'Kolkata' by Rinku Dutt

Learn about Kolkata through Kolkata is an exhilarating city in West Bengal with a vibrant foodie reputation. Considered the cultural capital of India and nicknamed ‘City of Joy’, Kolkata is an amalgam of old and new India, and its cuisine draws influences from far afield, combining historic Mughal, Chinese, Tibetan and British colonial elements to form a unique food landscape that begs to be explored.

Famous for their love of fish, vegetables and desserts, Bengalis place great emphasis on eating well and their delicious regional specialities are justly revered. In this stunning book, Rinku Dutt showcases the best food the city has to offer, with more than 70 simple recipes that can be easily recreated in home kitchens.

The unique atmosphere of the city is brought alive with arresting food and travel photography, telling the story of a city bursting with energy and diversity, of numerous cultures and traditions, with ever-popular street food, a thriving restaurant and café scene, and the legacy of family favourites handed down through generations. From sustaining breakfasts, simple lunches or favourite street-food bites, to rich and fragrant dinners and delectable sweets, there is so much to discover in Kolkata.

About the author 

Rinku Dutt runs the Bengali food truck and pop-up restaurant Raastawala in London, UK. Her family hail from Kolkata, and she frequently travels back to the city to see grandparents, where her paternal grandfather used to own one of the most iconic and popular restaurants in the city (Central Hotel/Amber). As well as contributing recipes to several of the Leon cookbooks (published by Octopus), Rinku has filmed a number of travel blogs about Kolkata, produced an award-winning chutney, and collaborated on a supper club with Asma Khan of Darjeeling Express fame. This is her first book.