Durga Puja is not just a religious festival in Kolkata—it’s an emotion. For five days, the city comes alive with dazzling pandals, mesmerizing idols, cultural programs, and, of course, food. For Bengalis, Durga Puja is incomplete without indulging in festive delicacies. Traditionally, this has meant bhog—a wholesome offering of khichuri, labra, beguni, chutney, and payesh—along with street food like rolls, cutlets, biryani, and sweets.

But in recent years, the culinary landscape of Durga Puja has been changing. Alongside traditional fare, global cuisines are making their way into pandals, food stalls, and restaurants across Kolkata. Italian pastas, Middle Eastern shawarmas, Thai curries, Japanese sushi, and American burgers are no longer rare indulgences—they are part of the festive dining experience. This blending of the traditional with the international has given rise to what can only be called fusion feasts.

So how exactly is global cuisine redefining Durga Puja menus in Kolkata? Let’s dive in.

 

The Evolution of Puja Food: From Bhog to Burgers

Durga Puja has always been synonymous with food. Families and friends plan their pandal-hopping itineraries around iconic food stops. But while the classics like Mughlai parathas, kathi rolls, and kosha mangsho still rule, young foodies are demanding more variety.

With exposure to global travel, food shows, and international dining chains, people in Kolkata are developing more adventurous palates. Restaurants and hotels are picking up on this trend, offering menus that cater to both nostalgia and novelty. Today, it’s common to see Mediterranean mezze platters, sushi rolls, pizzas, and Korean fried chicken sitting alongside luchi and alur dom on Puja tables.

 

Global Cuisine in Pandals and Food Stalls

One of the most exciting changes is happening right on the streets. Earlier, pandal hoppers expected stalls selling chowmein, egg rolls, and phuchka. Now, many food stalls have diversified, offering dishes like:

• Middle Eastern Shawarmas & Falafels: Portable, quick, and full of flavor—perfect for late-night pandal hoppers.

• Mexican Tacos & Nachos: A hit with youngsters who want spicy, finger-friendly snacks.

• Japanese Sushi & Tempura: Once a fine-dining specialty, now available at pop-up counters during Puja.

• Korean Ramen & Fried Chicken: Riding the K-drama wave, Korean dishes are becoming festive favorites.

This growing presence of global flavors doesn’t mean traditional snacks are fading away—they now exist side by side, creating a more cosmopolitan Puja foodscape.

 

Restaurants and Buffets Going Global

While street stalls experiment with pocket-friendly options, fine-dining restaurants and hotels take global cuisine to another level during Durga Puja.

• Luxury hotels like The Oberoi Grand and ITC Sonar curate special Puja buffets where diners can savor Indian delicacies along with sushi counters, Italian pasta stations, and continental grills.

• Casual dining chains  like The Garden offer global cuisine round the year and some introduce limited-edition Puja menus blending global and local—think mangsho lasagna, shorshe salmon, or mishti doi cheesecake.

• Cafés and bakeries join in with festive specials like themed cupcakes, fusion desserts, and global coffee pairings.

For many, this mix of traditional and global creates the perfect festive indulgence—something familiar yet excitingly new.

 

The Fusion Food Revolution

One of the most creative aspects of global cuisine in Durga Puja is fusion food. Chefs and home cooks alike are blending Bengali traditions with international flavors to create unique dishes. Examples include:

• Kosha Mangsho Pasta: Slow-cooked Bengali mutton curry layered with creamy Italian pasta.

• Hilsa Sushi: A Japanese classic with Bengal’s most beloved fish.

• Luchi Tacos: Puffy luchis used as taco shells filled with spiced fillings.

• Rasgulla Cheesecake: A dessert that marries Bengali mishti with New York flair.

These dishes aren’t just gimmicks—they showcase the city’s creativity and adaptability, turning Durga Puja into a true gastronomic playground.

 

Why Global Cuisine Works During Durga Puja

The popularity of international flavors during Puja boils down to a few reasons:

1. Youthful Demand: Kolkata’s younger crowd wants food that reflects their global exposure.

2. Cultural Openness: Bengalis have always embraced new influences—be it music, art, or food.

3. Social Media Influence: Instagram-worthy dishes like sushi platters or rainbow desserts get more traction during Puja.

4. Convenience: Global snacks like wraps, dim sums, or pizzas are easy to eat on the go—ideal for pandal hopping.

Together, these factors make international cuisines a natural fit for the festive atmosphere.

 

Regional Influences on Global Cuisine in Kolkata

Interestingly, the global cuisine found during Puja often has a Kolkata twist.

• Chinese food in Kolkata is famously “desi-Chinese,” with spicy gravies and fried rice adapted for local tastes.

• Italian dishes often include Bengali ingredients—think pasta with mustard-infused sauces.

• Middle Eastern kebabs have found a permanent place in Puja food culture, blending seamlessly with Mughlai influences.

This hybridization ensures that global cuisine feels familiar, not foreign, d

uring Durga Puja.

 

The Social Side of Food During Puja

Food during Durga Puja is more than just eating—it’s about community bonding. Global cuisines add a new dimension to this. Sharing pizzas with friends after hours of pandal hopping, or enjoying shawarmas at midnight near Maddox Square, creates memories that last a lifetime.

Restaurants also become social hubs, where families celebrate together over buffet spreads that offer both bhog-style dishes and continental delights. Global food doesn’t replace tradition—it adds more layers to the festive togetherness.

 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Puja Food Trends

As Kolkata becomes increasingly globalized, international cuisines will only grow in importance during Durga Puja. Some trends to watch:

• Plant-based global dishes: Vegan sushi, tofu curries, and mock meat kebabs are likely to appear.

• Health-conscious fusions: Whole-grain pastas with Bengali curries, air-fried snacks, and sugar-free fusion desserts.

• Dessert innovation: Expect more crossovers like tiramisu sandesh, gelato with mishti flavors, and global pastries with festive motifs.

• Street food globalization: Pop-up stalls serving authentic ramen bowls, tacos, and Thai satays could become as common as egg rolls.

Durga Puja will always be about bhog, mishti, and biryani—but alongside these, the festival is steadily embracing the world on its plate.

 

Conclusion: A Global Taste of Tradition

Durga Puja in Kolkata is evolving into a culinary celebration where global meets local. While traditional bhog and Bengali delicacies remain irreplaceable, the inclusion of international cuisines adds vibrancy, variety, and excitement to the festival. From shawarma stalls near pandals to sushi platters in five-star hotels, the flavors of the world now mingle with the spirit of Durga Puja.

Ultimately, this fusion of food mirrors the essence of the festival itself—a celebration of unity, diversity, and joy. Just as Durga Puja brings people from all walks of life together, the evolving menu brings together tastes from across the globe, making the feast as inclusive as the festival itself.