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.

At the very heart of Kolkata’s culinary persuasions is the grand fiesta of Bengali cooking. Preserving Bengal’s rich gastronomical lineage is central to many of the city’s culinary enthusiasts. An unmissable opportunity awaits you in the form of an intimate gourmet-cum-culture experience in the city’s iconic Metropolitan Building at the heritage home of a leading culinary host and art collector. The elegant high-ceilinged, art-filled home, dating back to 1901 overlooks Howrah Bridge, the lush Eden Gardens and the Shahid Minar.

An art curator by day and modern-day Gatsby by night, your genial host Surajit Bomti Iyengar is as generous with his culinary offerings as a gastro guru as he is with the stories that will fill the evening, about his life and travels, art, and the cultural heritage of the ‘City of Joy’.

For over 20 years, this richly atmospheric, cosy apartment has been hosting exclusive home dining experiences. You will love how your cheery host Surajit has taken full advantage of the double-height apartment, by adorning its walls with beautiful masks from his travels to faraway places like Guatemala and Ivory Coast, and his favourite art expressions in oil, water and ceramic. Expect to greet old friends like Hussain, Raza Paritosh Sen, Jamini Roy and Sunil Das amongst others in this beautiful space.

Originally a personal party spot, this full of character private art-gallery style home in Chowringhee, would host a few friends with an authentic Bengali meal. On popular demand it transitioned into an unforgettable custom fit service. The menu at this home captures the essence of Kolkata — From the favourite panteras to the mulligatawny soup— and even Anglo-Indian dishes like jalfrezi and vindaloo, the spread is delicious, and the ambience nostalgic. To add that extra special touch your meal is served with vintage plates and beautiful cutlery at the vintage teak six-seater dining table!

With each fresh serving you will wing your way back to the life of Calcutta in the 60s with its polo matches at Christmas, dinner dances at Firpo’s, and nights that found one gorging on Nizam’s kathi rolls at 3:00 am.

Tuck into an extensive Bengali meal, shaped by the rich traditions of this heritage city. Fluffy luchis hot off the pan, aloo dum, a big local Bengali favourite, mustard fish (a superb rendition of a beautifully marinated freshwater Bhetki, Ilish or other season fish), traditional Bengali comfort food— the ever popular kosha mangsho (a flavourful, slow-cooked, melt-in-the-mouth mutton curry), tangy fresh chutney with papad, and a selection of the famous Bengali mishti .  Following old family recipes, the chef has been carefully mentored by your host’s mother to produce the most mouthwatering traditions of Bengali culinary expressions.

What makes the experience even more alluring is that the meals are curated to match the dietary preferences/aversions of guests. The meal is teamed with your favourite brand of alcohol… a perfect pairing for a soul-stirring, nostalgia- steeped gourmet odyssey. The bespoke dining experience by Bomti offers both a lunch and dinner option.

Having soaked in the pleasures of Kolkata’s vintage culinary expressions you might want to join one of Bomti’s personalized tours of hidden Kolkata.