These 7 Spots Are A Must-Visit To Enjoy Kolkata’s Indo-Chinese Cuisine

If chowmein and chilli chicken are your comfort foods, you have Kolkata’s Chinese community to thank for them. 

The story begins with Tong Achew (often referred to as Tom Atchew), a bankrupt Chinese trader who landed on the banks of the Hooghly River in Acchipur in the late eighteenth century. The then Governor General Warren Hastings granted him land for setting up a sugar factory. This venture was, however, short-lived, but it marked the beginning of the first Chinese settlement in India. 

The community soon moved towards the nearest big city, Kolkata, in search of work and settled in what is now known as the Tiretta Bazaar. Over time, these Chinese migrants from different parts of China, including Canton, Hakka and Hubei, established businesses and social institutions that became an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric.

 One of the community’s principal occupations was leather tanning. But this occupation came with a lot of pollution in the surrounding areas. The British administration then relocated them to the eastern fringes of the city, to what is now known as Tangra or the new Chinatown. 

The appetite for Chinese food grew with the growing population.  In 1924, Auyue Shoon of the Au family opened Nanking, widely regarded as India’s first Chinese restaurant, on the ground floor of the Toong On Church, a Chinese temple established by Cantonese migrants. It introduced Calcutta’s residents to Chinese cooking at a time when such flavours were largely unfamiliar.

Authentic Chinese cuisine, however, was too subtle for the Indian taste buds. Chefs therefore adapted their recipes with more chillies, garlic, spices and gravies. This fusion is what we now call Indo-Chinese cuisine. Eau Chew is another place which sprang up in 1927 and is the oldest surviving family-run Indo-Chinese restaurant in the city. Its signature Chimney Soup is a favourite amongst its regular customers. 

While Tiretta Bazaar and Tangra continue to be the hub of Chinese culture in the city, a host of new-generation restaurants are elevating Chinese cuisine into fine-dining experiences, and creating more experimental recipes to cater to an evolving crowd.

Tung Nam

A stone’s throw away from Central Metro Station, in a narrow lane near Poddar Court, Tung Nam is proof that great food needs little embellishment. After walking through the lane, you will find yourself in a large dining room furnished with wooden tables and plastic chairs. Established in 2001 and run by the Hsieh family, the restaurant follows an old-school Cantonese style and has become one of Tiretta Bazaar’s most loved locations. The name “Tung Nam” translates to “Southeast” in Chinese. The main course has around 60 dishes to choose from, and the pork preparations surely stand out from the rest. 

Must Try: Yaam Wontons and Noodles

Address: 24, Chatta Wala Gully, Poddar Court, Tiretta Bazaar, Kolkata – 700012

Timings: 12 pm–3 pm and 6 pm–9:30 pm; Tuesday closed

Price for Two: ₹700

Sei Vui

This restaurant is located in a 114-year-old building which once used to serve as a dormitory for members of the community. In 2018, the property was transformed into a dining space to help preserve the historic structure. The restaurant is a combination of charming old-world exteriors and contemporary minimalist interiors. Manager Stephen and his team ensure that stories of the community run parallel to the line-up of delectable dishes. Adjacent to this restaurant is the Yune Leong Futh Church, established by Chinese carpenters in 1908, which can be a quick post-meal visit. 

Must Try: Roasted Chilli Pork, Cha Jang Mein Pork, Sui Mai and Kai Chee Wing Chicken

Address: 17, Blackburn Lane, Tiretta Bazaar, Kolkata – 700073

Timings: 12 pm–9:30 pm; Thursdays closed

Price for Two: ₹800

Big Boss

If you have had enough of Tiretta Bazaar, you can travel south-east to Tangra, where the Chinese community rebuilt itself post the relocation. Big Boss is one of the prime spots to stop by. This is a family-run restaurant known for serving classic Tangra-style Chinese food. The menu balances nostalgia and indulgence, offering everything from seafood specialities to their special prawn preparations.

Must Try: Golden Fried Prawn, Dragon Fish, Crispy Chicken, Prawn Wafer with Beer

Address: 54C, Matheswartala Road, Tangra, Kolkata – 700046

Timings: 12 pm–10:15 pm

Price for Two: ₹1,600

Chinoiserie

Kolkata also has a host of Chinese fine dining options to choose from. Chinoiserie, located in Taj Bengal, is one. The restaurant specialises in Sichuan and Cantonese cooking, combining traditional techniques with contemporary presentations. Signature dishes such as Peking Duck,  served with pancake, hoisin sauce, cucumber and leek salad, handcrafted dim sums and delicately balanced seafood preparations have earned it a loyal following among both locals and international travellers.

Must Try: Gui Zhou Fish with Sichuan Peppercorn and Wok-Tossed Sichuan Mala Chicken

Address: 34-B, Belvedere Road, Alipore, Kolkata – 700027

Timings: 12:30 pm–3:15 pm and 7 pm–11:45 pm

Price for Two: ₹4,000

Yauatcha

This restaurant traces its origin to the Michelin-starred London dim sum teahouse. Located in the Quest Mall, the restaurant is known for its modern Cantonese cuisine, featuring over 40 varieties of dim sums and dumplings. The menu has a diverse set to choose from, with edamames, shiitake mushrooms, water chestnuts, and an equally delectable meat and poultry menu. Curated options are also available with the 6-course meals, Supreme Taste of Yauatcha and Taste of Yauatcha, offering soups, salads, dim sums, stir-fries, rice or noodles, desserts and beverages. 

Must Try: Chicken Char Siu Bun, Poached Peking Dumpling and Wrapped Chicken in Pak Choi with Szechuan Sauce

Address: Quest Mall, 5th Floor, 33 Syed Amir Ali Avenue, Kolkata – 700017

Timings: 12 pm–11:45 pm

Price for Two: ₹3,000

Chowman

Founded in 2010 by musician-turned-entrepreneur  Debaditya Chaudhury, Chowman was built to bring fine-dining to the neighbourhoods of Kolkata. Chaudhary has travelled extensively across Asia and has created a blend of authentic Chinese and Indian flavours. Today, the brand has expanded across multiple Indian cities while remaining deeply associated with Kolkata’s Indo-Chinese food culture.

Must Try: Mixed Wok-Tossed Hakka Noodles, Fiery Roasted Chilli Pork, Kolkata-Style Chilli Chicken and Kung Pao Chicken

Locations: Multiple outlets across India

Timings: 11:45 am–5 pm and 5:45 pm–10:30 pm

Price for Two: ₹1,000

Jimmy’s Kitchen

This was founded by C.Y. Chen in 1951. Stepping inside feels like entering a time capsule that will take you back to the 1980s and 1990s, with many generations of the same family returning to the restaurant for familiar flavours. The restaurant is especially celebrated for its pork dishes. 

Must Try: Roasted Chilli Pork, Chao Shaao, Chilli Chicken, Prawn Balls and Chilli Garlic Lemon Chicken

Locations: Multiple outlets across Kolkata

Timings: 12 pm–11 pm

Price for Two: ₹1,000

Read More: Tiretta Bazaar At Dawn: Kolkata’s Forgotten Chinatown Awakens with Steam, Soup & Stories

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