After the Kosha Mangshos, Paturis, and Bhajas, Kolkata is largely synonymous with Chinese and Indo-Chinese food, thanks to decades-old Chinese settlers. And with that, the city of joy is a hub for all things Chinese from chow mein and chop suey to Sichuan and Shanghai-style dishes, family-run eating houses, hole-in-the-wall eateries, and upscale restaurants have kept the culinary heritage alive.
Eau Chew - Esplanade
Eau Chew is an iconic Chinese eatery known for its Josephine Noodles packed with fish, meat, and vegetables and the Chimney Soup served in a chimney-like vessel with a burning coal inside keeping the soup warm.
Address: 12, Ganesh Chandra Avenue, Esplanade, Chowringhee North, Bowbazar, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Closed on Sundays
Ah Leung - Tangra
This quaint eatery offers Cantonese-style food and their Singhara Chow (wonton noodles) soaked in pork lard is a crowd favourite. Pair it with chilli chicken for a spicy kick.
Address: 119, Tangra, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Beijing Restaurant, Tangra
The Beijing Restaurant has you covered with starters, stir-fries, noodles, and fried rice in culinary styles varying from Sichuan to Shanghai and Beijing. This restaurant is best suited for a family dinner.
Address: 105, Opp Golden Empire, Topsia N Rd, Tangra, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Chinoiserie - Taj Bengal, Alipore
Chinoiserie is a fine-dining Chinese restaurant with beautiful pagoda-style seating. The extensive noodle selection spanning udon noodles, Shanghai style, wok tossed, Sichuan style, and even Singapore rice noodles will leave you spoilt for choice.
Address: Taj Bengal, 34-B, Belvedere Rd, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Kim Li - Tangra
This hole-in-the-wall eatery has a brief menu with only pork and chicken offerings at affordable prices. Relish a piping hot bowl of pork meatball soup for only INR 50.
Address: 60, Matheswartala Road, Tangra, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Yauatcha - Quest Mall, Ballygunge
Yauatcha serves Cantonese-style fare and also has vegan offerings including soups, dim sum, and noodles. Indulge in a six-course experiential meal followed by something from their extensive tea selection.
Address: 5th Floor, Quest Mall Park Circus, 33, Syed Amir Ali Ave, Beck Bagan, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Tak Heng - Keyatala Road
Dim sum, bao, rice bowls, and noodles majorly form the menu. Their intriguing sauces that include ginger sauce, Hamei sauce, garlic pepper sauce, Manchurian sauce, and plum sauce are the real draw.
Address: P-452B, Keyatala Rd, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Tung Nam Eating House - Tiretti
Tung Nam is a classic old-world Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine. Pork in Hamei Sauce and Pork Wonton Noodles are must-haves at this restaurant.
Address: 24, Chatta Wala Gully, Poddar Court, Tiretti, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays
Kafulok Bar & Restaurant - Tangra
In addition to chicken, fish, and prawn Chinese dishes, Kafulok also has a diverse vegetarian menu. There are also alcoholic beverages to go with your fish finger and chips.
Address: LandMark - Chinese Kali Mandir, 47, New Tangra Road, Tangra, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Tung Fong - Taltala
Tung Fong serves Indian-style Chinese cuisine. The menu is more seafood-centric with extensive offerings under crab and fish.
Address: Karnani Mansion, 25-B, Mirza Ghalib St, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
These restaurants deserve an honourable mention and should feature in your must-try list too. Tai Sen Chinese Eating House at Lal Bazar featuring Chinese combo options, Golden Joy Restaurant at Tangra serving classic chow mein and chop suey with wine selections and Royal Jade Chinese Restaurant at Kasba for their Chinese tea and Sichuan-style food, are other Chinese eateries to consider visiting in Kolkata.
Images are sourced from Pexels and are for representation purpose only. Image for Chinoiserie is sourced from the brand website.
Himani Sona
I’m a Bangalore based Culinary Chronicler who finds joy in food storytelling and photography. I like to research and document food narratives through writings, illustrations and photographs. When I’m away from the lens and pen, I’m mostly hiking in the woods.
