Last updated on February 12th, 2022 at 06:28 pm
Being born and raised in Kolkata, it seems obvious to me to suggest a list of things to buy in Kolkata. But believe me! Shortlisting souvenirs from Kolkata was not easy at all. When I started drafting this post, I had a huge list of items to suggest that you can buy and carry along as a souvenir from the city.
That’s practically not possible and I understand that.
Eventually, I settled down to a list of 15 items that you can carry easily in your suitcase without stuffing it. Couple of these souvenirs are food souvenirs because Kolkata is such a food paradise and it won’t be proper to give them a miss.
Kolkata or Calcutta (the name coined by the British) is the capital of the eastern state of West Bengal, India.
The city is a wonderful blend of fascinating history, century-old heritage, beautiful cultural attractions, amazing food scene, and being the capital city, you get a full representation of Bengal artifacts widely available here.
It is nearly impossible to visit the ‘City of Joy’ (another name for Kolkata coined by French author Dominique Lapierre in his book ‘City of Joy’) and not buy a few souvenirs.
Without much ado, let us dive straight into what all things to buy in Kolkata.
A) Things To Buy In Kolkata
1. Wooden Colorful Owl
Painted in prominent colors of red, yellow, and green on a white wooden base are the colorful Bengal owls. These vibrant colored ethnic owls originate from Natungram village of Burdwan district of Bengal.
Owls are part of Bengal’s mythological stories and folklores. White owl is the ‘Baahon’ (carrier) of Goddess Lakshmi and is considered sacred. She is fondly called Lokkhhi Pyancha (Pyancha meaning owl) and is worshipped along with the Goddess and decorated at home.
Quite naturally, the owls have secured a prominent place in the handicrafts landscape of Bengal.
They come in various sizes measuring from six inches to one foot tall.
These are now available across handicraft shops in Kolkata. If you happen to be in Kolkata during winters, then the Handicrafts Fair is also a perfect place to pick up these wooden owls.
Being lightweight, it is a perfect souvenir to carry back home and gift your loved ones.
Get them from:
Biswa Bangla store
Bangasree outlets
Other Handicrafts stores across Kolkata.
2. Sholapith Artifacts
Eco-friendly and plant-based — the hugely supported terms of these days were already associated with Sholapith artifacts centuries ago. Add ‘exquisite’ to these terms and that perfectly describes these beautiful and lightweight artifacts.
‘Shola’ is a soft, porous water plant that is the base material of these craft items. It grows in the marshy lands of West Bengal and is widely used to create an exquisite backdrop for Goddess Durga idols during Durga Puja, the headgear of the Bengali bride and groom, decorative elements for decking up the worship place, and so on.
Sholapith artifacts are available in various sizes and shapes. One of the best items to pick as a Kolkata souvenir is the face of Goddess Durga made of shola attached to a wooden background. These are light, easy to carry back home, and serves as a perfect wall-décor with memories of Kolkata visit.
Get them from:
Biswa Bangla store
Bangasree outlets
3. Decorative Kulo
Kulo is a U-shaped bamboo tray that is part of Bengal’s culture and serves multiple purposes. It was traditionally used for cleaning husk and dust of rice, wheat, and pulses. These are extensively used in Bengali weddings and festivals.
The artists have provided Kulo a makeover by creating beautiful paintings on it. The decorative Kulo now doubles up as a wall-hanger or a table-top accessory providing a rustic touch. It is one of the unique things to buy in Kolkata.
Price Range : Within 600 INR
Also read : Souvenirs from India – What to buy and from where
4. Bankura r Ghora
Terracotta artifacts are found in India from the earliest times. Bankura Horse (or “Bankura r Ghora” in local lingo) is one of the famous ones from the Terracotta artifacts family in India.
Bankura Horse is a Terracotta horse easily identifiable by its distinct form – long stout neck, upright ears, and barrel-like body and varies in size from 6 inches to 4 Feet. These are crafted in Panchmura village in Bankura district in West Bengal.
Nowadays, Bankura Horse is found in other materials also like wood or brass though the original one is the Terracotta version. A pair of Bankura horses will certainly add that touch of art to your living room.
Get them from:
Any Handicraft store in Kolkata
Cottage Industry
Biswa Bangla store
5. Colored Terracotta Dolls
Dolls have been part of a country’s rich handicrafts heritage and are popular in several places in the world. India is no exception. As far as Bengal dolls are concerned, they have been part of the region’s history and culture for ages.
