10 Women Owned Restaurants In Kolkata, And Their History

The country is witnessing the upsurge in the number of women foodpreneurs. Here is a list of 10 women owned restaurants in kolkata

Here is a list of 10 women owned restaurants in kolkata. ]

Change is constant, so are conversations and love for food in Bengal (among other things, of course). The culinary scenario of Kolkata has always been a part of its proud heritage, and so have local food outlets, welcoming restaurants, or small hotels.

The City of Joy has always been welcoming to new kinds of food- as long as it tastes good.

With the rising scope of the café business in the Eastern half of the country, it is witnessing the upsurge in the number of women foodpreneurs. They are experimenting with novel ideas to give the usual idea of café a different touch.

Following below is a varied list of women owned restaurants and cafes in Kolkata that are special in their own manner, and menu.

  • ICanFlyy Cafe: Minu and Preeyam Budia

This cosy, little place is completely run by individuals with special needs. The mother-daughter founder duo aimed at eradicating the stigmas that surrounded the community.

The café is a spacious 50-seater one, with indoor and outdoor seats, and free Wi-Fi. So, you can either catch up on some work or a friend, or both! Your choice.

Must haves- BBQ Spicy Chicken Poppers, Chilly Cheese Garlic Maggi.

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Location- 4B Valmikee Street, Near Maddox Square, Ballygunge, Kolkata- 700026

Contact- +91 33 79676501, +91 33 24754403/04

Website- https://icanflyy.com/cafe-icanflyy/

  •  5 Chinese restaurants: Monica Liu

Affectionately called the Boss Lady of Tangra, the founder has emerged undefeated from challenging situations in life. From being imprisoned during the Sino-India war of 1962, to winning “entrepreneur of the year” award in 2003, this lady of Chinese descent is a proud owner of five Chinese restaurants across the city.

And they include names like Mandarin (one in Landsdowne and another in Lake View), Beijing, and Kim-Ling (both in Tangra), Tung Fong (in Park Street).

  • Suruchi: All Bengal Women’s Union

Bengal was the first one to taste the bitterness of partition. Torn apart along indefinite lines, it uprooted millions, heaving massive chaos. The All Bengal Women’s Union was established in 1932 to help distressed women who have been affected by the Partition. The restaurant was established in 1969 and is, till date, completely run by women.

Open only for lunch, this restaurant was Kolkata’s first food outlet that is dedicated to authentic Bengali cuisine.

Must haves- Begun Basanti, Mochar ghonto, Illish bhapa, bhetki paturi.

Location- 89, Elliot Road, Opp Bank of India, Taltala, Kolkata 700016

Contact- +91-33-22291763

  • Dolly Roy Tea-Shop: Dolly Roy

This is rather a very unconventional shop. Dolly Roy, who is known to be India’s “first tea-taster” and “tea–auctioneer”, set up her tea boutique in 1987 with the hope of changing the landscape of tea consumption in India.

The uniqueness of this café is the fact that despite not being gram-worthy aesthetic, it is extremely popular among the crowd.

One can either buy tea of fine quality from here, or order and enjoy a cup, or more, here. It is cozy, and offers one a typical Kolkata experience.

Location: Dakshinappan Shopping Complex,

  • Picadilly Square- Pooja Baid

The founder has her business established, and expanded, on her meticulous study of the café market. Piccadilly square, which has 2 outlets in Kolkata, offers its customer a thorough English experience.

This cafe-cum-bakery chain, that has the best of European cuisine on their menu, is purely veg, and is an ideal hangout spot to catch up with your friend.

Must haves: Pita Sandwich, Chocolate crêpe, Celestial Chocolate

Location: 15B, Sarat Bose Road, Elgin, Kolkata

Contact: 9830458474

  • Kookie Jar- Lovey and Puja Kapur

This nearly 40-year-old bakery has grown to be a household name. In fact, the establishment came to be in 1985, when orders for Lovey’s home-grown business got overwhelming.

Since then, there has been no looking back for the sister-duo entrepreneurship. Their wide variety of tarts, cakes, and buns have remained consistent in their quality.

Customers just have one complaint: They finish before you even realize!

Must-haves: Black forest cake, strawberry tarts, anything that has chocolate!

Main branch: Elgin Road

Contact: +917980095644

  • Babu Culture: Mridula and Archisha Mazumdar

With the aim of empowering the bibis behind the babus, this restaurant is run by 3 generation of women. The outlet offers its customers interesting experiments of the traditional cuisines with today’s culinary demands.

Their menu includes three varied thalis, priced reasonably, while you enjoy the interiors that reflect the rich heritage of the city.

Next time you crave for Bengali cuisine, you know the place.

Must-haves: Mochar Malai chop, Moshladar anarosh bhaja, Pui chingrir bora (non-veg), Shakarpuri kakra (non-veg).

Location: oppo. Doverlane, 7/2 B, Dover Lane, PO, Ballygunge, Kolkata- 700029

Contact: 082828 33939

  • Blue Poppy- Doma Wang

Over the decades, this now not-so-little Tibetian restaurant has grown to be one of the most popular spots for foodies and friends, alike. This venture is a testament to a mother’s grit and determination to bring up her children on her own term.

Blue Poppy started as a home-grown business, and till date the taste of the momos have remained unchanged.

It feels like home, and hence the outlet finds customers returning to it time and again.

Must-haves: of course, the momos!

Location: 4/1, 1st Floor, Sikkim House, Middleton Row, Russel Street, Camac Street Area, Kolkata.

Contact: +919735036117

  • Sienna Cafe- Shanta and Sulagna Ghosh

The mother-daughter duo has come up with a Gram-worthy, yet Pinterest-y, café in the city. The space has been designed in a rustic manner, that reflects the personality of the owners. What’s more, they serve fresh, home-made food with ingredients that are made from scratch. They even offer dishes that are completely vegan.

Must-haves: Basil Pesto, Cherry Tomato and Mozzarella Panini, Decadent Chocolate cake, Salted Crème Caramel.

Location: 49, 1, Golpark, Hindustan Park, Gariahat, Kolkata- 700029

Contact: 033 4065 8123

  • Wise Owl: Siddhika Ghose Chaudhuri

Hailing from a family of successful foodpreneurs, Siddhika wanted to cash in on the rising importance of breakfasts in the diet industry, clubbed with the trend of eating out in coffee shops.

Born was a coffee place which was ideal for all the three major meals of the day, deriving its name from the wide collection of owls on display.

This 40 seater serves continental breakfast every day from 7.30 am to 11am, and offers its visitor the serene atmosphere of an English countryside.

Must haves: Spaghetti Pasta, Mixed Sauce Pasta, Sunny Side-up, Beef Burger

Location: 6/2 B, Purna Das Rd, near Azad Hind Dhaba, Hindustan Park, Gariahat, Kolkata-700029

Contact: 9830630960

They say that Kolkata thrives on nostalgia. Well, if the history is so empowering, I say, then why not? But hey, don’t forget about the food here!

Image source: GletoPlus and MiachelDeLeon, via getty images, free on CanvaPro

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Akankha Basu Roy

The author is a Gen-Z kid who resorts to writing to vent out about the problematic ways of the world. Having majored in Theatre, English, and Psychology, I take a guilty pleasure in complex read more...

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