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Indian Express
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Nostalgia on a plate: Calcutta's must-try dishes, iconic spots and hidden gems
There is a certain charm to going back to the city you grew up in, even if it seems stuck in time. Maybe that's the charm. Anyone who is from Calcutta will vouch for this. It's a city where time appears to have paused. The people are the same, the restaurants are the same, and the city looks the same. The streets look untouched by the wave of glass-and-steel modernity that has swept through other metros. And if you hang out with the right people, it's one of the few cities in which you feel people actually enjoy the simpler and finer things in life – reading, talking to each other, playing cards, meeting over a cup of tea or a glass of Bloody Mary. I spent a long weekend in my hometown last week and returned 2.5 kgs heavier, a 500 gm gain per day. I owe this to Calcutta's legendary country clubs, whose menus have stood the test of time, and to its restaurants steeped in history and carpet dust. There's a Chinatown (Tangra) that serves authentic Hakka cuisine – I've been going there since I was five – and a pastry shop that could put some of the finest bakeries in Paris to shame, given that it has been churning out soft buttery cakes, truffle pastries and fruit tarts since 1985. So, what would my dream gastronomical holiday in Calcutta look like? Let's start with chicken biryani and mutton chaap at Shiraz in Park Circus. Founded in 1941, Shiraz makes the most delectable Kolkata-style biryani – very similar to Lucknowi biryani – that's light, aromatic and always comes with a large potato cooked in the meat stock, a boiled egg, and perfectly spiced rice. The chaap, unique to Calcutta, is a slow-cooked, spiced mutton or chicken in thick gravy, always served with biryani. And if you're feeling truly gluttonous, I'd recommend the rezala –– a sublimely cooked chicken or meat in a white gravy, lightly spiced with a dry red chili. For context, a plate of special chicken biryani (two pieces of chicken, a boiled egg, a potato and enough rice to feed three people) and one mutton chaap will cost you about Rs 900, including taxes. If you are not too finicky, stop for phuchka on Russell Street or Ballygunge. Phuchka is the more refined sister of paani puri or gol gappas: mashed spicy potato laced with roasted masalas, green chillies and coriander, served with a tamarind-spiced water (with a mild touch of bacteria). Don't forget alu kabli – sliced potatoes mixed with tamarind pulp, chillies and masalas – that will clear your sinuses in seconds. You won't find it anywhere else. A visit to Calcutta is incomplete without a meal at Mocambo, which has been around since 1956. Its low hanging red-cloth lamps, white tablecloths, red leather chairs, and waiters – or 'bearers,' as they're called here – in full regalia are all throwbacks to another era. You go for the nostalgia – prawn cocktail, stuffed crab, tetrazzini, baked Alaska – washed down with a Tom Collins or Screwdriver priced around Rs 200. Regulars like me complain that the food isn't what it used to be. And yet, we return. If you don't get a table there, you can always go to The Other Room at the other end of Park Street which has the same décor, same menu and same prices. If you're lucky, try and get a member to take you for a meal to one of the many country clubs in the city. Go have a cold coffee or Bloody Mary and fish fingers while looking out at the greens at The Tollygunge Club. Or beer and Chinese food or the steak with a fried egg at the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club, you might even get to see a football or cricket match. And if you can, go have some Chinese food at the Bengal Club. Yes, many of us Calcuttans are spoilt because of our club memberships, but rather than complain, get yourself signed in and share the joy. I don't usually eat Bengali food outside when I'm home, but if you're looking for a traditional spread, try Kewpies or 6 Ballygunge Place. The former is my pick. For Calcutta Chinese, head to Golden Joy, Beijing, or Kafulok in Tangra, the city's Chinatown. These aren't fine-dining restaurants, but they're clean, air-conditioned, and serve food that defines the genre: rice noodles, lemon chicken, roast chilli pork, fried rice, Thai soup (which has nothing to do with Thailand). Chinatown which spreads over to Tiretti Bazaar and Tangra also house two iconic sauce factories in India – Pou Chong and Sing Cheung – legends in their own right. End your day with a pastry from Kookie Jar. Not Flurys. Not Kathleen. Kookie Jar opened next to my school in 1985, and to this day offers the finest truffle pastries, lemon tarts, black forest cakes, and nutty corners. In fact, the Ambanis served their cakes at the most recent big fat Indian wedding. You would really be missing something if you didn't try their creations. If your heart beats for Bengali sweets, stop by any neighbourhood mishti shop. All the sweets are made fresh each morning, and the variety is unmatched. It might also explain the beautiful physiques of most Bengali men and women. If you want to get fancy, go to Balaram Mullick or KC Das. And then, as any true Bengali will tell you, complete your day with a swig of Carmozyme or Gelusil. I can lay an educated guess that the sales of digestive liquids or tablets like Unienzyme are unsurpassed by any other city. Author of The Sweet Kitchen, and chef-owner of Food For Thought Catering ... Read More
Borneo Post
22-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Miri Hakka Association installs signboard at new premises