If you are in Kolkata, make it a point to visit the Biswa Bangla store in Dakshinapan Shopping Complex that houses an enviable collection of dolls from different parts of West Bengal.
The colored terracotta dolls are the ones that certainly grab attention.
Guess what! Some of them have a price tag of as cheap as 75 INR!
Get them from:
Biswa Bangla Store
6. Kalighat er Patochitra
Kalighat paintings originated from the vicinity of the famous Kalighat Temple in 19th century Calcutta. The painting style is unique and started off capturing gods & mythological characters through visual storytelling. Over the years, the art form experienced colonial influence and started depicting the contemporary peoples’ lifestyle.
They provided insights (sometimes sarcastic) into the aristocratic and lavish lifestyles of Bengalis of the 19th century.
These are available as paper scrolls or as framed varities.
Get them from:
Biswa Bangla Store
7. Coasters on Kolkata
Bring a piece of Kolkata with you in the form of coasters.
Kolkata-themed coasters capture the nitty-gritty of the culture of the city. There’s a wide array of coasters available in the wooden base. The vintage Tram (now existing in India only in Kolkata), moments of Durga Puja, narrow alleys of North Kolkata, and so on have found a tiny corner in the form of coasters.
These are not only useful but also double up as the perfect memento from the City of Joy.
Get them from :
Aranya in Dakshinapan Shopping Complex
8. Shankha Pola
Shankha-Pola, the white and red bangles are traditionally worn by married Bengali women. Shankha is the white bangle made from conch shell while Pola is the red bangle made from red coral.
Lately, Shankha-Pola has been glamorized by Bollywood films and hence these bangles have also made an entry to the list of things to buy in Kolkata.
The new-age Shankha-Pola also comes studded with diamonds and with gold designs. They look stylish and comes at a high price.
9. Picture Postcards From Victoria Memorial
The stunning marble monument of Victoria Memorial is considered the icon of Kolkata. Search for ‘Kolkata’ on Google and the first few images that pop up are images of the Victoria Memorial. It is one of the main attractions to visit in Kolkata.
But did you know, Victoria Memorial houses a mini gift shop along with the Gallery?
I didn’t know for the longest time instead of having visited Victoria Memorial umpteen times before!
The gift shop offers a wide range of Kolkata-themed picture postcards, miniature sketches depicting how Kolkata was during the British Raj, the famous paintings of Jamini Roy bundled into a set of 10 cards, and so on.
Perfect Kolkata memoirs to pick up for your loved ones.
10. Chou Mask
Chou mask is an ornate mask used in Chau dance of the Purulia district of West Bengal. The masks depict mythological characters and are nowadays used for decoration purposes as well.
Although they come in different sizes, the smallest one can also consume a good amount of suitcase space.
Get them from the Biswa Bangla store.
11. Sari
a. Tant Sari
Tant saree is the everyday traditional wear of Bengali women. These are intricately woven by skilled workers with fine cotton threads. Tant Sari is also known as Bengal Cotton Sari in other parts of India. When the sari is worn for the first time, it might seem to be stiff. The stiffness softens with subsequent wear.
Nowadays softer varieties are available where a blend of silk threads is used along with the cotton threads.
b. Kantha Stitched Sari
The word ‘Kantha’ means ‘Quilt’ in Bengali language. In earlier days, quilts were made from recycled saris in layers using colored threads and that embroidery pattern is known as ‘Kantha stitch’.
Today, Kantha stitched saris are much loved by Bengali women and are a must-have in the wardrobe.
Kantha stitched saris are hand-emroidered and hence the price range is high starting at 8,000 INR.
c. Baluchari and Swarnachari Sari
Woven today in Bishnupur, Baluchari, and Swarnachari are rich silk saris depicting elaborate mythological and historical scenes on the pallu (aanchal) and sari border. Although both have a silk base, Baluchari embroidery is with Resham thread while Swarnachari embroidery is with Zari threads that provide it a more gorgeous look.
Approximate price range: 6000 INR and above
d. Dhakai Jamdani
The centuries-old Jamdani (or Dhakai Jamdani) weaving tradition originated in Dhaka, Bangladesh and that’s from where it gets its name (Dhakai). Dhakai Jamdani is weaved on one of the finest muslins in the world and is easily identifiable by its distinct geometrical thread patterns. Lightweight and glamorous, this sari variety is a must-addition to any stylish woman’s wardrobe.
It is available in all leading Sari shops in Kolkata.
