The festive season is upon us, and that means it’s time for some good old Indian-style feasting. And now you don’t need to visit the pandals in Kolkata to get a taste of traditional Bengali food! Come to Taftoon in Mumbai, Maharashtra to experience Parar Bhog in all its glory. Each dish pays homage to the vibrant culture and flavours of Bengal. Keep reading to find out what’s on offer:
The Menu
Start your journey with Bengali breads that are perfect for dipping into curries or enjoying on their own. The Plain Luchi is a golden, fluffy flatbread that complements the spices in each dish. If you’re in the experimental mood, try the Radha Bollobhi Luchi—a Bengali puri stuffed with spiced mashed lentils or green peas, which adds a satisfying, savoury surprise with every bite.
Now moving on to the rice, there are three options available. The Ghee Bhaat is a fragrant Basmati rice dish topped with golden cashews, raisins, and jharna ghee—a comforting choice that enhances the flavours of any curry. Or try the Basanti Polao, a festive Gobindobhog rice preparation with saffron, cashews, and raisins, traditionally reserved for special occasions. The Aloo Jhinge Posto, a lightly spiced ridge gourd and potato dish cooked in a fragrant poppy seed paste, showcases Bengal’s love for minimal yet impactful flavours.
Moving on to heartier fare, you’ll find a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries that bring the warmth of traditional Bengali kitchens. Chhena Dalna, with crispy homemade channa balls in a mildly sweet gravy, and Dhokar Dalna featuring gram flour and banana flower cakes fried and stewed in a spiced curry, are both great choices when you’re looking for something nourishing and comforting.
For a soul-warming dal, try the Sona Moong Mohan Dal —a slow-cooked moong dal tempered with hing and cooked with carrots, beans, and peas, or the festive Macher Matha Diye Moong Dal, a Durga Puja special where crushed fish head adds a savoury depth to moong dal with peas and warm spices.
For all the meat lovers, fear not! Bengali Durga Puja fare includes dishes like the Sorse Bhetki, a Bengali-style fish curry made with freshly ground mustard paste, and the Kosha Mangsho, a slow-cooked mutton curry with tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. For a rustic touch, the Dak Bungalow Chicken with eggs and potatoes, is slow-cooked to perfection with its rich, spice-laden gravy. These all pair well with Plain Luchi, but also with rice options like the Ghee Bhaat.
No Bengali meal is complete without indulging in the sweet side. Taftoon’s Navratri menu offers Mishti Doi, which is a creamy and luscious yogurt dessert that’s quintessentially Bengali. Or try the Kamla Bhog, a refreshing sweet infused with orange, reminiscent of roshogolla but with a tangy twist. For a taste of something truly unique, the Baked Jaggery Rasgulla is made with chenna balls sweetened with jaggery, soaked in thickened milk, and then baked—a rich and satisfying end to your Bengali feast.
The Navratri Bengali specials at Taftoon capture the very essence of Kolkata’s food culture during Durga Puja. Whether you’re reliving memories of pandal hopping or discovering the rich culinary traditions of Bengal, this menu is a feast to remember. Come, celebrate Navratri with us and let the flavours of Bengal take you on a festive culinary journey.
