The Opening Act: Kolkata’s Best Appetisers To Start The Meal Right

The first bite often decides the rest of the meal, and the eateries in Kolkata understand this better than most. A true food lover’s paradise, the city offers everything from Chinese, Haka, to the rich Awadhi and Continental dishes. No matter the cuisine, seasoned diners know that the opening order matters. With that in mind, here are our picks of the best eateries in Kolkata that get it right from the very first starter.

Tre Queso Quesadilla @ Mehico, Camac Street Area, Kolkata

Mehico is the crowd favourite when it comes to Mexican food. Known for serving authentic Mexican cuisine, this is one of the best eateries in Kolkata to satisfy your cravings for ‘antojitos’. The Tre Queso Quesadilla served here is our recommendation for you. Packed with a rich blend of cheeses and folded into street-style tortillas, it is indulgent without being heavy. Whether you are ordering for yourself or sharing with the table, it sets the tone for the meal perfectly.

Other must-haves: Queso Fundido Con Hongos, Loaded Fries, Crisp Chicken Strips, Sopa De Lima, Salsa And Chips Sundae, Mango And Jalapeno Margarita

Cost for two: ₹ 2000

Palak Patta Chaat @ Eden Courtyard, Mani Square Mall, Kankurgachi, Kolkata

The Eden Courtyard offers a modern, laid-back vibe, making it stand out as one of the best dining places in Kolkata, where you can sit and relax while sipping on refreshing beverages and munching on food along with it. The all-veg menu here features a vast section of Indian and fusion appetisers you can choose from. The palak patta chaat is our recommendation for you. The crisp spinach fritters layered with tangy chutneys and crunchy toppings come together in a well-balanced dish that is easily the best appetiser before your main course.

Other must-haves: Multani Paneer Tikka, Paneer Khurchan Tacos, Tandoori Kebab Platter, Beetroot Hummus

Cost for two: ₹ 1500

Pan Fried Chilli Fish @ Haka, City Centre 1, Sector 1, Salt Lake

For the crowd of Kolkata, Haka is a go-to place for every Chinese cuisine cravings. This place is iconically famous for its noodles and rice dishes, but the pan-fried chilli chicken, from their starters section, is something you should not miss out on. This crunchy, spicy dish is the perfect appetiser and also pairs amazingly well with refreshing beverages. Haka stands among some of the best dining places in Kolkata for Chinese and Pan-Asian cuisine.

Other must-haves: Shanghai Vegetables Spring Rolls, Drums of Heaven Hong Kong Style, Singaporean Chilli Prawns, Honey Noodles With Ice cream, Oriental Soul

Cost for two: ₹ 800

Tangdi Kebab @ Kouzina Mining Co., Sector 1, Salt Lake

Are you looking to enjoy your meal in a place with rustic interiors and a mountain cabin-like vibe? Then Kouzina Mining Co. is just for you. The tandoor-roasted Tangdi kebab served here is an appetiser that steals the spotlight from the main dishes. This flavourful dish is one of the many reasons this place is known as one of the best dining places in Kolkata.

Other must-haves: Jhinga Malwani, Chelo Kebab, Assorted Bruschetta, Chicken Lat Me Kai, Chicken Olivetti

Cost for two: ₹ 1200

Truffle Mushroom Bao @ Korean Grill by Momo I Am, Sector 5, Salt Lake

This is one of the best eateries in Kolkata to enjoy authentic Korean and other pan-Asian food. The Korean-style on-table grilled food is popular here, but our recommendation for you is their Truffle Mushroom Bao. The bao is soft, and the creamy truffle mushroom filling makes for a comforting, flavourful start. It’s light enough to share and a great way to ease your way into the meal nicely.

Other must-haves: Kill Bill Bao, Spicy Tuna Maki, Pork Short Ribs, Tibetan Veg Momo, tempura

Cost for two: ₹ 2800