No songs this year: When Kolkata’s spirit pauses for Durga Pujo
This year, Kolkata's Puja will be solemn, omitting traditional festivities and community gatherings due to a recent heinous crime. The focus shifts to hope for justice and safer days, reflecting the festival's true spirit amid ongoing grief.
1m ago
Je t’aime Dhaka: Friends are forever
I have been asked many times by my friends about the next instalment of my encounters with people in Dhaka. Honestly, I have been meaning to write and there are quite a few who I want to pay tribute to. It’s just that life catches up in the most unexpected ways and keeps you busy. However, finally, I could make time for another such story of another person who has enriched my life infinitely.
6m ago
Friendship knows no time: Dhaka's heart-warming hospitality
Dhaka means the world to me. Most of my professional life has been here and a large chunk of my personal life is intrinsically linked with Dhaka. I am never tired of the city. Yes, there are obstacles. Yes, there are resource shortages. Yes, there are insane traffic snarls. But there is one thing which is never in short supply — great people!
10m ago
Reinventing the pujo feast
Everyone talks about food during pujo. More often than not, khichuri, polao, ilish, chingri and mangsho tends to land leading roles in these discussions with luchi, and cholar dal playing solid supporting roles. And of course, beyond all this there are sweets. Artful, creative, delicate, yet honest to god mishti. Sandesh, kamolabhog, chandrapuli, narkel naru… the list can go on.
1y ago
Food tales
I got in the dog house with some of my friends for saying Shubho is not the appropriate salutation for Mahalaya since it is a sombre and solemn occasion. So, I’ll steer clear of all arguments and say this instead.
4y ago
InstaKC 2
Here is another gem from my in-law’s family — succulent jute greens or ‘paat shaak.’ Very seasonal. Cooked with little prawns in shell and enough garlic to have Dracula skip this city for some time to come.
5y ago
InstaKC
The very famous and iconic Mughlai paratha. This particular one was made with duck egg, as opposed to chicken egg. The cubed potatoes on the side were an added attraction in my salad days. The Mughlai paratha in Dhaka is a crispier version.
5y ago
Eating well within limitations
When the tasked with writing this, I mentally balked. After all, I have not done a long piece in a while. But then I thought, maybe this is a journey worth telling.
5y ago
February 21, 2017
Café Sienna
Tucked on a quiet lane, near bustling Gariahat, is Café Sienna.
December 6, 2016
Mostakim – a tale of broken dreams
In my first stint in Dhaka, I had the good fortune of visiting Mostakim in Mohammadpur.
October 25, 2016
Aroyee – truly delicious
I have been very lucky lately. I have been invited to two brilliant efforts, which are at two ends of the cuisine spectrum.
September 27, 2016
Tingama – pure love
My friend Piplu, who is a filmmaker of great repute, had a dream.
August 9, 2016
Not just another lunch
Possibly my last lunch at O Kitchen/Holey Artisan Bakery.
May 10, 2016
Down the memory lane
My grandfather was a lawyer. Not the glamorous world of criminal law for him.
March 8, 2016
Ammini –a treasure trove
Tucked away in a residential area, just off one of the busiest streets of Kolkata is a small eatery, Ammini. It specialises in non-vegetarian South Indian food.
February 23, 2016
Jimmy's Italian Kitchen – pizzas and more
Venturing out for dinner at -1C is no mean feat. We did just that in McLeodganj. And it was fun.
February 2, 2016
Woeser Bakery – a hidden gem
McLeodganj is studded with great, easy-on-the-pocket eateries. The steady stream of tourists, mostly people from different countries...
January 12, 2016
Moon Peak Espresso – coffee, tea and more
The intrepid travellers went to McLeodganj. Upper Dharmashala, in Himachal Pradesh, a beautiful, sleepy, quaint town that hits headlines thanks to His Holiness Dalai Lama who lives there.
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