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6 Famous Cabin Restaurants To Visit In Kolkata (West Bengal)

Kolkata’s heritage is more than just its famous monuments. It also includes the old-fashioned cabins, or “kay-been” as they are often spelled.

Peeking into these cabins, often hidden behind the arrays of yellow and black taxis or tana rickshaws, evoke a sense of nostalgia among the elderly.

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The cabins are renowned for their delectable Fish Kabiraji and other such dishes. They are quintessential Bengali delicacies that capture the authentic flavor of Calcutta in the past. 

These timeless locations are gradually being engulfed by modern cafes and restaurants, but the city still embraces them warmly. The cabins have been serving quality food for generations and are quite popular among the locals.

In this article, you will get to know about the following cabin restaurant to visit in Kolkata,

  1. Anadi Cabin
  2. Golbari
  3. Das Cabin
  4. Dhiren Cabin
  5. Apanjan
  6. Basanta Cabin

Let’s see each of these eateries in detail.

1. Anadi Cabin

Anadi Cabin is a historical cabin in the heart of the city, Esplanade. It was founded in 1925 by Balaram Jana and named after his son, Anandi.

The cabin reflects the Mughal influence on Kolkata’s cuisine, which was brought by Tipu Sultan and Wajid Ali Shah. They introduced dishes like biryani, kababs, and Mughlai paratha to India.

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Anadi Cabin is famous for its Mughlai paratha stuffed with minced meat and egg, and its fish cutlet. The place attracts many customers every day who want to taste this Mughal delicacy.

The cabin has maintained its old charm with wooden furniture and spacious interiors. The food here is delicious too!

2. Golbari

Mutton is one of the most beloved dishes among Bengalis, who have been enjoying Kosha Mangsho for generations. Kosha Mangsho is a dish of mutton that is fried and then slowly cooked with ground spices.

Some say that this place is where Kosha Mangsho originated. Golbari Mangsho is a 95-year-old cabin-style restaurant in Shyambazar Five-point that serves the spiciest meat curries and attracts both locals and visitors.

The mouthwatering flavor of their chicken or mutton makes one forget about other Bengali delicacies like fish, rasgulla, or Misti Doi. For gastronomes, Golbari and Kosha Mangsho are almost synonymous.

3. Das Cabin

Within the busy bazaar of Gariahat, lies a renowned heritage cafe, the Das Cabin. It has had a strong fan base for ages. This place has been serving delicious fast food for generations. 

The hidden gem in Kolkata serves an iconic morning breakfast toast omelet. You can enjoy their signature Mughlai Paratha, fish cutlet, or Kabiraji Cultlet with a hot cup of tea. Don’t forget to try their Falooda kulfi, which is a steal at only 50/-.

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Das Cabin is a great spot to relax and savor some mouthwatering dishes after a shopping spree at the busy bazaar of Gariahat.

4. Dhiren Cabin

Dhiren Cabin is located close to the Shobabajar metro station and is quite famous among the locals. The 115 age-old Dhiren Cafe was established by Dhiren Dey in 1938 and is serving some delicious dishes ever since.

You can choose from a variety of fast food items, such as mutton cutlet, fish pakoras, fish fingers, and fish fry, all accompanied by salad and Kasundi. The food is fresh and flavorful, and the portions are generous.

One of the specialties of Dhiren Cabin is the occasional pudding made with cottage cheese and sometimes even a duck egg. This dessert is a rare treat that you don’t want to miss. Another popular dish is the Doi Chicken, a creamy and tangy curry that goes well with rice or roti.

Dhiren Cabin is a great place to experience the authentic taste of Kolkata’s fast food culture.

5. Apanjan

Apanjan is a cozy and popular cabin restaurant in Kalighat that offers a variety of mouth-watering dishes to its customers. The name of the cafe “Apanjan” literally transforms to “the near and dear ones/which is our own” in Bengali, and the staffs treat every visitor dearly.

The food is amazing and the Telebhaja (deep-fried snacks) will provoke your senses. You can enjoy crispy and tasty fish fries, such as Fish Finger, Fish Kabiraji, fish chop, fish diamond fry, Fish Orly, etc. They also have chicken and mutton dishes that are equally delicious.

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One of the best beverages served here is the strong aromatic tea that brings people together from all corners of Kolkata. During winter, you can also try their unique beetroot cutlet that will tantalize your taste buds.

Apanjan is the perfect place to be for a satisfying meal or a quick bite. The ambiance is simple and comfortable, and the prices are reasonable.

6. Basanta Cabin

Basanta Cabin is a century-old eatery that has been serving delicious food on College Street since 1931. It was founded by Basanta Kumar Roy, who passed away in 1971. His son Ambar and his wife Jamuna have been running the cabin ever since.

The cabin is famous for its chicken cutlet, chicken kasha, fish fry, fowl cutlet, and Fish Kabiraji. These dishes have attracted many celebrities, including Uttam Kumar and Basanta Chowdhury, who were regular customers of the cabin.

Basanta Cabin has preserved its golden charm and classic taste. Students, professors, and shopkeepers visit this cabin all day long.

These are some of the best cabin restaurants in Kolkata that you must visit. They reflect the simple lifestyle of Calcuttians that is prominent in the heart of the city.

Here you can get quality meals at affordable prices, a cozy atmosphere devoid of air conditioning, the hustle and bustle of the waiters, the sturdy plywood furniture, and the faded walls that tell a lot of stories.


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