Best Chinese Street Food in Kolkata – 250-Year-Old Indo-Chinese Cuisine

Kolkata is home to one of India’s oldest Indo-Chinese food cultures. This guide highlights iconic street dishes that evolved over nearly 250 years of Chinese settlement in the city.

🥟 Key Chinese Street Food Dishes in Kolkata

1. Chicken & Pork Shumai

Taste: Soft, juicy dumplings with mild seasoning. Light soy and chili oil enhance the natural meat flavor.

2. Steamed Chicken Bao

Taste: Fluffy bread with mildly sweet and savory chicken filling — comforting and filling.

3. Wonton Soup

Taste: Clear, aromatic broth with delicate wontons. Light, soothing, and perfect for breakfast.

4. Chilli Chicken (Kolkata Style)

Taste: Spicy, garlicky, and smoky with green chilies. Less sweet than mainstream Indo-Chinese.

5. Chilli Fish

Taste: Crispy fish tossed in hot chilies and garlic with bold heat.

6. Prawn Papad

Taste: Light, airy, crispy crackers with a strong prawn aroma.

7. Mein Fu (Sticky Rice Cakes)

Taste: Chewy rice cakes with subtle sauces — earthy and traditional.

8. Hamei Chicken

Taste: Rustic, fermented flavors with deep umami and mild spice.

9. Chimney Soup

Taste: Thick, hearty soup packed with vegetables and meat.

10. Kolkata-Style Chowmein

Taste: Smoky noodles with soy sauce, cabbage, and spring onions.

🏮 Famous Chinese Food Areas

• Tiretti Bazaar – Morning Chinese breakfast market
• Tangra Chinatown – Iconic Indo-Chinese hub
• Old heritage Chinese restaurants

🌏 Why This Cuisine Is Special

Kolkata’s Chinese food stays close to traditional cooking methods — lighter sauces, less sugar, and deeply rooted cultural history.

This isn’t just street food, it’s 250 years of history sizzling in a wok. Kolkata’s Indo-Chinese soul is truly unmatched 🍜🔥