Like most Indians whenever someone asked of my favorite dish I would mindlessly blurt “Chinese” without even remotely processing that “Chinese” is a type of cuisine and not a dish! Having had the “Indian” version of Chinese cuisine for a long time, it was only when I visited Hong Kong, I got the taste of authentic Chinese food (and eventually becoming pretty critical of the Indian version). Hence my quest of searching for best Chinese restaurants in Kolkata started and I came upon some authentic and heritage ones.

Now, Tangra Chinatown in Kolkata is the only Chinatown in India. It would naturally mean getting to gorge some complex-flavoured real Chinese delicacies that would come very close to the actual ones bearing in mind the Indian predilections. The coming together of simple, yet sublime flavours without causing any gastric disruption due to overindulgence of spices, is an example of culinary art – well presented in the Chinese cuisine!

Coming to the point (after a extended prologue!!), staying in Calcutta for over eight months (owing to lockdown and WFH), I have tried Chinese food from a lot of places and curated a list of 11 places where you should try Chinese.

A limited menu that boasts of the best possible dish and by far the best Chinese eatery I have had the opportunity to visit in Kolkata. Located in the dingy dark lanes of Kolkata that can only be found with a wizard’s wand, Ah Leung was a hard find. If my memory serves me right, I had come across this gem of an eatery through a food blogger. If you truly believe in ‘don’t judge a book by its cover‘, you should visit this family-run establishment.

While searching for good Chinese places on Google, this one came up. Tung Nam Eating House is neither on Zomato nor on Swiggy and does not deliver so you got to move your derriere and go there. They are a tiny joint but overcrowded over weekends and evening with 45 minutes or more waiting period. I ordered Chicken Fried Meinfoon, Prawn Ginger Sauces, Chicken Fung Mee Mein, Egg Chowmein Gravy, Pork Hamchoy Rice. One of the best Chinese eateries in Kolkata, the taste of the food did not disappoint me, and it was worth the wait of an hour (which my husband had to undergo to collect the takeaway).

Address – 24, Chatta Wala Gully, Poddar Court, Tiretti, Kolkata, West Bengal 700012

Phone – 033 2237 4434

 

One of the best Chinese eateries in Kolkata that was recommended by Google was Eau Chew. What caught my eye was the steaming soup in a Chimney!! That’s their Specialty!! Located in the same area as Tung Nam Eating House, this place is above a garage-like outlet in a dilapidated building. But no worries, it only looks like that from outside (never judge a book by its cover!). The seating area is large and accommodates quite a few tables (with sufficient space to maintain social distancing too). We order the famous Chimney soup , Josephine Noodles (basically mee foon), garlic chicken and roasted chilli pork. The Chimney Soup and Josephine noodles would easily serve 4-6 people and as it was shared by four people, it didn’t feel like overeating. Since it was late afternoon, it wasn’t crowded but as we prepared to leave the restaurant started filling.

Address: 12, Ganesh Chandra Ave, Esplanade, Chowringhee North, Bowbazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700013

Phone: 033 2237 8260

 

 

 

Opened recently (2018) by Edwin Liao, Tai Sen Chinese Eating House grew in popularity fast. Must try dishes include roast chilli pork and golden fry prawns. The eatery is tiny but holds a quaint, old world charm. Worth a try.

Address: Police Station, 4, Bentinck St, near Lal Bazaar, Esplanade, Lal Bazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001

Phone: 080179 79208

Alcohol served – No

 

 

Don’t be fooled by the looks of this place, the food served is highly recommended on all platforms. Kim Faa Home Town Chinese Eating House‘s Cantonese noodles are hand-made which gets over by seven in the evening. Must order dishes include chicken vegetable mushroom baby corn, ginger prawn balls, mixed Cantonese rice, chicken drumsticks, chili chicken with bones (and boneless), ginger fish and chili shrimp. No delivery but pick-up available. 

Address: 7, Miajan Ln, Tangra, Kolkata, West Bengal 700046

Phone: 9822580758 / 8420484758. (Michael Lee & James Lee)

CLOSED ON THURSDAYS

Now this place has been my favourite by far since they are on Zomato. I must’ve ordered at least 10 to 15 times. They offer variety and their options might confuse you as to what you should order. My favourites – roast pork fried, pork fried rice, chicken gravy chowmein, ginger chicken, hoisin prawns, hot garlic fish, pork hakka chowmein. There are a lot more options to explore so don’t get stuck with only these. The flavour packed vegetable tossed noodles called Yam Mein should be considered along with Phai Kut-spare ribs. Their curated breakfast menu includes steamed pork bao, steamed pork wanton, pork ball soup, bakes pork bao, sticky rice with pork stuffing and Pork Fooyung which is steamed omlette with pork. The only downside is they are not very consistent with the flavour of their food. It was only on one occasion that I had ordered and found their food not up to the mark.

