To most, just like Paranthe Wali Gali, Durbari needs no introduction. For the uninitiated, Paranthe Wali Gali is the ongoing festival at Durbari (Indian specialty restaurant of Swissotel, Kolkata) which celebrates the parathas and spirit of the famous Paranthe Wali Gali of Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk area) which roughly translates into a lane dedicated to selling Indian fried Flat Bread or everyone’s favorite Paranthe/Paratha/Porota. 

The festival is going on from the 20th of June 2015 till the 28th of June 2015, regular restaurant hours at the City Center 2 location. 

Each beautiful presented platter can be easily shared by 2 people, if you are planning to try out just one flavor (not recommended) or by 4 people if planning to try out more than one flavor (highly recommended).

Prices range from Rs 325 to Rs 425, depending on the flavor. There are 12 vegetarian options and 4 non-vegetarian options (yes, I counted)

Address: Swissotel,City Centre New Town, Action Area 2 D, Plot No.11/5, Action Area IID, Newtown, Kolkata, West Bengal 700052

Armed with a chilled glass of Sweet Lime Soda and the appetite already whetted by an assortment of papads and refreshing dips (the burnt garlic dip was highly recommended) we embarked on the journey to sample a slice of  Paranthe Wali Gali right in the heart of Kolkata.

The menu boasts of an enviable selection of Parathas (Indian fried Flat Bread) with flavors influenced by different cuisines of India. All the parathas are served with Aloo Bhaji, Pickle, Curd and Laccha onion. The Malabari paratha is served with a side vegetable stew.

Malabari Paratha with a side of Vegetable Stew – this one was the star, hands down! The flaky paratha with a subtle hint of coconut paired with the vegetable stew cooked in coconut milk blew everyone’s mind! It was so good that even KFB team member, Amrita who is not particularly fond of coconut, was floored.

Chicken Tikka and Cheese Paratha served with a side of cooling yogurt and a spicy aloo bhaji. This spicy flat bread is a meal in itself and we joked about and agreed that it is the perfect paratha to go with a chilled glass of beer on a rain – soaked evening.

Warqi Paratha – This is a Lucknowi specialty. The in-house chef takes great care to painstakingly create this soft and flaky layered masterpiece He also added the dough has to be hand kneaded. These would go perfectly with a side of kebabs.

Soya Paratha – Don’t be fooled by the minced soya filling – it can totally give its non-vegetarian counterparts a run for their money.

Mughlai Paratha – How can one have a Paratha Festival and not feature this Kolkata specialty. While this needs no introduction, it is needless to say that the flavors capture the essence of this very favorite Kolkata street food.

The parathas were very filling with hardly any trace of oil. I was full after the third taste and could barely manage to tuck in the last one. But our hosts insisted they we try out their “Goodbye Mango” buffet spread as well. When we politely refused, they convinced us to try out their desserts at least! Now, how could we say no! Chef Sanjay, their in-house pastry chef came over personally to have a chat with us. The mango phirni definitely deserves a special mention.

Since this was my first and perhaps the last time in many months that I get to visit Durbari (I fly back to the US in a couple of weeks), they specially treated me to their one-of-a-kind specialties – Daal Durbari & Paan (Betel Leaf) Ice-cream topped with Gulkand. Both tasted out of this world Their kind and thoughtful gesture shall be treasured forever!

We talked about upcoming events and Chef Sanjay, very enthusiastically told out about the new ice-cream flavors he was experimenting on! Team KFB spent a splendid afternoon amidst fun discussions and lip-smacking paranthes and desserts, but most importantly in the amazing company of gracious hosts Enakshi and Ashish and their very jovial pastry chef, Chef Sanjay.