Bengali feast at Babu Cultre w/ Potli Kebab, Macch’r Elo Jhelo, Babu’r Kasha Mangsho and more.

Being a food blogger by passion, I myself do not rely on zomato reviews specially the ones that have loads of blogger reviews. But I decided to give Babu Culture a try because the menu caughth my attention. And I am so glad I tried this place out.
Not only the food, but also the service and hospitality is excellent.We were welcomed with aam panna in small glasses which was a very sweet gesture.

Here’s what we had,
• Dhonepata ar Shorshe Diye Macch’r Elo Jhelo Rs.340, Taste 4/5: 8 pcs of Sliced Bhetki tossed in a spicy concoction of garlic, coriander, mustard and green chilli - a really good appetiser, very similar to the Coriander fish we find at Chinese restaurants. The mustard didn’t come through that well, but it was still pretty tasty. The bhetki (asian sea bass) was fresh and of high quality.

• Murgi’r Potli Bhapa Kebab Rs.275, Taste 4.5/5: Minced chicken combined with onion, green chillies, freshly ground mustard, fresh cream and then steamed in banana leaves - something very new for me. It was fantastic. The aroma of green chillies and mustard was very enjoyable. Presentation was also very pretty.

• Lebu Pata Diye Chingri’r Malaicurry Rs.430, Taste 4/5: 4 pcs of prawns immersed in a gravy which is our usual malaicurry but with a prominent aroma of Lemon leaves. The malaicurry was creamy having a vibe of Red thai curry but with bengali spices. However, It would be better if they’d use two large pieces of golda chingri instead of 4 average sized pieces.

• Babu’r Kasha Mangsho Rs.425, Taste 4.75/5: We ordered for Kala Bhuna but I just realised looking at the bill that we were served Kasha Mangsho. Even while eating it, we were surprised how it didn’t taste like kala bhuna and was more like mutton kasha. However, this was the showstopper. The cook on the meat was excellent - so tender and juicy! The kasha was also extremely flavourful. It was reminiscent of the famous golbari kasha mangsho but better. I loved how they used onion petals to add a little crunch to the dish. The blend of spices were wonderful. Another must have.

• Posto’r Bora Rs.195, Taste 4.5/5: I don’t generally order this dish at restaurants because they always mess it up. Babu culture left me in awe with this one. They made it as good as it’s made at home. For the uninitiated, posto’r bora are pan fried fried fritters of poppy seed paste mixed with shredded coconuts, onion, green chillies and char magaz. Highly recommended.

• Chingri Morich Pulao Rs.225, Taste 3.5/5: A very basic pulao with prawns, flavoured with freshly ground black pepper. The quantity of chopped prawns wasn’t much. It tasted okay.

• Luchi Rs.20/ pc : Soft fluffy pooris made with white flour - the bengali way.

• Daab’r Payesh Rs.120, Taste 2.5/5: We ordered this keeping in mind the famous Elaneer payasam which is a tender coconut payasam from Kerala but what came in was very different even though the consistency was the same. There wasn’t much of coconut bits or coconut flavour in the payesh. As a payesh it is good, but cannot be called Daab’r Payesh.

• Kamala and Gandharaj Delight Rs.120, Taste 4.25/5: This was a beauty. Very lightly sweetened with an aromatic touch of gandharaj and a citrusy flavour of orange. The texture was beautiful - somewhere between a Sandesh and Steamed pudding. It was also topped with orange marmalade. I loved it!

Definitely recommending it to people who are willing to try fusion bengali or even just bengali food apart from the big names in the city. It’s worth it :)