The official signboard is installed at the Miri Hakka Association's new premises. MIRI (June 23): The Miri Hakka Association unveiled the signboard of its newly established premises at Jalan Bulan Sabit here yesterday. The new location offers more convenient access and improved facilities for members, as some had difficulty attending functions at the previous premises located in the city centre. Association president Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, who is also Sarawak Transport Minister, said the move was both 'practical and symbolic'. 'It reflects the spirit of unity and the collective support of our members and community in helping the association move forward in a more modern direction,' he said. He said the renovated premises were designed for multipurpose use, and supports the association's plans to adopt digital tools and streamline operations, while serving as a foundation for expanding the association's programmes such as cultural activities, educational talks and community outreach. Kong (standing, third right) with the members of the association posing with the new signboard. Lee also emphasised the importance of engaging the younger generation in the association's future direction, and called for more youth participation to ensure continuity and relevance in today's fast-changing world. 'Their involvement is important as we adopt modern, digital approaches and move towards global engagement while continuing to preserve our cultural identity,' he said. He said in addition to strengthening local engagement, the association aimst o connect with other Hakka organisations globally. 'With the internet, it is now very easy to connect with Hakka associations around the world. We hope to strengthen these links and even bring international Hakka events to Miri.' Lee (centre) takes a group photo with the members of the Miri Hakka Association. The Miri Hakka Association expressed its appreciation to the many members, supporters, and community elders who contributed to the successful acquisition and renovation of the new premises, which was completed in just over a year. The event concluded with a tour of the building and a gathering of members to celebrate the new chapter together. Also present was Miri Hakka Association chairman Kelvin Kong Sien Chiu. lead Lee Kim Shin Miri Hakka Association new signboard premises unity
Herald Malaysia
20-06-2025
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Penang diocese welcomes Flame of Love Movement
On June 2, Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, formally approved the establishment of the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary movement during a presentation meeting at the Minor Basilica of St Anne. Jun 20, 2025 Cardinal Sebastian Francis and Deacon Lazarus Jonathan with the team. BUKIT MERTAJAM: On June 2, Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, formally approved the establishment of the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary movement during a presentation meeting at the Minor Basilica of St Anne. With this endorsement, the Diocese of Penang becomes the first in Malaysia to officially recognise this international Marian movement, which is currently active in more than 50 Flame of Love movement originated in Hungary, inspired by messages reportedly received by Elizabeth Kindelmann, a Third Order Carmelite, from Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her spiritual diary, later published under the title The Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, includes the Unity Prayer and a special petition to be added to the Hail Mary: 'Spread the effect of grace of thy Flame of Love over all of humanity.'The mission of the Flame of Love is to lead individuals to a deeper consecration to Jesus through Mary. The movement promotes a life rooted in prayer, fasting, frequent attendance at Mass (beyond weekends), regular confession, Eucharistic Adoration, and family prayer. Members also commit to praying for world peace, clergy and religious vocations, the souls in purgatory, and conduct home visits with a pilgrim statue of Our the event, Cardinal Sebastian invited members of the movement to share personal testimonies about the impact of the Flame of Love, especially through its unique Rosary Tan shared how the Rosary has helped her grow in meditative prayer and establish a consistent spiritual routine. Elizabeth Lim highlighted how praying together as a community has deepened their sense of unity and faith. Winnie Gracia gave a moving testimony of seeing the Blessed Virgin Mary in a dream, smiling with a rosary surrounded by fresh roses. She also described frequently smelling roses and jasmine during prayer, even when none were physically Raymond spoke about her commitment to fasting every Monday and Friday to support the movement's mission of 'blinding Satan and spreading love worldwide.' Ester Ooi expressed how meaningful it is to recite the Hail Mary with the added Flame of Love petition. Cecilia Lee, from a devout Hakka family, shared the joy of being invited by Cardinal Sebastian to recite the Hail Mary in her native Hakka dialect, bringing back cherished memories of her childhood prayers with her mother in Changloon, Ann Oh summed up the testimonies by stressing the urgency of praying for humanity in today's troubled hearing all 13 heartfelt testimonies, Cardinal Sebastian remarked, 'As the English saying goes, 'He who bakes the cake eats it,'' suggesting that those who have nurtured the movement are now ready to enjoy its spiritual fruits. He affirmed his full support, along with Deacon Lazarus Jonathan and the People of God of the Penang Diocese, in uplifting and promoting the Flame of Love Movement. The members present were filled with joy and Mercie Lai, of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM), also offered her reflections: 'As we read the signs of the times, it is alarming to witness humanity under constant attack — families in crisis, and widespread suffering. The Flame of Love Movement is timely, offering us assurance and hope. Jesus is the Door of Hope, and through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we are called to spread the Flame of Love and pray for humanity.' Since March 2025, Sr Mercie has been providing spiritual guidance to the group, which gathers weekly at the Minor Basilica of St. Anne for prayer and Nadaraj, the national coordinator for Malaysia, also expressed her gratitude: 'With this official recognition, we pray that Our Blessed Mother's mission will spread across the nation. Through her intercession, we will extinguish the fire of hatred with the fire of love. Let us allow her to lead us to the Flame of Love, who is JESUS HIMSELF.' In 2013, Pope Francis granted his Apostolic Blessing to the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In 2023, the Archdiocese of Singapore officially accepted the Flame of Love as a recognised ministry.
