Kolkata, revels in its stature as a simmering cauldron of multiple cultures since it transformed into the major trading post for the British on India’s eastern seaboard. Embedded in its culinary heritage are the influences of the Mughals, British, French, Dutch, Jews, Armenians, Chinese, Parsis and many more. With the arrival of the deposed Nawab of Awadh, Wajid Ali Shah came the gastronomic splendours of the Mughal-inspired biryani, which Calcutta readily embraced, not without adding its own touches to it. Regional influences also marked their presence with the culinary traditions of Andhra, Bihar and Assam.

Jostling for space amongst the ranks of the World's Best on the list of World's Best Food Destinations in 2023, prepared by international website 'Eater', Kolkata was rubbing shoulders with the likes of   Albuquerque (New Mexico), Cambridge (England), Dakar (Senegal), Sardinia (Italy), Manila (Philippines), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Tamaki Makaurau (New Zealand), Asheville (North Carolina), Halland (Sweden) and Guatemala City (Guatemala). It was the only Indian city to be considered worthy of this ranking.