If you’re looking for the Best Breads, Bakeries and Luxury Hotels, you’ll think Calcutta is pretty close to paradise. The city is famous for its rich and diverse culinary heritage, which includes a variety of bread and baked goods that reflect its multicultural influences. From fluffy naan to crispy paratha, from sweet rosogolla to savory kachori, there is something for every taste and occasion.
Plus, anytime you put a few trillion people in one city, you’re gonna have some incredible luxury hotels to stay at. Calcutta doesn’t disappoint. Discovering this city doesn’t mean having to slum it, because some of the world’s greatest 5-star hotels are actually here in India (is it a cultural legacy of all those colonizing Brits? Maybe – but it’s 2023, your Euro and Dollar will go REALLY far here, and you deserve a nice bed so let’s get real and focus on what you’re gonna eat while you’re living it up!)
The Top 7 Authentic Breads and Baked Goods You Have to Try When Visiting Calcutta
Calcutta has a long and rich history of baking, dating back to the colonial era when the British introduced European-style breads and pastries to the local population. Over time, these were adapted and modified to suit the local palate and ingredients, resulting in a unique fusion of flavors and textures. Here are some of the most popular and authentic breads and baked goods that you have to try when visiting Calcutta:
Luchi
A deep-fried flatbread made from refined flour, luchi is a staple breakfast item in Bengali cuisine. It is usually served with aloo dum (potato curry) or chholar dal (split chickpea stew), but can also be eaten with sweet dishes like halwa or payesh (rice pudding).
Paratha
A layered flatbread made from whole wheat flour, paratha is another common breakfast item that can be plain or stuffed with various fillings like potato, cauliflower, cheese or egg. It is usually cooked on a tawa (griddle) with ghee (clarified butter) or oil, and served with curd (yogurt), pickle or chutney.
Naan
A leavened flatbread made from refined flour, naan is typically cooked in a tandoor (clay oven) and brushed with butter or ghee. It can be plain or flavored with garlic, onion seeds or herbs. It is often served with rich curries like butter chicken or paneer tikka masala.
Rosogolla
A famous sweet delicacy from Bengal, rosogolla is made from small balls of chhena (fresh cheese) that are cooked in sugar syrup flavored with cardamom or rose water. They are soft, spongy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They are usually served chilled or at room temperature.
Sandesh
Another popular sweet treat from Bengal, sandesh is made from chhena that is kneaded with sugar and shaped into various forms like balls, squares or animals. It can be plain or flavored with nuts, fruits or saffron. It is usually served at room temperature or chilled.
Kachori
A deep-fried pastry filled with spiced lentils, peas or onions, kachori is a savory snack that can be eaten at any time of the day. It is usually served with aloo sabzi (potato gravy) or chutney.
Pitha
A generic term for various types of rice-based cakes or dumplings that are either steamed, fried or baked. They can be sweet or savory, and filled with coconut, jaggery, sesame seeds, cheese or vegetables. They are usually eaten during festivals or special occasions.
The Best 7 Bakeries in Calcutta and Which Luxury Hotels Are in Walking Distance
Calcutta has many bakeries that offer a wide range of breads, cakes, pastries and cookies that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you are looking for a traditional Bengali sweet shop, a modern café or a European-style patisserie, you will find it in Calcutta. Here are some of the best bakeries in Calcutta and which luxury hotels are in walking distance from them:
Flurys
Established in 1927 by a Swiss couple, Flurys is one of the oldest and most iconic bakeries in Calcutta. It is famous for its English breakfast, continental dishes, pastries, chocolates and cakes. It has several outlets across the city, but the original one on Park Street is the most popular one. It is within walking distance from the Oberoi Grand, a heritage hotel that offers colonial charm, luxurious rooms and suites, a spa, a pool and a fitness center.
