From pungent, spicy Bhetki Paturi to fragrant, sweet-and-savoury Basanti Pulao and caramel-y Kosha Mangsho, La Utsav at Grand Murcure Bengaluru, Gopalan Mall, promises to serve up a Bengali meal with beloved classics and forgotten flavours during Durga Puja in collaboration with Kolkata-based food writers and influencers Anindya and Madhushree Basu of the digital platform Pikturenama.
Where: La Utsav, Grand Mercure Hotel, Gopalan Mall
When: Till 22 October, 2023, Lunch and dinner buffet
Novotel Bengaluru has put together a gastronomic orgy in the form of a Durga Puja feast. Starting with several types of fried fish (machh bhaja) to jhalmuri and phuchka, the buffet spread includes home-style Bengali accompaniments like 5 types of fried vegetables that go with daal and the rustic Begun Pora and Machh Pora to typical biye-bari (wedding feast) fare like Kosha Mangsho, Rui Machher Kalia, Chingri Malaikari, Chhanar Kalia, Basanti Pulao and even the famous Kolkata mutton biriyani. Desserts include Shor Diye Malpua and Baked Mihidana.
Where: The Square, Novotel, Outer Ring Road
When: Till 24 October
How much: ₹1,999 plus taxes
Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks is hosting 5-day Durga Puja celebration, Saradiya Bangaliyana. The menu pays homage to Bengali cookbook author Bela Dey, OG Bengali food influencer from pre-pre-Instagram days Srimati Renuka Debi Choudhurani, as well as beverages and dishes from iconic establishments of Kolkata. On the menu are dishes like Paramount-er Daber Shorbot (a beverage), Hanser Dimer Debhil, Mourola Macher Peyaji, Mangsher Chop, Fish Orly, Biyebarir Chechra, Wazed Ali Shah’s Chicken Biriyani, Rosogolla Korma, Kosha Kankra, Kalibarir Niramish Mutton, and includes iconic Kolkata Chinese fare like Tangrar Kimling Machurian and Golden Dragon Hakka noodles.
Where: Ministry of Food, Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks
When: Oct 20–24, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 3 PM
Price: ₹1,999 plus taxes
Monkey Bar in Kolkata has introduced a Pujo menu by borrowing inspiration from the city's iconic Chinatown. The dishes include Dragon Chicken (crispy chicken tossed in spicy sauce Dried red chilli and cashew), Hot Basil Wings has a spicy garlic-basil sauce, Vegetable 99 (assorted light batter fried vegetables in Asian sauce), Triple Mixed Fried Rice and Chinese-style Bacon and Chicken Fried Rice.
Where: #901 A, Fort Knox, 6, Camac Street, Kolkata- 700017
When: October 20-31
Price: ₹ 2200+ taxes (meal for two with alcohol); and ₹1600+ taxes (meal for two without alcohol).
Sarodiya translates to autumnal in Bengali, and Durga Puja is regarded as an autumnal festival. One of Kolkata's iconic mishti shops, Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick, have a collection of Pujo sandesh to celebrate the festival with a touch of sweetness. There's the Nolen gurer sankha sandesh, Sarodiya sandesh and Rose cream sandesh, among many others, crafted in a range of different moulds.
Where: 2, Paddapukur Road, Jadubabur Bazar, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700020, and across all outlets in the city
When: October 20-24
Price: Starts at ₹ 300 for a packet that serves two
Although Durga Puja is synonymous with Bengal, it is integral to Bihar too. Food writer and consultant Anubhuti Krishna and her sister-in-law Jhumpa have a pop-up, Feast from the East, that features festive specialities from both states. Anubhuti is from Delhi, and Jhumpa is a home chef from Kolkata. On the menu, there's kosha mansho and champaran meat alongside payesh and thekua.
Where: GT Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi
When: Oct 5–30, 2023; lunch and dinner.