Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Kharagpur, known for its railway heritage and IIT campus, offers delicious Bengali, Odia, and street food, along with local shopping experiences. From authentic Bengali fish curry to budget-friendly markets, here’s a guide to the best food and shopping spots in Kharagpur.

 Best Food Experiences in Kharagpur

1️⃣ Traditional Bengali & Odia Cuisine

Since Kharagpur is close to both West Bengal and Odisha, you’ll find a mix of Bengali and Odia dishes.

✅ Must-Try Dishes:
 Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa Fish in Mustard Gravy) – Bengal’s most famous dish.
 Chingri Malai Curry (Prawn Coconut Curry) – A rich and flavorful seafood dish.
 Bhetki Paturi (Fish Wrapped in Banana Leaf) – Steamed fish in mustard paste.
 Pakhala Bhata (Fermented Rice with Curd) – A refreshing Odia dish, perfect for hot weather.
 Ghugni (Yellow Peas Curry) – A popular street snack.

 Where to Eat?

• Hindustan Hotel – Best for Bengali fish curry and rice.
• Hotel Greenland – Serves a mix of Bengali and Odia delicacies.
• Bijoli Grill (IIT Kharagpur) – Famous for Bengali Thali.

2️ Kharagpur’s Famous Street Food

The city has a vibrant street food culture, influenced by Kolkata-style snacks.

✅ Must-Try Street Foods:
 Kathi Rolls – Spicy chicken/egg filling wrapped in a paratha.
 Mughlai Paratha – A deep-fried stuffed paratha with minced meat and egg.
 Telebhaja (Deep-Fried Snacks) – Eggplant fritters, onion pakoras, and more.
 Daalpuri & Alur Dom – Lentil-stuffed puris served with spiced potatoes.
 Jhalmuri (Spicy Puffed Rice Snack) – Bengal’s famous crunchy street snack.

 Best Street Food Spots:

• Gole Bazaar – The best spot for Kathi Rolls and Jhalmuri.
• Prem Bazaar – Popular for Daalpuri, Alur Dom, and Ghugni.
• Near IIT Kharagpur Gate – Street stalls serving rolls and fritters.

3️ Famous Sweets & Desserts in Kharagpur

Bengali sweets are a must-try when visiting Kharagpur.

✅ Must-Try Sweets:
 Mishti Doi (Sweet Yogurt) – A traditional fermented dessert.
 Roshogolla & Sandesh – Bengal’s most famous sweets.
 Langcha & Chhanar Jilipi – Juicy, syrupy sweets similar to Gulab Jamun.
 Patishapta – A crepe filled with coconut and jaggery.

 Best Sweet Shops:

• New Sweetland – Famous for Mishti Doi & Sandesh.
• Bengal Sweets – Serves fresh Roshogolla & Chhanar Jilipi.
• Shree Durga Sweets – Best for Langcha & Malpua.

 Shopping in Kharagpur

Kharagpur is not a big shopping city like Kolkata, but it has some great local markets where you can buy affordable clothes, handicrafts, and fresh produce.

1️ Gole Bazaar (Main Market of Kharagpur)

 Best For: Clothes, electronics, food, street shopping.
 Location: Near Kharagpur Railway Station.

✅ What to Buy?

• Bengali Cotton Sarees – Traditional handwoven sarees.
• Jute Handicrafts & Bags – Eco-friendly gifts.
• Electronics & Accessories – Budget-friendly options available.
• Street Food & Local Spices – A must-visit for food lovers.

2️ Prem Bazaar

 Best For: Daily essentials, local spices, and budget shopping.
 Location: Near IIT Kharagpur.

✅ What to Buy?

• Local Bengali Spices (Mustard, Panch Phoron, etc.).
• Casual Clothing & Footwear.
• Street snacks and sweets.

3️ Inda Market

 Best For: Fresh produce, home essentials, and local products.
 Location: Inda, Kharagpur.

✅ What to Buy?

• Fresh Fish & Vegetables.
• Handmade Clay Pots & Utensils.
• Affordable household items.

4️ IIT Kharagpur Campus Shops

 Best For: Books, IIT Kharagpur souvenirs, gadgets.
 Location: Inside IIT Kharagpur.

✅ What to Buy?

• IIT Kharagpur T-Shirts, Mugs, and Stationery.
• Books and Study Materials.
• Laptop & Mobile Accessories.

5️ Nearby Shopping Destinations (For Bigger Malls & Brands)

If you want a bigger shopping experience, you can visit:

 Kolkata (Esplanade, New Market, South City Mall) – Best for branded clothing & luxury shopping.
 Medinipur Market (30 km from Kharagpur) – Known for handicrafts and rural products.

 Best Food & Shopping Spots in Kharagpur (Quick Guide)

 Travel Tips for Food & Shopping in Kharagpur

✔ Try local fish dishes – Kharagpur is close to Bengal’s best fish markets.
✔ Bargain in local markets – Prices are flexible, especially in Gole Bazaar.
✔ Avoid peak hours in markets – Crowds are high in the evening.
✔ Carry cash – Small vendors may not accept digital payments.
✔ Try famous sweet shops – Bengali sweets make great gifts.

Kharagpur is a hidden gem for food lovers and budget shoppers. Whether you're enjoying a traditional Bengali meal, savoring street food, shopping for handicrafts, or buying IIT Kharagpur souvenirs, the city offers a unique blend of flavors and experiences. Don't leave without trying Mishti Doi and exploring Gole Bazaar!