There are mornings in Kolkata that have a unique magic to them—when the first light of dawn gently touches the sky, and the city begins to stir. On June 12, 2019, Judhajit and I set out to experience one of those mornings in the heart of the city. Our destination: Tiretti Bazar, a hidden gem that echoes with the flavours of Kolkata’s rich Chinese heritage.

Tiretti Bazar: The Morning Market

The streets were unusually calm for a summer morning, with the usual hustle of the city still a few hours away. Tiretti Bazar, a vibrant area known for its Chinese community, was waking up with a burst of activity. The market, usually associated with the evening rush, had transformed into a lively morning food hub where the aroma of freshly steamed momos hung in the air.

As we approached, the steam billowing from the momo vendors’ stalls became an irresistible invitation. Judhajit, with his love for street food, led the way, his eyes scanning the various stalls offering different kinds of momos—pork, chicken, and even vegetarian. We settled on a vendor with a steamer puffing aromatic clouds, where a middle-aged woman greeted us with a smile. She served us piping hot momos wrapped in banana leaves, and the moment we took a bite, the delicate flavours exploded in our mouths. The pork momos were rich and savory, perfectly complemented by the steaming hot sauce on the side. Judhajit’s face lit up with joy, and I couldn’t have asked for a better start to our culinary adventure.

A Sweet Stop at KC Das

The city was gradually waking up, and after the satisfying momos, we made our way towards Esplanade, the vibrant heart of Kolkata. As we walked through the bustling streets, the sight of the iconic KC Das—the sweet shop that has been a part of Kolkata’s history since 1866—beckoned us. Known for its legendary rasogollas, no visit to the city is complete without tasting these delicate, spongy delights.

We ordered two plates of rasogollas, and the moment the syrupy spheres touched our taste buds, we were transported into a world of sweetness. The rasogollas, soaked just right in their sugary syrup, were light and airy—an experience in itself. Judhajit, with his sweet tooth inherited from his father, savored every bite, complementing the sugary indulgence with strong cups of tea. As we sat by the window, watching the ebb and flow of city life, the warm tea and rasogollas felt like the perfect pause in the whirlwind of Kolkata.

A Breakfast at Flurys

With our sweet cravings satisfied, we ventured toward one of the city’s most famous dining destinations: Flurys on Park Street. Established in 1927, Flurys exudes an old-world charm that takes you back to the colonial era. Walking into the tearoom felt like stepping into a more elegant time, a respite from the modern chaos outside.

The quaint ambience of Flurys, with its pastel-colored walls and polished silver cutlery, was the perfect setting for our next indulgence: a classic English breakfast. The lavish spread included eggs, sausages, baked beans, toast, and marmalade—everything you need to start the day right. As we ate, Judhajit marveled at the graceful surroundings, each corner of the tearoom a nod to Kolkata’s colonial past.

While enjoying our breakfast, I shared stories of the city’s rich cultural history—how Kolkata has always been a melting pot of diverse influences, from its colonial heritage to its vibrant immigrant communities. As we sipped on freshly brewed coffee and dug into our meal, there was a sense of contentment in the air. This was more than just food; it was an experience, a celebration of the city’s heritage through its cuisine.

The Final Stroll

By the time we finished our hearty breakfast, the city was fully awake. We decided to take a leisurely walk down Park Street before hailing an Uber to continue our day. The sun shone brightly, casting a golden hue on the colonial architecture around us, and the city seemed to come alive in new ways with every step.

Our morning had been a delightful journey through Kolkata’s diverse culinary landscape. From the humble, yet flavorful momos at Tiretti Bazar to the rich sweetness of KC Das and the regal breakfast at Flurys, each stop was a testament to the city’s ability to blend history, culture, and cuisine seamlessly. With Judhajit’s infectious laughter and his curiosity about the city’s past, the day became an unforgettable exploration of Kolkata’s flavors and stories.

Have you explored Kolkata’s morning culinary treasures? Share your experiences in the comments below!