Let’s agree, coffee is more than just a popular drink. It is a culture that brings together different types of people to create a holistic experience. India has a rich history of coffee culture which goes back thousands of years. According to historians, coffee has existed in India since the 16th century, although it did not gain its share of popularity until the British colonized the country. And one of the oldest proofs of the same resides in the city of Anand – Kolkata. Referred to as Calcutta at the time, the city saw a thriving ‘coffee house’ in 1876. And since then, there has been no looking back. Over the years, Kolkata and its people continued to nurture their coffee and brought a new wave among people of all ages. If you search today, you’ll find cafes across the city that serve some of the best brews from around the world.
While we always suggest starting your trip with a cup of ‘Infusion (Black Coffee)’ from the famous Indian coffee house on College Street, there are a few more cafes that are a must try. Let us tell you about some of the favorite cafes in Kolkata.
Here are 5 best cafes in Kolkata that are a must try:
The Craft Coffee Experience – NDTV Food Recommendation:
Correctly named ‘Craft Coffee Experience’, this place gets to be completely creative with your cup of coffee. He is not everything. It gives you an experience that can be cherished for a long time. Situated on a quite a street in Ballygunge, this place offers a great mix of coffee and some delicious yet comforting food. We suggest trying their coffee (coffee-infused kombucha) for an instant cooling experience. To pair it with, have Corn and Cheese Cigar Rolls, Fish Fingers, and of course, the oh-so-delicious tiramisu. Craft Coffee also has a roastery that instantly customizes and blends your coffee to your tastes and preferences.
What adds to the gastronomic experience is the interior. Spread over 6200 square feet, this 94-seater all-white cafe offers both open and indoor seating. While the indoor setup is classic and chic, the outdoor setup is nothing short of breathtaking, thanks to the age-old mango tree that’s forming an umbrella for every table setup. The cafe takes advantage of the natural green all around which makes it a quick getaway in the city for coffee lovers. This restaurant is a must try!
Cost for two: Rs. 500 (approx)
Where: 26, near Ballygunge Park, Ballygunge
Potboiler Coffee House – NDTV Food Recommendation:
If you love your cup of coffee and books, then this place is a must try. With a bright and cozy cafe, good brewery, large collection of books and decent food, this place never lets you feel bored or lonely. Oh, how can we forget that cute kitten who welcomes you to the cafe with his cuteness every now and then. We suggest trying this place out for a delightful weekend brunch. Apart from a good coffee, it also serves you the most delicious omelets (we went for the spinach and bacon omelet) and some delicious vegetables and potato wedges. And if you want to eat something else, try their pancakes with a chili-butter and maple syrup topping. Trust us, the combination of chili flakes, butter, and maple syrup takes pancakes to the next level.
And for those, who prefer to avoid hot coffee during the summer, we suggest, go for their cold brew – specifically their hibiscus-infused Cold Brew (sos. Cold Brew) and it has mint, lime And fuzzy cold brew with soda. If you are looking for a quite work place or a place where you want to spend some time with yourself, then Potboiler Coffee House is the destination for you.
Cost for two: Rs 950 (approx)
Where: 468A, Hemant Mukhopadhyay Sarani, Borough 8, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Hindustan Park
Here are 3 more places you can try:
Tribe Cafe:
As mentioned earlier coffee is more about the culture and the experience. And this cafe in Kolkata offers you exactly that. A creative space for the intellectual mind, Tribe Café provides a place to create conversations and show off your creativity. This 50-seater casual space has a chic interior – with warm tones of grey, white and yellow, a cozy co-working space and an art space to showcase your talents. Apart from this, the cafe also indulges you with gastronomical experience. Apart from a good cup of coffee sourced from the plantations of Chikmagalur, you get to find some delicious sides of Bhetki Meniere, Beer Batter Fish and Chips, Dimmer Devil and much more.
Cost for two: Rs. 600 (approx)
Where: 67, Ballygunge Garden, Golpark
Cafe Drifter:
This is definitely another such place that offers more than just a cup of coffee. It gives you a place of your own to explore art, music, books, good food and of course, a wide range of coffees with intense aroma and smooth taste.
Cost for two: Rs. 600 (approx)
Where: E/1, 19, Baghajatin Station Road, Ajanta Park, Baghajatin/P-547, Lake Road, Hemant Mukherjee Sarani
Kings Bakery:
Let’s agree, Korean culture has taken over the world; And the same is the situation in Kolkata. And to serve patrons in the city, King’s Bakery is offering delicious kimbaps, tetokbokki, ramen, choux pastries and of course, aromatic cups of coffee.
Cost for two: Rs. 400-500 (for baked goods), Rs. 800-900 (for food)
Where: Rosedale Plaza, Counter No. 8, Action Area III, New Town/216, 3B, Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose Road, Ballygunge/60, Jodhpur Park Road