Nahoum and Sons
Founded in 1902 by a Jewish family, Nahoum and Sons is the oldest surviving bakery in Calcutta. It is known for its rich fruit cakes, plum cakes, brownies, biscuits and cheese samosas. It is located in the New Market area, which is a short walk from the Lalit Great Eastern, a historic hotel that boasts of being Asia’s first luxury hotel. It has spacious rooms and suites, a spa, a pool and a gym.
Kookie Jar
A modern bakery that specializes in cakes, cupcakes, cookies, macarons and chocolates, Kookie Jar is a favorite among the young and trendy crowd. It has several outlets across the city, but the one on Loudon Street is the closest to the ITC Sonar, a contemporary hotel that offers sleek rooms and suites, a spa, a pool and a golf course.
Mrs Magpie
A quaint and cozy café that serves delicious cakes, pies, muffins, scones and sandwiches, Mrs Magpie is a perfect place to relax and indulge. It has two outlets in the city, but the one on Southern Avenue is the nearest to the Taj Bengal, a luxury hotel that offers elegant rooms and suites, a spa, a pool and a fitness center.
K.C. Das
-A legendary sweet shop that claims to be the inventor of rosogolla, K.C. Das is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. It offers a variety of traditional Bengali sweets like sandesh, chumchum, rajbhog and mishti doi. It has several outlets across the city, but the one on Esplanade is the closest to the The Peerless Inn, a four-star hotel that offers comfortable rooms and suites, a spa and a gym.
Mio Amore
A popular bakery chain that offers a range of cakes, pastries, breads and snacks at affordable prices, Mio Amore is ideal for those who want to grab a quick bite or take away some goodies. It has many outlets across the city, but the one on Camac Street is the nearest to the Park Prime, a boutique hotel that offers cozy rooms and suites, a rooftop pool and a gym.
Paris Café
A chic and stylish café that serves French-inspired dishes like croissants, quiches, crepes and macarons, Paris Café is a place to enjoy some fine dining and ambiance. It has four outlets in the city, but the one on Ballygunge Circular Road is the nearest to the Hyatt Regency, a five-star hotel that offers spacious rooms and suites, a spa, a pool and a fitness center.
The Top 7 5-Star Luxury Hotels in Calcutta
Calcutta has many luxury hotels that cater to the needs and expectations of discerning travelers. Whether you are looking for heritage charm, modern elegance or exotic flair, you will find it in Calcutta. Here are some of the top 5-star luxury hotels in Calcutta:
The Oberoi Grand
Located on Park Street, the Oberoi Grand is one of the oldest and most prestigious hotels in Calcutta. It was built in 1888 as an elite club for British officers and later converted into a hotel. It has retained its colonial architecture and décor, while offering modern amenities and services. It has 209 rooms and suites that are spacious and luxurious. It also has a spa that offers Ayurvedic treatments, an outdoor pool that is surrounded by palm trees and fountains, and a fitness center that has state-of-the-art equipment. It also has four restaurants that serve Indian, Chinese, Thai and European cuisines.
ITC Sonar
Situated on EM Bypass Road near Science City Park, ITC Sonar is a contemporary hotel that reflects the spirit of Calcutta. It has 238 rooms and suites that are sleek and stylish. It also has a spa that offers holistic therapies, an outdoor pool that has a sunken bar and a jacuzzi, and a fitness center that has a yoga studio and a squash court. It also has six restaurants that serve Indian, Chinese, Japanese and international cuisines.
Taj Bengal
Located on Belvedere Road near the Alipore Zoo, Taj Bengal is a luxury hotel that showcases the art and culture of Bengal. It has 229 rooms and suites that are elegant and sophisticated. It also has a spa that offers signature treatments, an outdoor pool that has a waterfall and a slide, and a fitness center that has a steam room and a sauna. It also has five restaurants that serve Indian, Chinese, Mediterranean and continental cuisines.
