The opening words of this book are ‘Ei Shohor Tomar Jonno’, Bengali for ‘This city is for you’. And, no matter where you’re from, this holds true. The Kolkata you’ve heard of is a colourful medley of Durga Pujo pandals, phuchka, sandesh, and kosha mangsho. The Kolkata you experience on a quick visit likely features those phuchkas at Bara Bazar, biryani at Arsalan, and Lobster Thermidor or Chicken à la Kiev at Trincas. All things 'quintessentially’ Kolkata; but only a mere fraction of Kolkata in real life.

KOLKATA is collection of original essays, photographs, and artwork exploring the city through the lives, kitchens, and streets that shape it. With writing by Anindya Sundar Basu and Madhushree Basu Roy, photography by Anindya Sundar Basu, and design by Nandini Thirani, the book captures everyday food culture and the communities that sustain it.

Details
Hardcover / 392 pages
Published 20 May 2025