the years, many pice hotels have closed due to rising costs and changing lifestyle choices. However, some restaurants are still operating, while maintaining their spirit. In this particular article, we will take you through some of the famous hotels in Kolkata that still serve authentic Bengali meals at affordable prices. take a look.
5 iconic hotels in Kolkata:
Tarun Nikitan:
Established in 1915 by Eshan Chandra Deb, Taru Niketan Hotel is located within a narrow lane at Lake Market in South Kolkata. This place is famous for its variety of fish dishes and hanshir (duck egg) dishes. You will get a wide range of vegan recipes as well. And the best part is that most of the food here is prepared without onions and garlic.
Address: Rash Behari Road, near Kalighat metro station
Swadhin Bharat Hindu Hotel:
Located on College Street, near Presidency College, this place was established by Man Gobindo Ponda in the year 1927. Along with perfect dal, fish and meat dishes, this place serves more than 25 types of vegetarian dishes, impressing veg-goers to the core. .
Address: 8/2, Bhawani Dutta Ln, under Raja Guest House, Calcutta University, College Square
Jagannath Ashram Hotel:
Another famous Jagannath Ashram Hotel on College Street was established in 1952 by Gobordhan Palui. Over the years, the place has seen some changes in terms of decor, but what has remained unchanged is the menu. From bhetki to ilish and more – this place serves mouth watering delicacies that tug at the heart every time.
Address: 114, College St, College Street Market
Sidheshwari Ashram Hotel:
Tucked away in a narrow lane near the famous Sir Stuart Hogg Market (popularly known as the New Market), the Sidheshwari Ashram was established in 1928. The restaurant was founded by Khudiram Sarkar and serves a popular fish curry that remains a best seller on the menu. It’s called kobiraji jhol – a very healthy fish curry made with raw bananas, potatoes, papayas and very less oil. Unlike most other pice hotels this place is a little bit decorated with better interiors, air conditioners and wooden furniture.
Address: 19, Rani Rishmouni Road, El Montazah
Barbati Hotel:
One of the most affordable restaurants in Kolkata, Hotel Barbati was established in the year 1960. While the name of the founder is still unknown, it is now run by Sovik Dasu and serves more than 10 types of fish recipes on the menu.
Address: 66, Ashutosh Mukherjee Road, Bhawanipur
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