Traditional Bengali cooking in Kolkata using grandmother recipes

Meet Debjani

Residing in the ‘city of joy', Kolkata, Debjani delights her guests by preparing authentic Bengali dishes that showcase the culture she is very proud of. She earned a Ph.D. in Horticulture, an area which she is extremely passionate about since it makes her feel so in touch with nature. Debjani also developed a love for design and art over the years, which has helped her create luxurious decor and experiences at prestigious hotels. Having spent over 30 years in the hospitality industry with notable groups such as Taj and Oberoi, Debjani loves to host people from all over the world, hear their stories, learn about their cultures, and introduce them to delectable Bengali dishes.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal (1 - 5 guests) You can enjoy this experience at Debjani’s cozy, artistic apartment situated in Kolkata, which ​​upholds a perfect juxtaposition between the old world and the modern. Debjani uses traditional ingredients and recipes that have been passed down from generations. Her grandmother’s recipe for shukto (traditional mixed vegetables), which is so close to Debjani's heart, is one of the dishes you may try. Debjani is fond of cooking the dishes she grew up eating, using recipes she learned from her mother and grandmother. She will try her best to give you a taste of the diverse flavors of Bengali cuisine. And you will be in for a treat as you join her at the table to share dishes such as begun bhaja (eggplant fritters), shorshe bhapa chingri or maach (steamed prawns or fresh river water fish, in a mustard sauce) or kosha mangsho (mutton curry in a home ground spice mix), which will be cooked in earthen pots. End your meal with must try Bengali sweets - rosogulla (ball-shaped dumplings cooked in light sugar syrup) or rosogolla payesh (sweet milk pudding), served during winter months.

Cooking experience (1 - 5 guests) Join Debjani in her kitchen to try your hand at cooking authentic and flavorful Bengali dishes. She uses recipes passed down from her grandmother and presents it in a modern way. In your Kolkata cooking class, you will help Debjani make Bengali masoor dal (lentils), begun bhaja (eggplant fritters) and shorshe bhapa chingri or maach (steamed prawns or fish in a mustard sauce). You can expect your cooking class to last for about 1.5 hours, after which you will be sharing the meal that you prepared with Debjani and her family (when they are home).

Market visit (1 - 5 guests) Meet Debjani at her apartment and then drive together for seven minutes to the Lake Market or Jodhpur Park Market for a guided market tour. This unmissable local market in Kolkata has everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to arts and craft! Walk through this bustling market with your host, and stop at her favorite vendors to buy fresh vegetables. After the market tour, head back to Debjani’s apartment for your Kolkata cooking class.

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