Two Chefs Share Their Favourite Durga Puja Foods In Delhi NCR

Durga Pujo in Bengal is not just about devotion and dazzling pandals—it’s as much about food, nostalgia, and indulgence. From fragrant biryanis to street-side puchkas, every bite is steeped in memory and tradition. Here are some Pujo favourites recommended by food lovers and chefs Toonika Guha and Shridula Chatterjee, who swear by them year after year.

Arsalan’s Mutton Biryani with Chicken Chaap

No Pujo is complete without biryani—and for many, Arsalan reigns supreme. Guha shares, “When it comes to biryani, I am loyal to the mutton biryani (with chicken chaap) from Arsalan. As someone who was born and brought up in Kolkata, Arsalan has been my all-time favourite. There’s something about their biryani that has the ability…” A plate of this iconic Kolkata biryani, fragrant with saffron and perfectly cooked meat, is a Pujo essential.

Address: J-2/5, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi 

Non-Veg Thali at 6 Ballygunj Place

Durga Pujo calls for a feast—and few spreads do it better than the non-veg thali at 6 Ballygunj Place. Complete with kosha mangsho, fish fry, kochuri, and more, it’s a meal that celebrates the richness of Bengali cuisine. Guha says, “When I’m not hosting supper clubs, it’s quite impossible to rustle up such a wide range of dishes on a busy day, and 6 Ballygunj just hits the spot with their thali.”

Address: Eldeco Centre, Shivalik Colony, Saket, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110017

Fish Fry from Bijoli Grill

Crisp on the outside, succulent on the inside—the Bijoli Grill fish fry has stood the test of time. For Guha, it’s a nostalgic favourite: “Fish fry is one of my most favourite Bengali snacks, and Bijoli Grill is the OG when it comes to fish fry. During Pujo, they have stalls in most major pujos such as DLF Phase 1 in Gurgaon, CR Park, and more.”

Address: C-449, Bipin Chandra Pal Marg, Block C, Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110019

Puchkas from C.R. Park Market 4

For Chatterjee, no Pujo is complete without her daily dose of puchkas. “I’ve been loyal to this vendor since I was 15 years old and the bhaja moshla he makes for the puchka jol is UNMATCHED!” she says. Crunchy shells, spiced potato filling, and tangy water with a kick—these puchkas are a ritual in themselves, especially during the five festive days.

Address: Block I, Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110019

Mutton Biryani at Kashmere Gate Durga Puja

Another beloved biryani comes from the Bengali Senior Secondary School grounds during the Kashmere Gate Durga Puja. For Chatterjee, it’s tied to family tradition: “This one, again, has been a constant, almost like an annual pilgrimage my parents would take me to without fail, usually on Nabomi, where biryani is cooked within the premises. It is so good that the meat would simply fall off the bone.”

Address: 22-A, Sham Nath Marg, Indraprastha College, Civil Lines, Delhi, 110054

Fish Orley from Bijoli Grill

If you’ve had Bijoli Grill’s fish fry, their fish orley is the next indulgence to try. Chatterjee recalls, “The first time I had it was in Kolkata almost 12–13 years back and I’ve been hooked ever since! They put up a stall every year at Co-operative Durga Puja in C.R. Park.” Fluffy, golden batter enveloping tender fish makes it an unforgettable Pujo snack.

Address: C-449, Bipin Chandra Pal Marg, Block C, Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110019

The Anondo Mela at C.R. Park

Before the main Pujo days, C.R. Park came alive with the Anondo Melas, which were traditional Bengali fairs where food took centre stage. Chatterjee paints a vivid picture: “It is a food-focused event where people sell homemade and traditional Bengali food… Beautifully done stalls, fragrant biryani, the sizzle of big fat chops being fried, yummiest handmade and homemade mithais by dadis and nanis of C.R. Park… if this doesn’t give you the essence, what will?” For any true-blue foodie, this is the heart of Pujo celebrations.

Address: Mela Ground, Block B, C.R. Park

Also Read: Where To Find The Best Bengali Food In Delhi NCR