All things Bengali create ‘The Calcutta connection’

BENGALURU: It is that time of the year again when the city of joy Kolkata completely transforms itself from a busy cosmopolitan city to a land of old age traditions and shades which are close to every Kolkatan’s soul. There is a different energy that fills the air with the realisation of ‘Pujo asche!’ (The Puja is coming). The chills in the air, Durga idols on the roadside, fresh flowers adorning the streets, pandal structures show the people of Bengal are getting ready to welcome Maa Durga.   

To aid in the festivities and soothe the strong pinch of nostalgia, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bangalore has come up with ‘The Calcutta Connection’ – a celebration of the culinary flavours from the East India during Durga Puja. They bring together four special events from Saptami to Dashami, assuring to provide an unparalleled taste of Bengali cuisine in Bengaluru. Thakur (Maharaj) Gangadhar Hati will join the culinary team here to offer an authentic experience.

Four culinary events inspired by Durga puja

Rajbarir Ranna on Saptami (Sept 27)
The diner will get to enjoy the flavours with a touch of nostalgia, as they present the niramish (veg) and amish (non-veg) dishes created with traditional family recipes from the Rajbari’s of Bengal.

Bagbajar ba Madox?! on Ashtami (Sept 28)
North and South Kolkata face-off will have the best of both worlds - favourites from cafés and snack bars in Bagbazar Sarbojanin and the Ilish Paturi and more from Maddox Square.

Calcutta-700016 on Nabami (Sept 29)
Visit the most iconic place in Kolkata - Park Street. From the Chelo Kebabs of Peter Cat to Kwality’s Fish Orly with Tartar Sauce and the desserts from Flurys and Upper Crust, you can have it all.

Opar Bangla on Dashami(Sept 30)
A culinary experience from the eastern part of Bengal.

Specials from menu
The taste of every single dish presented is the closest Bengali food I have ever had. There was absolutely nothing bad at The Calcutta Connection. Here is my top five picks that were simply awesome.

Golborir Kosha Mangsho
Inspired by an old restaurant that is considered as a heaven for meat lovers in Kolkata, this is the best Kosha Mangsho I have ever had. The perfectly cooked mutton, that beautiful brown colour, the bubbles of different spices, the aroma filling your nose... absolutely lip-smacking stuff. The taste multiplies when you have it with luchi.

Machcher Paturi
I was speechless after I had a first bite of this Bengali classic. Machcher Paturi is prepared by wrapping fish Bhetki in a banana leaf with mustard paste. It is slowly cooked in steam and served. The strong flavour of mustard is the soul of this dish. This is something, you would not want to miss.

Shiraz Mutton Biryani
The taste of Kolkata Biryani is one thing that has been tough to forget over the years. The boiled potatoes, the basmati rice, the aroma of Asghar Ali attar specially used in Biryanis and the finely cooked mutton evoked the wonderful memories I had in Kolkata.
 
Lau er Ghanto Bori Diye
This is Bottle Gourd curry in a Bengali style with vada. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. When so much of action is happening on the plate with the likes of fish and mutton, it tends to get sidelined. But a small portion of it with rice or chapati will restore your faith in it. It is usually cooked with minimal spices, coriander being the most dominant among all. The aroma of ghee adds the needed finesse. 

Darjeeling Tea Panna Cotta and Gold Flake Smoke
Tea in one hand and cigarette in another is a common sight in Bengal. Taking a cue from this, the chefs have prepared this dish.