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
December 22, 2015
Bohemian redux
If you live in Calcutta, or plan to go to Calcutta or are visiting Calcutta, you have to go to Bohemian. It is that good – I have said this before and I will say it again. No one is pushing the envelope of Bengali cuisine as much as the most excellent Chef Joy.
November 17, 2015
Bijoya Sammilani
The much vaunted meet after Pujo celebrations. Primarily because we do not want to let go of festivities and look for any excuses to carry on.
September 1, 2015
Boudi'r Dokan
A very big attraction for us in Shantiniketan is this little shack by the Prantik rail station.
August 25, 2015
Mitali Homestay – an oasis of calm
We went back to Shantiniketan. After 4 long years. And found that the place has changed almost beyond recognition.
August 4, 2015
Singapore again
Singapore grows on you. Once you look beyond the antiseptic and the template.
June 2, 2015
Bose Cabin
Bose Cabin, a venerable institution. Netaji Subhash Bose was a patron of this place. it still is the meeting place for the cognoscenti of Narayanganj, otherwise famous for hosiery and textiles.
May 12, 2015
Chowzter magic – III
The second night of Chowzter Asia gathering took us to the birthplace of an iconic Singapore dish - Roland. Where Singapore chilli crab was invented. The country has a fairly recent history compared to our part of the world.
April 14, 2015
CHOWZTER MAGIC-I
I am a proud Chowzter - a great group of passionate food bloggers who scout their home cities in search of the good and the authentic. Chowzter is not about fine dining. Chowzter is all about the connection between the place and its people.
February 24, 2015
Warung warriors – III
Having experienced a warung where no one spoke English and there were no menus, we decided to try the high end of warungs. We found one close to our hotel. Come to think of it, everything was close to our hotel.
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