In Kolkata, people tend to eat out more during the Durga Pujas than anytime else in the year. And a good Bengali lunch buffet is something which every city dweller eagerly waits for. Most of the places promises big, but the mad rush of Pujas truly tests their strengths and many pointers and loopholes come forward on which they work for the coming year. But there are only a few places in the city that has seen it all. One such time tested Bengali eating destination ‘The Bhoj Company’ is all geared up this time to face the Puja crowd with a special menu during these Puja days.
They have their old branch in the New Market area that has earned its goodwill over the years for their best Bengali Dhakai cuisine and few months back they have opened up their second branch in the city at Dalhousie area which has a bigger seating capacity and truly impressed me with its spacious colonial looks spread across two floors. The grandiose wooden finished stairs, high ceilings, huge pillars and lavishly spread out seating arrangements will truly exude warmth and happy hormones even before the food arrives!
Talking about the Durga Puja, these days it has become synonymous to having great food, pandal hopping and having a good time with friends, family and loved ones. It is one such occasion which a Bengali looks upto, waits and plans for all through out the year. So, it is quite natural that we want the best to happen during these few days, especially when it comes to food. This is one occasion when the overdose of footfall ruins the quality of service and food even in most of the renowned restaurants, so surely you must be looking for some place which is not affected even by this mad rush. At least I am very concerned about this all the while; I surely want to have some great dining experience on such special days.
So, this time I am truly banking on The Bhoj Company (Dalhousie) that will assure premium service in a swanky colonial ambiance and great food quality at reasonable prices even during these Puja days. In fact, they are all set to tickle your taste buds with some awesome Puja special menu. So, let’s check that out –
The Vegetarian meal – priced at INR 540 (GST extra)
This Vegetarian meal consists of: Mochar Chop or Posto-r-bora, Rice, Shona Moong Dal, Jhuri Aloo Bhaja, Mocha Ghonto or Shukto, Dum Pulao, Aloo Phoolkopi Rosha or Dhokar Dalna or Chhanar Dalna, Paneer Paturi, Chatni, Papad and Mishti Doi.
Tip: I would suggest just add Aloo posto to this meal for almost nothing! That will take this meal to another level!!
Non-vegetarian meal – priced at INR 720 (GST extra)
This Non-vegetarian meal consists of Bhetki Fish fry with Kashundi, Rice, Shona Moong Dal, Jhuri Aloo Bhaja, Kochu Pata Chingri Bhapa, Dum Pulao, Katla Kalia or Pabda Jhal or Chingrir Malai Curry or Bhetki Paturi, Kosha Mangsho (2pcs), Chatni, Papad and Mishti Doi.
Note: Here I would like to mention, I really liked the Pabda Jhal, and very few places in the city can prepare this dish so well. The Kochupara Chingri Bhapa was fabulous and extremely flavorful. Not to forget, the simple shona moong dal with jhuri aloo bhaja tastes fantastic here with a dash of fresh lemon juice maybe! If you can team it up with some Aloo posto (like I did) then you are all set for a memorable Pujo meal!
Special Non-vegetarian meal – priced at INR 880 (GST extra)
The Special Non-vegetarian meal consists of Bhetki Fish fry with Kashundi, Rice, Shona Moong Dal, Jhuri Aloo Bhaja, Kochu Pata Chingri Bhapa, Dum Pulao, Shorshe Ilish or Kochupata Ilish (Jumbo) or Chitol Kalia (Jumbo), Kosha Mangsho(2pcs), Chatni, Papad and Mishti Doi.
All these Durga Pujo Special meals are available from 27th to 30th September 2017, i.e. from Saptami to Dashami.
Also here is the special Hilsa meal which I tried few days back, which will also be available during the Durga Pujas:
Non-vegetarian (Hilsa special) meal – priced at INR 880 (GST extra)
This Hilsa special Non-vegetarian meal consists of Bhetki Fish fry with Kashundi, Rice, Shona Moong Dal, Jhuri Aloo Bhaja, Kochu Pata Chingri Bhapa, Dum Pulao, Shorshe Ilish or Kochupata Ilish (Jumbo), Kosha Mangsho (2pcs), Chatni, Papad and Mishti Doi.
Note: I particularly loved the Bhetki Fish Fry which actually had generous amount of fresh, flaky Bhetki fish in there. The Shorshe Ilish was nice and fresh as well with a hint of red chili powder that was typical of this place.
Well, I was too full to try their Chitol Kalia or Kochupata Hilsa, but I am sure they will be equally amazing at well. During the tasting session, as already mentioned, I mainly tried their Hilsa Special Non-Veg meal with some special items for other meals as well that deserves a tasting. And I must say I was more than satisfied with the preparations, taste, aroma and simple presentations.
I will rate this place really high and would urge my close friends to surely give this place a try. This grand property is sure to mesmerize your senses, and more so because of these Durga pujo special sumptuous meals which I just wrote about.
The service and hospitality is also unmatched and really prompt, I am sure they are all equipped to handle the huge footfall during the Pujas. So, while you are still reading this, the inviting plate of Shorshe Ilish or Kochupata Chingri Bhapa is waiting for your tummy, please don’t disappoint them 🙂
Cheers!
P.S. This was a ‘Calcutta Food Scenes’ initiative and thanks to Jude Martin for the invitation to this special tasting session.
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