Gourmet Burger Festival in Kolkata

The vada pao may be the most authentic Indian burger that is popular across the country. Unfortunately, Kolkatans cannot offer any burger versions of their own, as the burger as a concept has never been that popular in the city. The first McDonald’s in Kolkata opened in 2007, a good 11 years after it opened in India in New Delhi. Well, it is better late than never, and the ever-growing popularity of the burger in Kolkata is a testament to that. 

While it all started with McDonald’s, soon other restaurants began providing the juiciest burgers and some unique varieties as well. Today, there are many international chains offering divine and indulgent burgers. It is no wonder, then, that when Park Hotel announced a world gourmet burger festival at The Bridge, the interest level of the city heightened and the focus turned to it. If one had to take a trip around the world with gourmet burgers, this is the time and place for it. From oozy grilled cheese packed between two perfect sesame buns to juicy roasted pork loin with chilli cheese wedges, this festival has something for everyone. 

From the land of the gods comes a burger with Greek lamb meatballs and tzatziki, which is an absolute pleasure to devour. There is a burger with a king fish steak in a seven-grain bun, accompanied by horseradish cream and French fries with flavours from San Marino. While there are some flavours from Barcelona (roasted pork loin), there is also a burger reminiscent of El Salvador with chicken strips in piri piri salsa and chilli cheese wedges. How can one talk about burgers and not talk about America? The Texan burger with a squealer beef patty in black buns, guacamole and chilli cheese wedges is nothing short of bold and beautiful. 

When one talks about burgers, one only thinks of all the protein in the world. Rarely is there a menu that displays an equal number of vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian options in burgers. The same cannot be said here. There is an equally enviable variety of burgers in the vegetarian section, from the porcini and Swiss cheese sliders in savoury horseshoe buns with roma tomato sauce from the Catanzaro region (Italy) to a barlotti and edamame burger in rye square buns and fried chilli gnocchi from San Marino. There are flavours from El Salvador, Poland and (not to forget) Texas in the vegetarian section. 

The festival will be on till the 31st of July at The Bridge in Park Hotel, and it is a must-try event for any true burger lover.