South China Morning Post
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
How Instagram influencer who speaks Hakka Chinese honours her unique family roots
At first sight, you probably would not guess that Jephina Lueche could speak Hakka, a Chinese language variety most widely spoken in China's south, let alone that she teaches it to others. Advertisement But the content creator of Chinese and Guyanese descent has been giving short lessons on basic but useful everyday Hakka phrases on social media for over four years, wowing tens of thousands of followers along the way. An Instagram video of her speaking Hakka while sharing Peking duck with her multicultural relatives has racked up more than 2 million views. Other 'Hakka 101' clips, in which she covers practical phrases like 'good night', 'I like you' and 'don't speak', have also generated much online interest and reaction, as have her culture-focused videos, earning her more than 90,000 followers. The video that really kicked things off for her was posted in February 2021. It was one of her first Instagram videos detailing her family and features footage of her late Chinese grandmother playing with Lueche's now seven-year-old son.
Time Out
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
6 food stalls to check out at GastroBeats 2025, including Texan barbecue, fresh oysters, and more
GastroBeats 2025 is back with a bang this year, bringing three weeks of music, games, and of course, street food from some of Singapore's favourite F&B vendors. The festival runs from May 29 to June 22, from 4pm to 11pm daily, at Bayfront Event Space – next to several i Light installations. With over 50 food booths but so little time, we've narrowed it down to six must-try stalls at this year's edition of GastroBeats. Here's everything worth queuing for. 1. Jett Barbecue (F01) This is not Jett Barbecue 's first rodeo at GastroBeats. This Texan barbecue booth is a hit among festival goers each year, and its claim to fame is its fall-off-the-bone tender beef ribs smoked for up to 12 hours. The team even makes the effort to haul down massive industrial smokers, flown in straight from Texas. Sink your teeth into the Texas-style smoked dino ribs (from $19) served over a bed of mashed potatoes and sauce, or try the smoked beef cheek tacos ($24 for two pieces), which come with generous chunks of meat. 2. La Levain (F14) This homegrown bakery-café is known for its inventive croissants and flawless egg tarts, but at GastroBeats this year, it's serving sourdough pizzas as well. La Levain 's slices are fermented for 72 hours for deeper flavours and a crisp yet chewy crust. Just for the festival, you'll be able to enjoy three exclusive locally-inspired flavours: tom yum, laksa, and nasi lemak ($13.80 for half, $22.80 for full). Prefer sticking to basics? We like the Fourcheese pizza, but the truffle and classic margherita are good shouts too ($12.80 for half, $21.80 for full). 3. Slurp Your Oysters (F20) One of our favourite local home delivery businesses has a booth at GastroBeats this year. Slurp Your Oysters is known for flying in some of the plumpest, juiciest, and largest oysters right off the coast of Murotsu Bay in Hyogo, Japan. These morsels (three for $16, six for $28, 12 for $50) have a creamy, briny profile, and are served chilled or grilled, with toppings of your choice. Load them up with Thai chilli, mango salsa, Korean gulmuchim, or enjoy them grilled with mentaiko or cheese. You'll also find grilled scallops ($16), mussels ($16), and more at the stall. 4. Aunty Siam (F40) Who knew we'd be able to get authentic Hakka cuisine at GastroBeats? This stall is run by a mother-and-son duo who are all about preserving Hakka flavours through honest-to-goodness cooking based on Aunty Siam 's recipes. Try the signature nam yu fried pork belly (from $12) – pork seasoned with red fermented beancurd – perfect for pairing with a crisp, cold beer. Or tuck into traditional Hakka dishes like abacus seeds ($12), stir-fried with mushrooms and black fungus. Other dishes available include braised pork belly buns ($12) and Hakka yong tau fu (from $8). 5. Golden Bao (F02) Combine the popular Chinese street snack guo kui with roti prata and you have Golden Bao. These folks are popular vendors at Kampong Gelam's bustling Ramadan bazaars, and they're making their GastroBeats debut this year. Watch these hefty pancakes being kneaded, stuffed with meat and scallions, and fried up in front of you. Take your pick between the signature beef ($10) or chicken ($9). Make sure to top up for the chilli oil ($1) which is meant for generously dunking your roti slices into – a lot goes a longer way in this case. 6. Warabimochi Kamakura (F20) This Japanese dessert drink took the internet by storm last year, and this year marks Warabimochi Kamakura 's first GastroBeats appearance, bringing its famed warabimochi drinks closer to the masses. Sip on festival exclusives like the Kinako Strawberry Royale (from $13.90) or the trending matcha strawberry warabimochi drink (from $11.90). Our favourites, however, are the kinako warabimochi drink with Hokkaido milk ($10.90) and the hojicha latte with warabimochi ($9.90), which are on the nuttier side.