Address: 16, Black Burn Ln, Terita Bazar, Poddar Court, Tiretti, Kolkata, West Bengal 700012

Phone: 098306 83227

Relatively a premium place than other eateries in Tangra. They have seating arrangements on both ground and first floor. Well-lit with a good ambience for getting together with family and friends. Consistent with the taste of their food, their food portions are quite big and can be shared by two good eaters and three/ four poor eaters.

Address: 50, Matheswartala Road, Topsia, Kolkata, West Bengal 700046

Phone: 090518 70888

 

A small joint with seating options right across Kim Ling in Tangra. Famous for their pork wantons which get sold-out like hot cakes. Although I am not a fan of wantons, it became my husband’s go-to place. The other items are equally delish. I crave for good soups and this place provides good “liquid appetizers”. They also serve traditional Chinese breakfast from 9 am everyday. To the patrons the timing of this restaurant can cause confusion. Although on Google the closing timing mentions 10.30 pm, when we reached the place at 8 pm, we were told they have stopped taking orders (and I am sure no restaurant stops taking orders two hours prior to closing). On FB the timing mentions 6 pm to 9.30 pm. So, it is advisable to call prior to your visit.

Address: 60, Matheswartala Road, Tangra, Kolkata, West Bengal 700046

Phone: 098310 43288

 

Moderately spaced joint that is located very close to Rabindra Sadan metro Station, Exide. I have been visiting this place since a long time and vouch for its consistency over quality of food that leaves their kitchen. Tibetan noodle soup or Thupka is not a dish that you would usually find being recreated that is close enough to the original. Somehow this place offers thupka that comes close to the taste that you find in few of the northeastern states. This I say with conviction as I had tried thupka from other places in Calcutta. Their other items also deserve mention. This restaurant is not on Zomato and neither does it deliver. So, make the best of it, step out with family or friends and eat a hearty meal there.

Address: 2A, Suburban Hospital Rd, Sreepally, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700020

Phone: 033 2287 8260

 

 

Fairly decent sized restaurant that serves as a gathering place for both family and friends. They do serve alcohol. Food is fairly priced as per the standards of that area and quantity of a plate is considerable that can be shared by two. The downside is the ambience. The mundane white tubelights and drag décor does not appear appealing, although I have seen this place pulling good crowd that goes on to prove that quality food precedes drag décor.

Address: Iswar Mandal Ln, Tangra, Kolkata, West Bengal 700046

Phone: 033 2329 8923

 

Last but not the least, you cannot miss out on morning breakfast at Tiretti Bazaar or Old China Market that used to be dominated by the Chinese community at one point but is slowly fading away. The current generation of Chinese might have found better prospects and moved on, leaving behind few fine threads holding to preserve the culture. There are still few Chinese uncle and aunties selling Bao, pork ball soup, momo and other edibles. You should certainly give that a shot. I keep visiting this place whenever I visit Calcutta and the only disappointment is to see the community that was once a thriving, getting replaced by others.

 

 

In fact, the love for the Chinese Food of Kolkata is so high in our household that when my husband found me surfing through my old food pictures and places we used to frequent, he blurted “kyun jala rahi hai“. I had to assure him that it was for an article and nothing else, ignoring the fact that I was drooling a min back looking at those dishes I used to gorge every other day during my stay!

Kolkata is widely recognized as the birthplace of Indo-Chinese cuisine . Unlike the more authentic Chinese food found in other metropolitan cities, Kolkata’s version is a unique fusion where Indian spices and cooking techniques met traditional Hakka and Cantonese methods brought by Chinese immigrants who settled in the city from the late 18th century onward . This distinctive style gave birth to beloved dishes like Chilli Chicken and Hakka Noodles —recipes you won’t find in the same form anywhere else in India or China . Think of it as Chinese food that has been lovingly “Bengalified.”

Kolkata has the unique distinction of having two Chinatowns :

• Tiretta Bazaar (Old Chinatown): Located in Central Kolkata near Poddar Court, this is India’s oldest Chinatown . It is famous for its early morning Chinese breakfast market (operating roughly from 6 AM to 8 AM) where you can find authentic street food like shumai, pork bao, and wontons . It’s chaotic, authentic, and incredibly charming.
• Tangra (New Chinatown): Situated in the Topsia area, Tangra emerged when leather workers moved here from Tiretta Bazaar . Today, it is famous for its large, established restaurants like Beijing, Kafulok, and Big Boss. These eateries are known for their red lanterns, dragon motifs, and the famous “Tangra-style” chilli chicken .

