Dacres Lane-The Food
Paradise of Kolkata
Dacres Lane brings food smeared with
history on your table. This decaying lane bursting with stalls serves cheap
eats at an exceptional standard. Dinky furniture, quick service, and cheerful
vibe sum up food sojourn in Dacres Lane. It is situated right at the heart of
the busy business district of BBD Bagh and has been satiating thousands of
office goers over years. Bengali, Chinese and Tandoor meals beautifully
amalgamate in Dacres Lane. Not to forget the Cutlet, Kabiraji or the iconic
Rolls make an appearance too.
History
of Dacres Lane
This narrow stretch of lane
connects Waterloo Street on North to Esplanade Row on South. Formally popular
as James Hickey Sarani is Kolkata’s beloved Dacres Lane. Almost 200 years old,
Dacres Lane was named after Calcutta Collector, Philip Milner Dacre. He used to
meet sailors in this place. The British left leaving behind an aromatic flavorsome
legacy.
Dacres Lane in Kolkata summarizes
memorable lunchtime combination. If you are food-obsessed without disposable
monies for lavish dining, Dacres Lane is your go-to place. Trust us, it does
not upset!! Dacres Lane is not about the renowned food stalls, it is a map of
signature dishes. You will find the most delectable plate of rice and curry at
a shabby unknown stall run by an old lady. Somebody, little further, whipping
up steaming Idlis and Dosa or the Indian Style, Chow Mein!!! Somebody else
frying Kolkata’s very own pya aji and Tele Baja. In the most unrecorded
quarters, you can feast on the Kolkata Biriyani. Kolkata’s timeless favorite,
the Mughlai Paratha, and Egg Chicken Rolls go classic in this very street. An
insane helping of food wrapped in love is what Dacres Lane packs up.
Few oldest food stalls in Decres Lane.
Kolkata had its own tryst with Continental Fare
right on the streets of Dacres Lane. Chitto Babur Dokan or Chitto da’s, close
to a century old, dished out a plate of white fluffy bread accompanied by bland
yet tasty Chicken Stew or mutton stew. Thus began the journey of Continental
Cuisine in the city of Joy with Dacre’s lane. Today, this chicken stew finds a
fan in every Indian and Foreign food connoisseur. Run by the third generation,
Chittoda today is an institution. Ghughni, Dimer Devil, and Kabiraji are few of
the lip-smacking delicacies.
Apanjan
Kolkata has mesmerizing monsoons and the season
favorite of Bengalis is Khichuri. For that indulgent plate of Khichuri (just
like the one cooked by Ma) all you need to do is drop by Apanjan. Located right
beside Chittoda’s, Apanjan is one of the oldest survivors in Dacres Lane. The
original Khichuri served with Begun Bhaja, Papad, Chutney and garnished with
ghee makes you feel the old will always remain charming. Another shop of
Apanjan dishes out Indian-Style Chinese Noodles and Fried rice. Variety beyond
imagination we say!!
Classic Food Centre
For some North Indian
Street, Food packed with Chinese punch, you got to visit Classic Fast Food
Centre. Sample the greasy Biriyani with the divine Korma oozing out fat and you
know sinful is exciting. And for that little China inside you, a plate of Chowmein
cooked in Bengali Style is always available.
Bebo Sandwitch
For that office-goer on
the run, Sandwiches with crazy fillings have stirred storm on global table.
Back home, the dingy lane of Dacress Lane has its own classic take on
Sandwiches. Bebo Sandwich which is apparently a collection of a small table
with umbrellas offers Sandwiches in the time-tested English Style. A simple
filling of Onion, Tomato, and Capsicum placed between grilled bread says
simplicity never goes wrong. A small table with an umbrella over it is all that
this place has to offer by way of ambience, but it does not disappoint in the
food department. Their homely, simple fare like Grilled Veg Sandwich that
comes with capsicum, tomatoes, onions and cucumber placed between grilled bread
is a hit.
Only Lassi
Have you ever
experienced how a bowl of curd sprinkled with sugar can be special? Well, take
a dig in Only Lassi at Dacres Lane. Cool Concoction of Curd, Sugar, and Water
is a savior in the scorching city summer. The name is enough to
tell you what this shop is all about. They only serve this cool concoction of
curd, sugar and water. You can also ask for a bowl of curd sprinkled with sugar
and relive the sweet and sour memories of your childhood.
This one is a foodie
street, and hence every stall doesn’t have a name, but the taste of their
signature dishes is unparalleled. Just keep walking inwards and you’ll see an
old lady serving rice or roti with Indian curries, a middle aged man
squeezing out sugarcane juice using a manual juicer, a young chap selling idli and dosas, and even a lady frying Kolkata’s
favourite pyaanji, beguni and chops. There are plenty of options in
this bylane of central Kolkata that will serve you both food and history on the
same plate.Dacres Lane has been fantastic leveler in Kolkata. Citizens of all
age, from the varied backdrop, huddle together on wooden benches and made meal
memories. It does not matter how much tip you are dishing out or what attire
you are sporting, all you need to carry is a robust appetite!!! Next time while
zooming by Waterloo or Esplanade grab a date with Dacres Lane!!!
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