Ghugni: The Heartwarming Classic
Ghugni is the quintessential festive snack, a warm and comforting curry made from dried yellow or white peas. Served hot in traditional leaf bowls, this slow-cooked delicacy is a flavourful mix of tender peas in a spicy, tangy gravy. It’s typically garnished
with finely chopped raw onions, fresh coriander, and a generous squeeze of lime, making it a staple at street-side stalls during Puja. Affordable, filling, and deeply nostalgic, a bowl of Ghugni is the perfect pause between pandal visits, embodying the simple, heartwarming spirit of the festival.
Phuchka: The Explosive Flavour Bomb
No Durga Puja food trail is complete without surrendering to the allure of Phuchka. Known elsewhere as pani puri or golgappa, the Kolkata version stands out with its uniquely spicy and tangy profile. The ritual involves devouring crispy, hollow puris one by one, each filled with a zesty mix of spiced mashed potatoes and chickpeas, then plunged into fiery tamarind water. The key is to eat them quickly, right by the vendor's side, to experience that perfect explosion of flavours and textures before the shell has a chance to soften.
Kathi Roll: The Perfect On-the-Go Meal
When hunger strikes after hours of walking, the Kathi Roll comes to the rescue. Considered a legendary Kolkata invention, this hearty snack is the ideal fuel for determined pandal-hoppers. It consists of a flaky, pan-fried paratha wrapped around a delicious filling, which can range from a simple egg omelette to juicy chicken or mutton kebabs. Topped with sliced onions, a dash of green chilli, and tangy sauces, the roll is wrapped in paper for easy handling, though a little sauce escaping is all part of the authentic experience.
Fish Fry: The Golden, Crispy Delight
Embodying Bengal's deep love for fish, the Bhetki Fish Fry is a festive must-have. A prime fillet of Bhetki (Asian sea bass) is marinated in spices, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to a perfect golden-brown crispness. The magic lies in the contrast between the crunchy exterior and the tender, flaky fish inside. It is almost always served with a side of Kasundi, Bengal's iconic pungent mustard sauce, which cuts through the richness of the fry and elevates it to another level. This snack is a true indulgence and a highlight of Puja's fried-food economy.
Telebhaja: The Everyday Fritter Festival
Telebhaja, which literally translates to 'fried in oil', refers to a wide assortment of fritters that are a cornerstone of Bengali snacking. During Puja, stalls are laden with everything from Beguni (eggplant slices dipped in gram flour batter) to Aloo'r Chop (spiced potato patties). These deep-fried treats are the ultimate quick bite while navigating crowded lanes. Each has its own distinct flavour, and they are often enjoyed with a sprinkling of black salt and a side of puffed rice (muri), making for a simple yet satisfying snack.
Jhalmuri: The Quintessential Walking Snack
Light, spicy, and impossibly addictive, Jhalmuri is the perfect snack to munch on while walking from one pandal to the next. This no-cook street food is a masterful mix of puffed rice (muri) tossed with chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, boiled potatoes, and peanuts. What brings it all together is a generous drizzle of pungent mustard oil and a special blend of spices, all shaken up in a paper cone known as a 'thonga'. It’s a burst of crunchy, spicy, and tangy flavours that captures the lively energy of the festival itself.
