8 Durga Puja Special Street Foods You Cannot Miss

Durga Puja is one of the biggest festivals in India, celebrated with devotion and joy across many states, but most prominently in West Bengal. During Durga Puja, stalls line the streets and temporary food joints open near pandals, serving dishes that people associate strongly with the celebrations. This article explores eight iconic street foods that are widely enjoyed during the festival.

Durga Puja brings families, friends, and communities together. Alongside visiting pandals and attending cultural programmes, food becomes one of the biggest highlights. Streets in Kolkata, Siliguri, Durgapur, and even in other Indian cities with large Bengali communities, transform into food destinations. During these festive days, a wide variety of food is available, ranging from traditional Bengali snacks to popular Indian street items. People look forward to certain dishes that are enjoyed only during this festival or feel more special when eaten while pandal hopping. Street food during Durga Puja is not only about quick snacks but about sharing plates, conversations, and creating memories of the season.

Mughlai Paratha

Mughlai paratha is a deep-fried paratha stuffed with spiced fillings such as eggs, onions, and minced meat. It is one of the most loved street foods during Durga Puja evenings. This dish originated during the Mughal influence on Bengal and has now become an essential part of Kolkata street food culture. The paratha is usually served with a side of aloo sabzi, salad, or ketchup. Stalls near pandals often prepare them fresh and serve them piping hot, which makes it a filling option for people moving from one pandal to another. 

Egg Roll and Chicken Roll

The egg roll and chicken roll are iconic Kolkata street food items and are strongly associated with Durga Puja. These rolls are made using flaky parathas, which are then filled with omelettes, spiced chicken, onions, and sauces. The dish is easy to eat on the move, which is why it has become so popular among pandal hoppers. The egg roll is considered the simpler option, while the chicken roll adds more protein and flavour. Stalls selling rolls attract long queues, especially in the evenings, as no Puja outing feels complete without grabbing one. 

Chowmein and Chilli Chicken

Chinese-style street food has become deeply linked with Durga Puja food culture. Chowmein, tossed with vegetables and sauces, is sold alongside plates of chilli chicken. This combination is one of the busiest sellers during the festival because it is affordable and suited to groups. The influence of Chinese cuisine on Kolkata has a long history, and during Puja, the popularity of this food reaches its peak. Stalls cook large batches on woks, and the sound of stir-frying becomes a familiar background during the evenings. Many pandal visitors prefer a quick plate of chowmein and chicken before continuing with their celebrations.

Ghugni Chaat

Ghugni is a dish made with yellow or white peas cooked in spices and served with chopped onions, chillies, and tamarind chutney. During Durga Puja, ghugni chaat is sold in large quantities across food stalls because it is light, flavourful, and affordable. Vendors often add a squeeze of lemon and coriander to bring freshness to the dish. Ghugni has been a part of Bengal’s food culture for generations, and during the Puja, it is eaten as a snack between pandal visits. In some places, versions of ghugni are also served with bread or luchi, which makes it more filling. The dish is an excellent vegetarian option and remains a festival favourite.

Phuchka

Phuchka, known in other parts of India as golgappa or pani puri, is one of the most essential street foods during Durga Puja. In Bengal, phuchka stands are surrounded by crowds throughout the festival. The puris are filled with spiced mashed potatoes and dipped in tangy tamarind water flavoured with spices. The unique taste of Bengal’s phuchka lies in the strong use of lemon and black salt in the filling. Eating phuchka is a social activity, as friends and family members gather around a vendor and eat several rounds together. 

Fish Fry

Fish fry is a dish that highlights Bengal’s love for fish. During Durga Puja, many food stalls sell batter-fried fish, usually bhetki, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden. The dish is served with kasundi, a mustard sauce that balances the richness of the fried fish. This street food is not only popular among locals but also among visitors from outside Bengal who want to taste authentic flavours of the region. The preparation of fish fry is quick, which makes it an ideal snack to sell during the crowded evenings of Puja. Its crisp texture and flavour make it a highly sought-after delicacy during the festival.

Mishti and Sweets

No Durga Puja celebration is complete without sweets. Shops and temporary stalls offer an endless variety, including rasgulla, sandesh, mishti doi, and chomchom. Sweets are also exchanged as gifts during the festival, which increases their importance. While some people prefer to buy sweets from established shops, many enjoy the fresh mishti prepared at smaller stalls near pandals. Mishti doi, a fermented sweet curd, is particularly popular as it offers a refreshing taste after eating heavy food. Durga Puja becomes an excuse for many families to try different types of Bengali sweets that they may not eat regularly during the year.

Aloo Dum with Luchi

Luchi with aloo dum is another beloved combination during Durga Puja. Luchi is a deep-fried bread similar to puri, and aloo dum is a spiced potato curry cooked with onions, ginger, and tomatoes. This pairing is considered comfort food in Bengal and is eaten at any time of the day during the festival. Many stalls set up near pandals sell hot luchis with steaming aloo dum, making it a satisfying meal. Families often stop for this dish during the daytime before starting their pandal visits, and it is also packed as takeaway.