Approximate price range: 2,500 INR to 8,000 INR
e. Garod
Garod is the sublime off-white and red-bordered Sari that is synonymous with a quintessential Bengali woman. The red and white combination have been further popularized through various movies and have attained a cult status.
Although Garod is a part of every Bengali woman’s wardrobe, it is a bit difficult to wear. The fabric variety is almost like paper and the pleats need to be nicely pressed to make it look put together. In other words, Garod saris need efficient hands to be handled.
Approximate price range: 5000 INR to 8,000 INR
12. Sweets! Sweets ! Sweets!
Now, this is my sweet spot and my favorite so allow me to gush on it a bit.
Bengalis and their love for mishti (sweets) are synonymous.
Refer to the West Bengal Tourism department’s ad and you can find Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan quite rightly and fondly says: “Welcome to Bengal – the sweetest part of India’!
Mishti is part of Bengal’s cultural heritage and is associated with anything auspicious.
Some ‘Mishti’ Trivia
- Every Bengali household always has a stock of at least two varieties of mishti on a daily basis.
- Guests will always be treated at home with mishti (without fail).
- Men will treat themselves with a sweet or two after finishing off daily grocery shopping from the local market.
- Bengali weddings will have bride and groom dolls made up of sweet (read Shandesh) which is supposed to be distributed amongst the guests.
No wonder Kolkata’s every nook and corner is dotted with ‘mishti r dokaan’ (sweet shop). The latest addition to the city’s sweet shops is the Mishti Hub (an exclusive shopping hub with only Sweet shops) – a testament to Bengal’s love for sweets.
There are several Kolkata famous sweets and some of the best souvenirs to carry back home and indulge in while you are there. Topping the list of sweets are:
a. Roshogolla (pronounced as Rosh-o-golla)
The white and soft Roshogolla is made from Chhana (Indian cottage cheese) and then dipped in sugar syrup. It holds a celebrity status amongst its other sweet counterparts.
Roshogolla is also known as Rasgulla is other parts of the country.
The other delicious variety of Roshogolla is the ‘Nolen Gur er Roshogolla” (Roshogolla made from palm jaggery). This variety is available only during the winter months when palm jaggery is available in abundance.
If you buy roshogolla from any sweet shop, it will be delivered to you to a ‘maati r haandi’ (terracotta pot) covered with thin white paper. However, you cannot carry Roshogolla like that on flights. For this sweet souvenir, you need to settle down to those available in a tinned container. The most well-known brand of Roshogollas in a tinned container is K.C. Das which is also available at the Kolkata International Airport.
b. Baked Roshogolla
The newest variety of roshogolla is the baked roshogolla where the roshogolla is baked in thick caramelized milk. The end product tastes heavenly!
Request the sweet shop to pack the baked roshogolla in a travel-friendly way. It also needs to be consumed within a day if not refrigerated properly.
c. Mishti Doi (Sweet Curd)
Mishti Doi is the sweet and heavenly curd (note, I do not refer to it as yogurt!) that is no less than bliss. Finish up your meal with a pot of mishti doi and let the sweetness linger.
Mishti Doi is usually sold in earthen pots of various sizes. However, now-a-days it is sold in travel-friendly containers as well. Mishti Doi is best consumed fresh.
d. Shandesh
Shandesh is made from pure milk and is a gastronomy delight.
Ohh! And the variety of Shandesh is unlimited. There’s the Jalbhora Shandesh where the sweet is filled with a sweet sugary syrup, winter favorite of Nolen Gurer Shandesh, the mango flavored Sandesh and so on!
Shandesh is a must-buy sweet souvenir from Kolkata.
13. Nahoum’s Rich Fruit Cake
There’s something about tradition and legacy that never gets out of style. And Kolkata is one of those rare cities that love to dwell in traditionalism during the age of globalization. This is reflected in the city’s love for cakes and pastries as well.
Nahoum and Sons, a Jewish Bakery in New Market has been making the finest cakes, biscuits, sandwiches, and pastries since 1902. Even with the access to a wide array of bakery products of current times, Nahoum’s bakery products are always in demand, and the shop fondly preserves its Jewish heritage.
Their Rich Fruit Cake, brownies, rum balls, lemon tarts, and chicken sandwiches are something to drool over and certainly worth a buy. If you are in Kolkata in the winter, then Rich Plum Cake is the other one to grab. A Rich Plum Cake from Nahoum’s is synonymous with the Christmas celebration in Kolkata.
Remember, it’s not just the cake, you are bringing with you a piece of heritage from Nahoum’s.
