Kolkata’s bustling food scene comes alive through several well-organized walking tours. The standout Alleyway Food Tour earns its 5-star rating by expertly guiding small groups through hidden local spots. For true Bengali immersion, try the Bengali Nights tour with its impressive lineup of 15 regional specialties. The evening Taste of Kolkata walk hits all the right notes – from crispy pakoras to juicy chicken rolls. My favorite is the comprehensive Kolkata Food Tour, featuring 13+ perfectly chosen tastings. For hands-on learners, book a private cooking class with a local chef to master Bengali basics. Let’s explore the best food tours this flavorful city has to offer.
Key Points
- The Alleyway Food Tour offers a highly-rated 4-hour experience with tastings, bottled water, and a small group size of up to 10 travelers for $48.49 per person.
- The Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour is a 4-hour tour featuring 15 different Bengali dishes and drinks, with a maximum group size of 8 travelers and costs €36.14 per person.
- The Taste of Kolkata – Evening Food Walk Tour is a 4-hour tour with a maximum of 6 travelers, exploring New Market, College Street, and Park Street areas, and is rated 5 stars.
- The Kolkata Food Tour With 13+ Tastings is a 3-hour tour starting at 5:00 PM, sampling over 13 local dishes and drinks, with a small group of up to 8 travelers, and is rated 4.9 out of 5.
- The Learn to Cook Authentic Bengali Food in a Local Home is a private cooking class led by a local restaurateur, focusing on Bengali culinary traditions, with a minimum of 2 people per booking.
Alleyway Food Tour
Kolkata’s Alleyway Food Tour offers travelers an immersive experience into the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Recommended by 100% of past participants with a 5.0-star rating, this tour takes guests on a journey through the city’s off-the-beaten-path alleyways, guided by a knowledgeable local.
The tour, which starts at 4 PM and ends back at the meeting point, allows a maximum of 10 travelers per group. Travelers can expect to taste a variety of unique dishes, from the famous Bhetki roll to an assortment of savory and sweet treats.
The tour includes tasting fees, bottled water, coffee/tea, afternoon tea, dinner, and even gratuities and DSLR photos. Highlights of the tour include the guides’ exceptional storytelling and the immersive community experience.
Priced at $48.49 per person, the Alleyway Food Tour offers a flexible booking option with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. With a Badge of Excellence and exceptional reviews, this tour is a must-try for anyone seeking to discover Kolkata’s culinary gems.
Read our full review: Alleyway Food Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour With 13+ Tastings
The Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour offers a deep dive into the city’s vibrant culinary heritage. Priced at €36.14 per person, this 4-hour tour guides participants through the bustling streets of Kolkata, allowing them to discover 15 different Bengali dishes and drinks beyond the typical tourist spots.
Led by an expert local with intimate knowledge of the city’s food scene, the tour uses a mix of public transportation, including tram and rickshaw, to navigate the urban landscape.
Highlights include sampling mutton kosha curry, prawns in chingri coconut cream sauce, and onion bhajis, while also exploring renowned seafood restaurants and traditional eateries. The tour culminates at a colonial-style coffee shop, where visitors can enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage.
With a maximum group size of 8 and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour provides a well-rounded and flexible culinary experience for those eager to uncover the depths of Kolkata’s gastronomic delights.
Read our full review: Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour With 13+ Tastings Review
Book now: Check availability
The Taste of Kolkata – Evening Food Walk Tour
Exploring Kolkata’s culinary delights, the 4-hour Taste of Kolkata – Evening Food Walk Tour takes participants on a captivating journey through the city’s vibrant food scene.
Starting at The Oberoi Grand hotel, the tour accommodates a maximum of 6 travelers and is led by knowledgeable guides. With 100% recommendation and a 5-star rating from 23 reviews, this tour promises an immersive experience, blending local specialties, cultural insights, and historical context.