The Lalit Great Eastern
Located on Old Court House Street near the Dalhousie Square, The Lalit Great Eastern is a historic hotel that dates back to 1841. It was once known as the “Jewel of the East” and hosted many famous guests like Mark Twain, Queen Elizabeth II and Mahatma Gandhi. It has been restored and renovated to offer modern comfort and luxury. It has 195 rooms and suites that are spacious and lavish. It also has a spa that offers Ayurvedic treatments, an outdoor pool that has a jacuzzi and a cabana, and a fitness center that has a gym and a salon. It also has four restaurants that serve Indian, Chinese, British and bakery items.
Hyatt Regency
Located on Salt Lake City near the Nicco Park, Hyatt Regency is a five-star hotel that offers convenience and style. It has 233 rooms and suites that are spacious and comfortable. It also has a spa that offers rejuvenating treatments, an outdoor pool that has a sun deck and a poolside bar, and a fitness center that has a gym and a tennis court. It also has four restaurants that serve Indian, Italian, Chinese and international cuisines.
The Park
Located on Park Street near the Indian Museum, The Park is a boutique hotel that offers chic and trendy accommodation. It has 149 rooms and suites that are colorful and funky. It also has a spa that offers relaxing treatments, an outdoor pool that has a lounge area and a DJ console, and a fitness center that has a gym and an aerobics studio. It also has four restaurants that serve Indian, Thai, Mediterranean and continental cuisines.
Swissotel
Located on Action Area 2D near the City Centre 2 Mall, Swissotel is a five-star hotel that offers Swiss hospitality and quality. It has 147 rooms and suites that are modern and cozy. It also has a spa that offers soothing treatments, an outdoor pool that has a view of the city skyline, and a fitness center that has a gym and a sauna. It also has three restaurants that serve Indian, Swiss and international cuisines.
Things for Luxury Travelers to See and Do in Calcutta
Calcutta is not only a city of breads and bakeries, but also a city of culture and heritage. It has many attractions and activities that will appeal to luxury travelers who want to explore and experience the essence of the city. Here are some of the things for luxury travelers to see and do in Calcutta:
- Visit the Victoria Memorial: A majestic marble monument that was built in the memory of Queen Victoria, the Victoria Memorial is one of the most iconic landmarks in Calcutta. It houses a museum that displays paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and other artifacts related to the history of India and Bengal. It also has a beautiful garden that is ideal for a stroll or a picnic.
- Take a Cruise on the Hooghly River: A tributary of the Ganges River, the Hooghly River flows through the heart of Calcutta and offers a scenic view of the city’s landmarks and life. You can take a cruise on a luxury boat or a traditional ferry and enjoy the sights and sounds of the river. You can also stop at some of the ghats (river banks) and temples along the way.
- Explore the Indian Museum: The oldest and largest museum in India, the Indian Museum showcases a vast collection of art, archaeology, anthropology, geology and zoology. It has over 100,000 exhibits that span across various periods and regions of India and Asia. You can see ancient sculptures, coins, paintings, fossils, mummies, skeletons and more.
- Shop at New Market: A historic market that was established in 1874 by the British, New Market is a shopper’s paradise. It has over 2,000 stalls that sell everything from clothes, accessories, electronics, books, handicrafts, spices, flowers and more. You can bargain for the best deals or splurge on some souvenirs.
- Enjoy a Cultural Show at Nandan: A cultural complex that was designed by the renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray, Nandan is a hub of cultural activities in Calcutta. It has a cinema hall that screens classic and contemporary films from India and abroad, a theater that hosts plays and musicals, an art gallery that exhibits paintings and sculptures, and a library that has a collection of books and magazines. You can enjoy a show or an exhibition and get a glimpse of the city’s artistic and intellectual scene.
- Dine at Peter Cat: A legendary restaurant that was established in 1975, Peter Cat is famous for its signature dish, the chelo kebab. It is a platter of grilled chicken or mutton kebabs served with buttered rice, an egg and a salad. It also serves other Indian and continental dishes like biryani, curry, steak and pasta. It has a cozy and nostalgic ambiance that will make you feel at home.