14. Darjeeling Tea
Kolkata and her citizens’ love for tea is synonymous. Every corner of the city is dotted with small tea shops that double up as the discussion venue of current affairs. While most of the time, you would be served a cup of Assam Tea with a generous dose of milk and sugar, it is the Darjeeling Tea that has won the hearts of people there.
A good cup of Darjeeling tea is considered as a mood-booster, conversation-starter and if I may add, healthy.
Characterized by long leaves, Darjeeling Tea originates from Darjeeling, a hill station in the state of West Bengal. It is famous for its fragrance and soothing flavor and is dearly loved by tea connoisseurs across the world.
While there are varieties of good Darjeeling Tea available, get a pack of Makaibari Darjeeling Tea as your Tea souvenir.
Word of Caution!! Do not make the mistake of adding milk to a cup of Darjeeling Tea – it is best consumed on its own.
15. Aamshatwo from New Market
Aamshatwo or Aamsatto is a rectangular chunk of sun-dried layers of mango pulp mixed with concentrated sugar solution. It looks like an orangish version of the layered dessert Bebinca from Goa, but the ingredients and taste are totally different. Aamshatwo is plant-based whereas Bebinca has egg as an ingredient.
While it is available from any grocery store, the variety available in New Market is made from the pulp of Alphonso mango and the taste is no less than heavenly.
Aamshatwo has a long shelf life if preserved properly and is a perfect food souvenir from Kolkata.
It can be consumed as a sweet snack on its own or can be mixed with sweet chutney.
B) Tips For Shopping In Kolkata
1. Biswa Bangla store
Biswa Bangla store is an initiative by the West Bengal Government to revive and support Bengal handicrafts, handloom, and heritage. It has an outlet in Dakshinapan Shopping complex in South Kolkata and a total 18 outlets across India.
It has an exclusive collection of weaves and handicraft items. I have mentioned Biswa Bangla throughout this article as it is a one-stop-shop for souvenirs and vouch for authenticity.
2. Manjusha
West Bengal Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited promotes Bengal Handicrafts through Manjusha showrooms. This is another great place to pick up souvenirs in Kolkata.
3. Dakshinapan Shopping Complex
My absolute favorite! This South Kolkata shopping complex has State emporiums from several Indian states, Biswa Bangla Store, boutique stores for saris and dresses which are stylish and distinctly different in design, junk jewelry stores with enviable & affordable collection (head on to ‘Silence’, managed by the physically challenged people), handicraft stores, Tea Boutique and several eateries.
The shopping complex is sprawling with a good amount of open space that makes it a nice place to visit, shop, eat and have a good time!
4. New Market
There’s a saying in Kolkata that ‘New Market e baagh er doodh o poaoa jai”; loosely translated as ‘You will get tiger’s milk also in New Market’.
New Market also known as Hogg Market after the name of Sir Stuart Hogg, the Chairman of Calcutta Corporation in late 19th century. He was instrumental in the foundation of this market which used to refer to the huge enclosed section. Today the entire area is called New Market.
Shopping in Kolkata is incomplete without a visit to New Market. It houses everything from clothes, trinkets, shoes, silver items, the wide array of food items, cosmetics, perfumes, and anything and everything you can think of!
New Market is unique in many aspects:
- The Bata outlet here is one of those rare outlets that used to have the provision of an in-store pedicure
- The food stores house some of the rarest items which are available ONLY in New Market. For EG: Bandel Cheese, a local variety of cheese originating from Hoogly district in West Bengal which was the erstwhile Portuguese colony
- There is a huge florist section as well which deals with exotic flowers and that’s no less than a charmer!
- Nahoum and Sons, a Jewish Bakery is also in New Market. People of Kolkata have a soft corner for this old-school bakery that has been serving some of the best cakes and pastries for last 100 years.
In other words, there’s no dearth of things to buy from New Market in Kolkata and it is a unique shopping experience that promises some extraordinary buys.
5. Gariahat area for Sari shopping
Gariahat in South Kolkata is the hub of Sari stores. Over a radius of a kilometer, you will find some of the best sari shops. The shops have a huge collection of saris from all over India over and above Bengal specialties.
A must-visit for sari lovers or just to pick one for your as a souvenir.
C) Closing Thoughts On Things To Buy In Kolkata
Now that’s a list of souvenirs you can bring back from Kolkata as memories. Have you been to Kolkata before? What’s your most favorite souvenir from the list?
Let me know in the comments below.