Guests can expect a diverse menu featuring starters like fried pakora, mango lassi, and puchka, followed by mains like chicken roll and fish cutlet. The tour also includes a selection of sweet delights, including rosogolla, sandesh, and jalebi.
Beyond the food, participants can explore the bustling New Market, College Street, and Park Street areas, engaging with local vendors and soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
With personalized attention, comfortable walking, and the option to purchase alcoholic drinks, this tour offers an unforgettable taste of Kolkata’s rich culinary heritage.
Read our full review: The Taste of Kolkata – Evening Food Walk Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Kolkata Food Tour With 13+ Tastings
Frequently touted as one of the best food tours in Kolkata, the Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour immerses travelers in the city’s vibrant culinary landscape. Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 185 reviewers, the tour is recommended by 99% of travelers and has earned a Badge of Excellence.
Starting at 5:00 PM from the Esplanade Metro Rail Station, the 3-hour tour takes guests on a delectable journey through Kolkata’s streets, sampling over 13 local dishes and drinks.
The small-group experience, limited to 8 travelers, ensures a personalized and immersive encounter. Participants engage with the local culture through various modes of transport, including buses and rickshaws, while enjoying moderate walking.
Dietary requirements can be accommodated, though the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant travelers or those needing prams. Knowledgeable local foodie guides lead the way, offering insights into the city’s culinary traditions.
Positive reviews highlight the tour’s focus on food safety, hidden gems, and the guides’ ability to connect with travelers.
Read our full review: Kolkata Food Tour With 13+ Tastings Review
Book now: Check availability
Learn to Cook Authentic Bengali Food in a Local Home
For travelers seeking a more immersive culinary experience in Kolkata, the opportunity to Learn to Cook Authentic Bengali Food in a Local Home provides an intimate glimpse into the city’s revered gastronomic traditions.
Led by Bibi, a local restaurateur, this private cooking class invites guests to discover the flavors, techniques, and secrets of Bengali cuisine. Participants will learn to prepare a variety of dishes, including fried greens, lentil stew, fried eggplant, and the signature Khao suey, an Indian-style Burmese chicken curry and noodle dish.
Rounding out the menu is the sweet and creamy Mishti doi, a traditional Bengali dessert. Included in the experience are bottled water, beverages, and local beer, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off.
With a minimum of two people per booking, this is a private tour, allowing for personalized attention and engaging conversation about the cultural context of the dishes. Based on overwhelmingly positive reviews, this cooking class offers an authentic and satisfying introduction to Kolkata’s celebrated food heritage.
Read our full review: Learn to Cook Authentic Bengali Food in a Local Home Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
How Accessible Are the Food Tour Locations for Wheelchair Users?
The accessibility of the food tour locations for wheelchair users varies. Some tours may offer accessible routes, while others may have limited accessibility due to the historic nature of the sites. It’s best to inquire about specific tour details before booking.
Do the Food Tours Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?
Most food tours accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. Tour operators work closely with participants to ensure they can safely enjoy the local cuisine while catering to their specific dietary needs.
What Is the Average Group Size for the Food Tours?
The average group size for food tours typically ranges from 6 to 12 participants, allowing for a more personalized experience. Tour operators often accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, ensuring all guests can fully enjoy the culinary journey.
Are the Food Tours Suitable for Children or Families?
The food tours are generally suitable for children and families. Many tour operators offer child-friendly menus and activities to engage younger participants. However, it’s advisable to check the tour details to ensure it aligns with your family’s needs.
Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available for the Food Tours?
Many food tour providers offer discounts and package deals, like family-friendly tours or group rates. Customers should check the tour company’s website or inquire directly to see what options are available to save on the food tour experience.
Recap
Kolkata’s vibrant food scene offers an array of tantalizing tours. From exploring hidden alleyways to savoring authentic Bengali cuisine in local homes, these experiences provide a delectable glimpse into the city’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re a foodie seeking new flavors or a curious traveler, these tours promise to satisfy your palate and deepen your understanding of Kolkata’s diverse gastronomic delights.