While you should explore the full menu, these iconic dishes define the Kolkata Chinese experience:

• Chilli Chicken (Gravy or Dry): The undisputed king of Kolkata Chinese food.
• Hakka Noodles / Singapore Noodles: Wok-tossed noodles that are the perfect base for any meal .
• Dragon Chicken: A spicy, crispy, and utterly addictive starter .
• Prawn Crackers: Freshly fried, airy, and lightly salted—often served as a complimentary pre-starter in Tangra restaurants .
• Wontons (Steamed or Fried): Often called “Chinese Singhara,” these dumplings are a staple, especially at old Tiretta Bazaar eateries .
• Chilli Garlic Noodles (Kolkata Style): Noodles tossed in a pungent, fiery sauce.
• Darsaan with Ice Cream: Honey-coated fried noodles served with vanilla ice cream—the perfect sweet ending to a spicy meal .

For a truly unique experience, head to Tiretta Bazaar early in the morning. Because this is a street market, it’s recommended to carry cash, as most stalls don’t accept cards or digital payments .

Here are the breakfast items you must try:

• Shumai (Siu Mai): Flower-shaped steamed dumplings filled with pork, prawn, or fish. A plate costs around ₹50 .
• Pork Bao: Fluffy steamed buns filled with BBQ Char Siu (red pork) .
• Kamla Puri: Tiny, crispy puris served with a special green bhaji (a secret recipe). A plate of three costs just ₹10 .
• Fish Ball Soup: A comforting bowl of soup with delicate fish balls and spring onions .

Important: The best time to go is between 6 AM and 8 AM. By 8 AM, the food stalls pack up, and the street transforms into a regular vegetable market.

For an authentic experience, skip the fancy chains and head to these heritage eateries:

• In Tiretta Bazaar: Tung Nam Eating House (famous for Chilli Pork and steamed wontons), Sei Vui (known for soups and Hakka noodles), D’Ley (a small, cozy spot with excellent roasted chilli pork), and Pou Hing .
• In Tangra: Beijing Restaurant (known for Chinese-style chicken roast), Kafulok (famous for golden fried prawns and whole steamed fish), and Kim Ling (known for chilli garlic crab claws) .
• On Park Street: Flavours of China (established in 1960, known for its nostalgic 60s ambiance, solid-wood furnishings, and generous portions of Kolkata-style Chinese) .

Absolutely. Kolkata is a haven for budget foodies:

• Tuku’s Chowmein Stall: A legendary spot among college students, famous for its affordable, generous portions of chowmein and its fiery Dragon Chicken .
• Kimli (Hindustan Park): A hidden gem known for homely Tangra-style flavors. A meal for two costs around ₹600 .
• The Wall (Kalighat): Offers an exceptional unlimited Chinese buffet for just ₹599 on weekdays, which is considered a fantastic value-for-money deal .

• For Tiretta Bazaar (Old Chinatown): The nearest metro station is Central Metro Station. Take the Poddar Court exit, and you’ll be right at the edge of the old Chinatown area .
• For Tangra (New Chinatown): There is no metro station nearby. The best way to reach Tangra is by taking a cab or an app-based taxi (like Uber or Ola) .

Yes, it is generally considered safe and is a beloved tradition for many Kolkatans. However, exercise the same precautions you would in any busy city:

• Go early when the food is freshest.
• Eat where the locals are eating—a long queue is a good sign.
• Carry your own hand sanitizer.
• Some argue that the quality has declined over the years, but the old-world charm and cultural experience remain unmatched .

• For a Fine Dining Experience: Mainland China (Science City Area) is renowned for its elegant interiors and well-presented fusion dishes. A meal for two costs around ₹1700 .
• For a Trendy Vibe: Chowman (multiple locations, including Salt Lake) offers a pleasant, warm atmosphere with a menu based on bold oriental cooking. Cost for two is around ₹800 .
• For a Cozy Date: The Wall (Kalighat) has a calming ambiance adorned with Buddha sculptures and offers great food and even cocktails .
• For a Lively Dinner: Shanghai – Flavours of China Town (Hatibagan) is known for its vibrant atmosphere and signature dishes like Devil’s Chicken .

Not always. Many of the old, family-run eating houses in Tiretta Bazaar and Tangra operate on a cash-only basis . It is always wise to carry sufficient cash when visiting the Chinatown areas. Newer restaurants on Park Street and in malls will accept cards and digital payments.

“Tangra style” refers to the specific type of Hakka Chinese cuisine that evolved in the Tangra neighborhood . It is characterized by:

• A generous use of soy sauce, chilli sauce, and vinegar.
• The incorporation of Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric into traditional Chinese gravies.
• A distinct gravy that is thicker, spicier, and more flavorful than its mainland Chinese counterpart.
• Signature dishes like Chilli Chicken, Manchurian, and Szechuan Fried Rice are quintessential examples of the Tangra style.