Enjoy authentic flavours of Bengal on a leaf plate

The Guide got a Bengali Mid-Day reader to drop in at two Bong eateries in the city and tell us what was authentic and what was missing

The Guide got a Bengali Mid-Day reader to drop in at two Bong eateries in the city and tell us what was authentic and what was missing

When we decided to review the Bengali eateries around town, Subhojit Saha, a PG student studying Mass Communications, seemed to be a perfect candidate to guide us. The avid foodie first took us to Top in Town off FC Road, which is a favourite with students, and Radhika off Senapati Bapat Road.



Top in Town claims to be a specialist in Bengali food but scanning through the menu, Subhojit observed that there were barely a few traditional items amongst the kebabs. He opted for Mughlai Paratha (Rs 40), which was served with dry alu sabji and was topped with onion rings. It was crisp and tasty and made you remember the amazing fast food served on the streets of Calcutta. Savouring the Fish Curry (Rohu for Rs 85) and Rice (Rs 35), Subhojit felt there was too much of garlic in the curry though the fish was soft and fresh. He was a tad taken aback when he saw there were no sweets on the menu as only a true-blue Bengali with a sweet tooth would be. Nevertheless, the range of rolls including Chicken Roll (Rs 50), Double Egg Double Chicken Roll (Rs 60) and Egg Roll (Rs 30) are a must-try. Subhojit noticed that there was virtually nothing for vegetarians on the menu. The service at Top in Town was satisfactory and the attendants were prompt in attending to our requests.

Subhojit Saha at Top in town restaurant.

We proceeded to Radhika, which is the first Bengali eatery to open in Pune. Despite the lack of ambience, Subhojit felt that the eatery had a distinct Bengali touch, thanks to the racks of Durga Puja staple magazines, such as Desh and Anandamela, that are a part and parcel of life in Kolkata. The food over here is served on leaf plates.

The first item that we ordered was the Fish Chops (Rs 25), which tasted crisp and had a perfect blend of spices. Subhojit couldn't resist Kausha Mangsho (Mutton for Rs 60) and Rice (Rs 15), which is the ultimate dish for any Bong. "Everything is right with the dish, from the proportion of masalas to the tender pieces of mutton."
Despite being satiated thanks to the double meal, Subhojit still had space to somehow tuck into Sandesh (Rs 7 each) and Kheer Kadam (Rs 7 each), which are made from chhana (paneer) and were a fitting finale to our extensive meal. The service here is with a smile and very fast. Since everyone speaks in Bengali, it felt just like home.

At: Radhika, Off Senapati Bapat Road and Top in Town, Deccan Mall, opposite Deccan Gymkhana Cricket Ground, Garware Bridge.
Call: 9822040581 / 9881130366
Open: All days of the week, from 7 am to 11 pm and 12 am to 11 pm respectively.