- Relax at Eco Park: A sprawling green space that was developed as an eco-tourism destination, Eco Park is a place to relax and rejuvenate. It has a lake that offers boating and fishing, a garden that has various plants and flowers, a children’s park that has swings and slides, and a food court that has various cuisines. You can also enjoy some adventure activities like ziplining, rock climbing and cycling.
- Enjoy a Cultural Show at Nandan: A cultural complex that was designed by the renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray, Nandan is a hub of cultural activities in Calcutta. It has a cinema hall that screens classic and contemporary films from India and abroad, a theater that hosts plays and musicals, an art gallery that exhibits paintings and sculptures, and a library that has a collection of books and magazines. You can enjoy a show or an exhibition and get a glimpse of the city’s artistic and intellectual scene.
Cookbooks to Get a Taste of Calcutta at Home Listing the Top Amazon Cookbooks for Swiss Bread Lovers
If you are a Swiss bread lover who wants to recreate some of the delicious breads and baked goods from Calcutta at home, you will need some good cookbooks to guide you. Here are some of the top Amazon cookbooks for Swiss bread lovers that will help you get a taste of Calcutta at home:
- The Art of Swiss Cooking by Betty Bossi: A classic cookbook that features over 300 recipes of authentic Swiss dishes, including breads, pastries, cakes and cookies. You can learn how to make zopf (braided bread), biberli (gingerbread), birnbrot (pear bread) and more.
- -Bengali Cooking: Seasons and Festivals by Chitrita Banerji: A cookbook that explores the culinary traditions of Bengal, including its breads and sweets. You can learn how to make luchi (deep-fried bread), paratha (layered bread), rosogolla (cheese balls in syrup) and more.
- Bread Illustrated: A Step-By-Step Guide to Achieving Bakery-Quality Results At Home by America’s Test Kitchen: A cookbook that teaches you how to bake various types of breads from scratch, with detailed instructions and photos. You can learn how to make naan (leavened flatbread), pita (pocket bread), challah (Jewish braided bread) and more.
- The New Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: The Discovery That Revolutionizes Home Baking by Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois: A cookbook that shows you how to make artisan breads at home with minimal time and effort. You can learn how to make boule (round loaf), baguette (long loaf), brioche (rich bread) and more.
- The Bread Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum: A comprehensive cookbook that covers everything you need to know about baking breads, from ingredients to techniques to recipes. You can learn how to make ciabatta (Italian slipper bread), croissant (French crescent-shaped pastry), stollen (German fruit bread) and more.
Additional Resources with Some Links for Travelers
If you want to learn more about Calcutta and its breads, bakeries and luxury hotels, here are some additional resources with some links for travelers:
- Calcutta Tourism: The official website of the Calcutta tourism department that provides information on the city’s attractions, events, culture, cuisine and more. You can also book tours, hotels and tickets online. https://www.kolkatatourism.co.in/
- Calcutta Breads: A blog that features reviews and photos of various breads and baked goods from Calcutta. You can also find recipes and tips on how to make some of the breads at home. https://calcuttabreads.blogspot.com/
- Calcutta Bakeries: A website that lists and rates the best bakeries in Calcutta. You can also find menus, locations and contact details of the bakeries. https://www.calcuttabakeries.com/
- Calcutta Luxury Hotels: A website that compares and reviews the top luxury hotels in Calcutta. You can also find deals, offers and discounts on the hotels. https://www.calcuttaluxuryhotels.com/
Conclusion
“What’s the deal with Calcutta? It’s like a bread paradise for people who like to spend a lot of money on hotels. They have all kinds of breads there, from all over the world. You can get a croissant, a bagel, a naan, a paratha, a pita, you name it. And they have these fancy hotels that make you feel like royalty. Y
ou can sleep on a bed of pillows, take a bath in a tub of rose petals, order room service from a menu that has more pages than a dictionary. And then you can go out and see the sights of Calcutta, which are…well, I don’t know what they are. But I’m sure they’re great. So if you’re looking for a place to eat bread and stay in a hotel that costs more than your mortgage, Calcutta is the place for you. Just don’t forget to pack your antacids and your credit card.