Boudi'r Dokan

A very big attraction for us in Shantiniketan is this little shack by the Prantik rail station.

It is a small nondescript eatery run by a strong willed woman, her husband and her brother-in-law.

Once you visit the place, it becomes very clear that she wears the pants in this business.

Such is her presence and her command over the place.

Today the stretch is dotted with wannabe shops that try to emulate her and are moderately successful thanks to the steady tourist inflow. But she has not changed.

She is fondly called Boudi, literally, the wife of the elder brother. And her eatery, Boudi'r Dokan (shop). Not a sign in sight though. Purely word of mouth and great food drives business.

She still cooks her food on a large wood fire. Still preps in an incredibly small workspace.

Still uses the freshest of produce. Still cooks food with passion. Especially for old faithfuls like us.

We accidentally discovered the place about eight years ago on our first visit to Shantiniketan together. We got off the train around nine in the morning and right outside the station was this small shack selling 'kochuri' and 'torkari' (fried bread and veggies). We were hooked. 

Over the years, she has never let us down. From her fantastic light goat meat curries to her mish mash of veggies and fish head to her rough and ready egg curries to her crisp fried potatoes. All that with fluffy white rice. And we always end the meal with a rosogolla straight out of the hot syrup. It was no different this time.

Despite the great food at Mitali Homestay, we paid a visit to Boudi'r Dokan to find her assuming the rightful place by the cash box. She has hired some help to run the place as business has grown. But the usual warmth was all there.

We were greeted with a warm smile, a cup of tea and a discussion of our lunch menu for the next day. We were pressed for time as I stupidly booked an earlier train. She quickly got to work with boiled eggs, some mustard oil, some sliced onions, tomatoes, green chilli and some turmeric.

In a matter of minutes, we had the most delicious egg curry with steaming rice. Simple pleasures of life.