May it be birthdays, anniversaries, Durga Puja or any other special ocassion, Chinese cuisine is a must! But do you know how this became so much popular in Kolkata?

According to records, in 1778, Yang Tai Chow , a Chinese Scholar migrated to India in search of Buddhist teachings and for better material prospects. Landed up in the then capital of India during the British Colonisation, Calcutta was the most easily accessible metropolitan area from China by land. Over the years, many like him, mostly Hakkas (people from the Hakka region) migrated here, and by the early part of the 20th century, a Chinatown had developed in AcchiPur area. And later in Territi Bazar, Tangra and it thrived and buzzed with enterprise.

The Chinese community acknowledged one of our goddesses, Kali, as their own, and offered noodles, chop suey, rice and vegetable dishes in rituals as a sign of unity. Chinese served with distinction as dentists, tannery owners, sauce manufacturers, beauticians and shoe shop owners, but it was as restaurateurs that the Chinese found their fame and glory in India.

Here, we will get to the 5 pocket friendly Restaurants to enjoy Authentic Chinese Cuisine in Kolkata!

1. Eau Chew

Nestled in an old Central Kolkata building, above a redundant petrol pump on Ganesh Chandra Avenue. Run by the Huang family (for four generations now), the Eau Chew restaurant was started in the early 1920s as an eating house for Chinese immigrant workers in the city. It is the oldest surviving Chinese family-owned restaurant in the country.

The dishes are light and fresh, cooked in little oil and subtly flavoured – a far cry from the typical soy and chilli sauce-smothered Tangra-style Chinese.

Eau Chew’s greatest accomplishment is perhaps the chimney Soup , a giant bowl, fitted with a chimney filled with hot coals, of flavourful broth loaded with meat, fish and vegetables.

Pocket Pinch – Rs 900 for two

Personal Favourite: Josephine Noodles, Chimney Soup, Pork and Prawn Sui Mai, Dry Roast Chili Pork.

2. Nu Wan Li

Coming to South Calcutta, in between Ballygunge Phari and Hazra, Nu Wan Li is a comparatively younger authentic Chinese restaurant . With an old fashioned decor of red cushions and dim red lanterns and lightings, this place is known for its value for money.

Even before getting a hold to the menu card, one should order their mixed chimney soup. Nu Wan Li’s speciality is using thin noodles along with well cooked meat just like the way Bengalis prefer.

The signature dish over here is the Chicken Lo Mein, noodles cooked in lard along with spicy minced chicken and a little amount of cucumber slices.

Pocket Pinch: Rs 500 for two

Personal Favourite: Chicken Lo Mein, Dry Roast Chili Pork, Honey noodles, Momos.

3. Mandarin Gourmet

Not many would know, but the Mandarin Gourmet is one of the best underrated Mandarin restaurants in Tangra. In my childhood, my father used to take me here during sundays and I loved to enjoy their delicacies so so much. Elegantly furnished with tables and Chinese Zodiac sign table mats, it is situated at Matheswartala road, Tangra. In a few words, it is a paradise for every Chinese lover.

Among all the dishes, people opt for the Nanking Chicken(a spicy yet tangy style of chicken starter prepared on the memory of the first Chinese restaurant, Nanking) and their speciality Chang Mai Chicken. The Crispy Duck Roast is also a very very popular dish among the regulars. A full plate of main course is enough for four people here.

Pocket Pinch: Rs 500 for two

Personal Favourite: Singapore Noodles, Chang Mai Chicken/Prawn, Nanking chicken, Cripsy Duck Roast.

4. Tung Nam

When we talk about the term “Chinese eating house” , Tung Nam can be mentioned as a hidden gem of Kolkata. Located behind Teritti Bazar telephone exchange, 10 mins from the Central Metro station, this place would make your satiate your tastebuds without making a huge hole in your pocket.

This place is known for its amazing Chinese menu at very much affordable rates. One of the most popular dishes include Chicken Steam wontons, dumplings similar to momos yet different in shape, size and taste. Rice or Noodles in Hamei sauce is another favourite over here.

Pocket Pinch: Rs 400 for two

Personal Favourite: Chicken/Noodles/Rice in Hamei Sauce, Yaam Wontons, Pork Hamchoy

5. Tibetan Delight

People who are very much interested in Tibetan food, this place is for them. From excellent momos to an extravagant potrayal of thukpas, everything available here is delicious. Located in a small lane between Elgin road and Suburban Hospital Road, this restaurant is gem of a place for foodies.

Apart from good quality , this place knows how to win customers hearts by their quantity, the American Chopsuey and Chicken Thukpa are the very much viable examples. Pork items are very much tasty and delightful just like the name says.

Pocket Pinch: Rs 350 for 2

Personal Favourite: Dry chili pork, Chicken steamed momos, American Chopsuey

Whats on Sayan’s mind?

In short, Authentic Chinese is a cuisine which is very much healthy and beneficial for our body. It helps in lowering cholesterol , risk of certain cancers and atherosclerosis. As this particular way of cooking is diminishing, we should start acknowledging these underrated places more and restart the culture that’s on the verge of collapse.

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